GST news and updates must be tracked by every business for ensuring timely and 100% compliance. Read on to get the latest developments from CBIC, GST Council and GST Network/portal on GST returns and compliances, e-way bills and e-invoicing systems. Latest GST News1. 2024 GST Updates17th December 2024The government clarified that a taxpayer would only be able to generate e-way bills for documents dated no earlier than 180 days. Also, one can extend the validity of an e-way bill up to 360 days from its original generation date. MFA/2FA will be mandatory on NIC portal/s to generate e-invoices and e-way bills for taxpayers with annual aggreate turnover (AATO) more than ₹20 Crores, expanding to all users from 1 April 2025 in a phased manner. It requires logging in with a username, password, and OTP (sent to a registered mobile number or app).The above changes will be made effective from 1 January 2025.15th December 2024GSTN has been issuing advisories on Biometric-Based Aadhaar Authentication and Document Verification for GST Registration for different states.

GST calendar helps every registered business and professionals to be ready for compliance well in advance. GST Dates are crucial for every taxpayer to file the GST returns and prescribed forms under the GST law to avoid incurring any interest or late fees. You can identify the right GST return to file by knowing the type of registration obtained for your GSTIN, using the GST search tool.The CBIC continues to extend the GST Dates of various returns and forms under GST. Accordingly, our handy GST calendar can remind you when to pay tax and file your GST returns.Annual GST Calendar 2024-25Download NowGST due dates in April 2024Here is the GST calendar for April 2024 at a glance-Due date*Form/FunctionPeriodDescription      10th AprilGSTR-7(Monthly)March’24Summary of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) and deposited under GST lawsGSTR-8(Monthly)March’24Summary of Tax Collected at Source (TCS) and deposited by e-commerce operators under GST laws11th AprilGSTR-1(Monthly)March’24Summary of outward supplies where turnover exceeds Rs.5 crore (in the current FY and the previous FY) or have not chosen the QRMP scheme for Jan-Mar 2024  13th AprilGSTR-1(Quarterly)Jan-Mar'24Summary of outward supplies by taxpayers who have opted for the QRMP scheme**GSTR-5(Monthly)March’24Summary of outward taxable supplies and tax payable by a non-resident taxable personGSTR-6(Monthly)March’24Details of ITC received and distributed by an ISD18th AprilCMP-08(Quarterly)Jan-Mar'24Quarterly challan-cum-statement to be furnished by composition taxpayers   20th AprilGSTR-5A(Monthly)March’24Summary of outward taxable supplies and tax payable by a person supplying OIDAR servicesGSTR-3B(Monthly)March’24Summary return for taxpayers with a turnover of more than Rs.5 crore (in the current FY and the previous FY) or who have not chosen the QRMP scheme for Jan-Mar 202422nd AprilGSTR-3B (Quarterly)Jan-Mar'24Summary return for taxpayers who have opted for the QRMP scheme and registered in category X states or UTs#24th AprilGSTR-3B (Quarterly)Jan-Mar'24Summary return for taxpayers who have opted for the QRMP scheme and registered in category Y states or UTs##25th AprilITC-04Oct-Mar'24/ FY 2023-24Half-yearly/yearly summary of goods sent to or received from a job-worker for those with a turnover of more than and up to Rs.5 crore in the given FY, respectively28th AprilGSTR-11 Mar’24Statement of inward supplies by persons having a Unique Identification Number (UIN) for claiming a GST refund30th AprilGSTR-4(Annually)FY 2023-24Annual return for taxpayers who opted into the composition schemeNote: Small taxpayers, i.e. taxpayers with turnover up to Rs.5 crore in the given financial year and the earlier year, can opt in or out of the Quarterly Return filing and Monthly Payment of taxes (QRMP) scheme for the April-June 2024 quarter on or before 30th April 2024.*The due dates mentioned are subject to changes notified by the concerned department.**If the taxpayer opted for the Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF) and uploaded B2B invoices for January 2024 and February 2024, it is sufficient to upload B2B invoices for March 2024 and B2C invoices for the entire quarter in the GSTR-1.

GST Compensation Cess is levied by the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act 2017. The object of levying this cess is to compensate the states for the loss of revenue arising due to the implementation of GST on 1st July 2017 for a period of five years or such period as recommended by the GST Council. In the 54th GST Council meeting, it was decided to form a Group of Ministers (GoM) to study the figures and how to move forward with the cess. Though the GoM may seek a 3-month extension to finalize its recommendations on the cess roadmap, the upcoming 55th GST Council meeting may address the applicability of the 22% cess on utility vehicles, especially those with engine capacities over 1,500 cc and specific dimensions.Who is required to collect GST compensation cess?All taxpayers who are engaged in the supply of selected goods or services other than exporters and composition taxpayers will collect compensation cess. This will also include compensation cess chargeable on certain goods imported to India. In case compensation cess is paid on exports, the exporter can claim refund of the same.What goods are covered under compensation cess?The various goods and their respective cess rates are prescribed under the GST (compensation to states) Act, 2017 amended from time-to-time, and are listed below:GoodsGST Compensation CessCut tobacco0.14R per unitUnmanufactured tobacco (with lime tube) – featuring a brand name0.36R per unitUnmanufactured tobacco (without lime tube) – with a brand name0.36R per unitBranded tobacco refuse0.32R per uniTobacco   extracts   and   essence   bearing   a   brand name0.36R per unitTobacco  extracts and essence  not  bearing a brand name0.36R per unitFilter khaini0.56R per unitJarda scented tobacco0.56R per unitCheroots and Cigar21% or 4170 per thousand, whichever higherCigarillos21% or Rs.

GST notifications are issued by the department from time to time to keep the concerned people updated regarding changes made by the department with regard to various compliance procedures, tax rates, and similar matters.We have for you here, an updated summary of all such notifications issued in a summarised form. If you want to refer to any GST circular or order or removal of difficulties order, visit our page on “GST Circulars and Orders”.Central Tax NotificationsABCDNotification NumberDateSubjectDescription14/2023   13/202324/05/2023Seeks to extend the due date for filing GSTR-7 for April 2023The due date to file GSTR-7 for GST filers from Manipur is extended up to 31st May 2023, effective from 10th May.12/202324/05/2023Seeks to extend the due date for filing GSTR-3B for April 2023The due date to file GSTR-3B for GST filers from Manipur is extended up to 31st May 2023, effective from 20th May.11/202324/05/2023Seeks to extend the due date for filing GSTR-1 for April 2023The due date to file GSTR-1 for GST filers from Manipur is extended up to 31st May 2023, effective  from 11th May.10/202310/05/2023Seeks to implement e-invoicing for more taxpayersThe e-Invoicing system will get extended to those annual aggregate turnover ranging from Rs.5 crore up to Rs.10 crore starting from 1st August 2023.09/202331/03/2023Extension of limitation under Section 168A of CGST ActThe extension of limitation period to issue orders under Section 79 is as follows-For FY 2017-18 - up to 31st December 2023For FY 2018-19 - up to 31st March 2024For FY 2019-20 - up to 30th June 2024 08/202331/03/2023Amnesty to GSTR-10 non-filersRelief has been given to many taxpayers who did not file GSTR-10 yet but will file between 1st April 2023 to 30th June 2023. The late fee over Rs.1,000 per return (Rs.500 each under CGST and SGST) is waived.07/202331/03/2023Rationalisation of late fee for GSTR-9 and Amnesty to GSTR-9 non-filers(1) GST amnesty scheme for GSTR-9 delayed filing- The authority has waived off late fee in excess of Rs.20,000 (Rs.10,000 each under CGST and SGST) for delayed filing of GSTR-9 for years 2017-18 up to 2021-22 if filed between 1st April 2023 to 30th June 2023.(2) Rationalisation of late fee for delaying the filing of GSTR-9 FY 2022-23 onwards - Registered persons with Turnover up to Rs.5 crore is fixed at Rs. 50 per day (Rs.25 each under CGST and SGST) subject to max cap 0.04% of turnover in state/UT (0.02% each under CGST and SGST).Registered persons with turnover more than Rs.5 crore to 20 crore is fixed at Rs 100 per day (Rs.50 each under CGST and SGST) subject to max cap 0.04% of turnover in state/UT (0.02% each under CGST and SGST)06/202331/03/202Amnesty scheme for deemed withdrawal of assessment orders issued under Section 62Best judgement assessment shall be withdrawn where if the non-filer of returns has submitted returns on or before 30th June 2023 with applicable interest and late fee irrespective of appeal against the assessment order issued on or before 28th February 2023.05/202331/03/2023Seeks to amend Notification No. 27/2022 dated 26th December 2022The proviso to CGST Rule 8(4A) will apply to only GST registration applicants in Gujarat.

New GST return system was commissioned to begin from October 2020. However, it has been suspended with the existing return system of GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B being improved. In May 2019, a prototype of the offline tool of the new GST return system was shared on the GST Portal to give the users a look and feel of the tool. The look and feel of the offline tool would have been the same as that of the online portal. This article discusses the same at length.Latest Update14th March 2020*The new GST return system will be implemented from October 2020.The present return filing system (GSTR-1, 2A & 3B) will continue until September 2020.*Subject to CBIC notificationWhat are the different terms used in the document of the proposal?Uploaded InvoiceThe invoices which are uploaded on the portal are called uploaded invoices. Uploaded invoices are the only valid documents to claim input tax credit.

Electronic Way Bill or eway bill is an electronically generated document which is required to be carried for movement of goods exceeding Rs 50,000 in value. The eway bill is valid for a certain period of time, based on the type of cargo being transported and the distance involved in the movement.Recent updates on e-Way bills under GST17th December 2024A GSTN advisory dated 17th December 2024 has directed taxpayers to generate e-way bills within 180 days from the date of the document/invoice starting from 1st January 2025. e-Way bill validity extensions will be capped at 360 days from the original generation date from 1st January 2025.Calculation of Approximate distanceThe validity of eway bill depends upon the approximate distance between the location of the supplier and the location of the recipient and not the distance between the location of transporter and location of the recipient.   The distance to be travelled can be an approximation which can be ascertained by using the MAP feature in order to compute the distance between the place of dispatch to the place of delivery. Note that currently a maximum distance of 3,000 kms can be entered in the distance field while generating a waybill online.  Hence, a person who wants to move goods from Kanyakumari to Shimla will not be able to generate eway bill since the distance between these two destinations is more than 3,000 Kms. But if the goods can be transported within the validity period though the distance is more than 3,000 kms, it should not be an issue. As a rule, one day is added to the validity period for EWB for every 200 kilometres, and another day is added for each portion of 200 kilometres. For instance, if the approximate distance is 310 kilometres, the validity period is 1+1 days.

e-Invoicing under GST denotes electronic invoicing defined by the GST law. Just how a GST-registered business uses an e-way bill while transporting goods from one place to another. Similarly, certain notified GST-registered businesses must generate an e invoice for Business-to-Business (B2B) transactions. Taxpayers must comply with e-invoicing from 1st August 2023 if their annual aggregate turnover exceeds the Rs.5 crore in any financial year from 2017-18 onwards.Clear is officially a GSTN-approved IRP. More than 3,000 large enterprises trust the Clear e-Invoicing solution for unified e-invoicing and e-way bill compliance journey.

To address inflation concerns and ensure essential items like basic food remain tax-exempt, the GST Council implemented a four-tier GST tax structure. In this article, we'll learn about this structure, understand its importance, and explore different tax slabs under the GST structure in India. What is the structure of GST in india? The structure of GST in India is a framework decided by the GST Council, which consists of a four-tier system. This structure's primary purpose is to ensure that all essential goods and a few edibles are included in the lower tax bracket. At the same time, high-value goods and services are placed in the upper tax bracket.  The four-tier GST tax structure includes 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%, respectively.Latest Updates55th GST Council MeetingThe GST Council in its upcoming meeting is expected to address several key issues. From merging tax slabs to simplify the existing GST structure to introducing another tax rate of 35%, the meeting is a must to watch.Moreover, one can expect decrease in GST rates for essential items and an increase for luxury goods.Importance of understanding GST structureUnderstanding the GST structure in India is ke­y to follow the rules, lesse­n tax burdens, and run your business honestly and re­sponsibly.

The 45th GST Council meeting was held on Friday, 17th September 2021, at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Council meeting was held physically for the first time after one and a half years of virtual meetings.Highlights of the 45th GST Council MeetingKey matters discussed in the Council meeting, as announced in the FM’s press briefing:Expensive life-saving drugs such as Zolgensma and Viltepso used to treat muscular atrophy are exempted from GST. Further, drugs suggested by the Ministry of Health for treating the same, imported for personal use, are exempted from IGST.Concessions on drugs used for COVID-19 treatment which include Amphotericin B (nil rate), Remdesivir (5% rate), Tocilizumab (nil rate) and anti-coagulants like Heparin (5% rate), have been extended until 31st December 2021. The list of drugs has been expanded to include Itolizumab, Posaconazole, Infliximab, Favipiravir, Casirivimab & Imdevimab, 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose, Bamlanivimab and Etesevimab, all now taxed at 5% GST. This extended relief is not granted to equipment.Cancer-related drugs (Keytruda being one of them) are now at a reduced rate of 5% from 12%. The GST rate on retro fitment kits used by disabled persons is now reduced to 5%.The GST rate on fortified rice kernels used for ICDS is reduced from 18% to 5%.GST rate on bio-diesel supplied to oil marketing companies reduced from 12% to 5%.Transport of goods exported by vessels and air exempted from GST until 30th September 2022.The National Permit Fee for granting permits to goods carriages to operate throughout Indian and contiguous states has been exempted from GST.Training programmes for skill development wholly/substantially funded by Central and state governments are exempted from GST.

The Union Budget 2022 was announced on 1st February 2022. These changes will come into effect from the date that CBIC notifies.  Below are some of the changes made in GST through Union Budget 2022:Changes to ITC provisionsA new clause (ba) to Sub-section (2) of section 16 was added stating that Input Tax Credit (ITC) for any supply can be availed only if it is not restricted via communication under section 38 or GSTR-2B to the registered person.A registered taxpayer will not be able to utilise ITC on any invoice or debit note after the 30th of November following the end of the financial year to which such invoice pertains to or filing of annual return whichever is earlier.Earlier this section restricted claiming ITC on any invoice or debit note pertaining to a particular financial year if it is not taken before the due date of filing of return for the month of September or filing of annual return, whichever is earlier. Changes to cancellation of GST registration by officersBudget 2022 amended Section 29. It states that the GST registration will be cancelled by the officer if:If a composition taxable person (paying tax under Section 10) has not filed GSTR-4 for a financial year by 30th April of the following financial year.A person other than a composition taxable person has not filed a return for a financial year for such a continuous period as prescribed from time to time.Extension of time limit for issuance of credit notesIt provided an extended time limit for issuance of credit notes up to the 30th of November following the end of the financial year or the date of filing the annual return, whichever is earlier.Changes in furnishing details of outward suppliesIt stated conditions for providing details of an outward supply in GSTR-1 and communication of such details to the recipients via GSTR-2B.The two-way communication process while filing the return was cancelled due to the suspension of the GSTR-2 return.An extended time limit up to 30th November of the following financial year was provided for rectification of errors regarding outward supplies as reported in GSTR-1.It provides for sequential filing of outward supplies without skipping tax periods.Revamp of Section 38 on ITC claimsSection 38(1) is revamped by prescribing terms and conditions for detailing inward supplies and ITC to the recipient by way of an auto-generated statement and thus doing away with the two-way communication process while filing the return.Changes to the provisions regarding furnishing of GST returnsA non-resident taxable person should file a monthly return in GSTR-5 by the 13th of the following month.Provide an option to the person filing a return under proviso to Sub-section (1) by either paying the self-assessed tax or the amount prescribed. Provide an extension of time up to the 30th of November of the following financial year for rectification of errors in Form GSTR-3B.The filing of GSTR-1 was added as a condition for filing GSTR-3B for the said tax period.Section 41 was modified and Sections 42, 43 and 43A were removedSection 41 regarding claiming ITC was substituted to dissolve the concept of “claim” of eligible ITC on a provisional basis and provided for availing self-assessed ITC as per prescribed terms and conditions.Sections 42 regarding matching, reversal and reclaim of ITC, 43 regarding matching, reversal and reclaim of reduction in output tax liability and 43A regarding the procedure for furnishing returns and availing ITC of the CGST Act are deleted.Changes to the utilisation of balance available in the electronic credit ledgerIt prescribed conditions for availing the balance available in the electronic credit ledger.It allows the transfer of an amount from the electronic cash ledger of one person to another.It prescribed the maximum proportion of output tax liability which may be discharged through an electronic credit ledger.Changes to the provision of claiming refund of unutilised ITCIt explicitly provides that the refund of any balance in the electronic cash ledger can be availed only in the prescribed manner.The refund claim of ITC on inward supplies can be made only within 2 years from the last day of the quarter in which supply was received.To extend the scope of this sub-section for all types of refunds.Miscellaneous amendmentsChanges to the provision of the resignation of the director: It removed the reference of section 38 therefrom. Changes are made to the provision of levy of late fees for delay in filing GSTR-8.No levy of interest on ITC claimed wrongly but not utilised under section 50 of the CGST Act. It will be implemented retrospectively from 1st July 2017.It provided for an extension of the time limit up to the 30th of November of the following financial year for rectification of errors in TCS values in GSTR-8.Reference to section 38 was removed in Sub-section (2) of section 48.Amendment of Notification No. 9/2018 dated 23rd January 2018- Central Tax and notify the common electronic portal for GST as “www.gst.gov.in”.