All About Composition (Lumpsum) Scheme under GST

Mr. A:

Hello Mr. Mayur, I am here to understand the Composition (Lumpsum) scheme option available in GST. Can you please let me know whether first of all, I am eligible for the scheme or not?

Me:

Hello Mr. A, Welcome. The threshold for composition scheme is Rs. 50 Lakhs of aggregate turnover in the preceding financial year. The benefit of composition scheme can be availed up to the turnover of Rs. 50 Lakhs in current financial year. Since you have been our client for last 3 years and I know your previous year's turnover so I can safely say that you are eligible for the scheme.

Mr. A:

What if I avail the composition scheme this year and during the year I cross the turnover of Rs. 50 Lakhs, for example in December. Shall I be allowed to pay tax under composition scheme for remainder year till 31st March?

Me:

No Mr. A. The option availed shall lapse from the day on which his aggregate turnover during the financial year exceeds Rs.50 Lakhs.

Mr. A:

What if I opt for Composition scheme and violate the conditions?

Me:

I would advise you better not. However, If a taxable person has paid tax under the composition scheme though he was not eligible for the scheme then the person would be liable to penalty and the provisions of section 73 or 74 shall be applicable for determination of tax and penalty. (The penal sections are too elaborative to explain here.)

Mr. A:

So How to compute 'aggregate turnover' of Rs. 50 Lakhs to determine eligibility for composition scheme?

Me:

'Aggregate turnover' means:

Value of all outward supplies (taxable Sales +exempt Sales + Exports sales + Inter-state Supplies) of a person having the same PAN

Minus:

Taxes levied under central tax (CGST), State tax (SGST), Union territory tax (UTGST), integrated tax(IGST) and compensation cess.

Note: The value of inward supplies on which tax is payable under reverse charge is not taken into account for calculation of 'aggregate turnover'.

Mr. A:

Ohk!!! Is the composition scheme similar to what we do in VAT currently?

Me:

Yes, Mr. A, The Composition scheme under GST is quite similar to VAT. The difference lies in the rate of tax. Under current system of VAT in almost all states the rate of tax under composition levy is 0.5% (approx.) on majority of the items.

Under GST, There are different rates for different sectors. In normal cases of supplier of goods (i.e. traders), the composition rate is 0.5 % of the turnover in a State or Union territory. If the person opting for composition scheme is manufacturer, then the rate is 1% of the turnover in a State or Union territory. In case of restaurant services, it is 2.5% of the turnover in a State or Union territory. These rates are under one Act, and same rate would be applicable in the other Act also. So, effectively, the composition rates (combined rate under CGST and SGST/UTGST) are 1%, 2% and 5% for normal supplier, manufacturer and restaurant service respectively.

Mr. A:

Mr. Mayur, as you know that we are having multiple registrations for our multiple vertical of business. So is it possible to opt for Composition scheme for one registration and Regular scheme for other?

Me:

Good Question Mr. A. but All registered persons having the same Permanent Account Number (PAN) have to opt for composition scheme. If one registered person opts for normal scheme, others become ineligible for composition scheme.

Mr. A:

I have one of my friend who is in the business of manufacturing and other is providing Business auxiliary services to his client. Can they both apply for composition scheme?

Me:

Yes, your manufacturer friend can opt for composition scheme. However, a manufacturer of goods, which would be notified on the recommendations of the GST Council, cannot opt for this scheme.

This scheme is not available for services sector, except restaurants. So your friend, who is a service provider as business auxiliary services, cannot opt for the scheme.

Mr. A:

That's strange!! One can apply and other cannot!!! Any ways maybe that's the way the law is.

So Mr. C.A. can you specify who are actually not eligible to opt for composition scheme?

Me:

Mr. A, I hope you are not planning to compete with me. Just kidding!!!

Broadly, five categories of registered person are not eligible to opt for the composition scheme. These are:

(i) Supplier of services other than supplier of  restaurant service;

(ii) Supplier of goods which are not taxable under the CGST Act/SGST Act/UTGST Act.

(iii) An inter-State supplier of goods;

(iv) Person supplying goods through an electronic commerce operator;

(v) Manufacturer of certain notified goods.

Mr. A:

So Mr. Mayur, will the law related to non-availment of Input tax Credit, non collection of tax from customer remains same as the case in VAT?

Me:

Bang on Mr. A. Yes the law remains the same which is as follows (mentioned at the cost of repetition):

a. Registered person under composition scheme is not eligible to claim input tax credit

b. Customer who buys goods from registered person who is under composition scheme is not eligible for composition input tax credit because a composition scheme supplier cannot issue a tax invoice.

c. The registered person under composition scheme is not permitted to collect tax. It means that a composition scheme supplier cannot issue a tax invoice.

Mr. A:

If one of my friends intends to take new GST Registration, can you please tell me how can he opt for Composition scheme?

Me:

You are really a very friendly person Mr. A, I must say.

Your friend needs to file GST REG 01 to obtain registration under GST and in the form itself there is an option in part B – Point number 6 to select for composition scheme.

Mr. A:

Mr. Mayur One Last question here, what is the return filling formality under composition schemes and what is the due date for payment of taxes under the same?

Me:

Let me first tell you about the Return filling Requirement:

Unlike the regular scheme where assessee needs to file returns monthly and that too three different returns, Here in Composition scheme only one return – GSTR 4, needs to be filed. Such form is to be filed on 18th of the month succeeding the quarter. So the return is to be filed quarterly.  And at the yearend you will have to file Form GSTR 9A as an annual Return.

The due date of payment is 18th of the month succeeding the quarter. So the payment is also to be made quarterly.

Mr. A:

Thank you Mr. Mayur Thakkar. The above information was quite comprehensive.

Me:

Mr. A, You forgot to ask one question to make the conversation complete conversation. The question about our Professional Fees. :)

Mr. A:

Don't worry Mr. Mayur that we will understand later. :)

Me:

:(