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Published on:
February 23, 2023
By
Prudhvi Raj

Classification of Services Under GST Law – A Problematic Lack of Objectivity

India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime was introduced on July 1, 2017, as a unified tax system to replace multiple indirect taxes. The GST law governs how businesses should classify their products and services for tax purposes.

When it comes to the classification of services under GST law, there is a lack of objectivity that has resulted in confusion for many small and medium business owners and startup founders in India. Business owners find it challenging to classify their services and determine the applicable tax rate.

The current system for classifying services under GST law is based on a combination of factors, including the description of services, the place of supply, the recipient of services, and the service category. However, there is no clear and concise methodology to categorize services, and it is left to the discretion of the taxpayer.

The lack of objectivity in the system has resulted in classification disputes, leading to litigation and increased compliance costs for businesses. The confusion and uncertainty surrounding service classification have made it difficult for businesses to plan and budget for their tax liabilities.

Challenges Faced by Businesses Due to Lack of Objectivity

The lack of objectivity in the classification of services under GST law has several implications for businesses, including the following:

  1. Increased Compliance Costs: The complex and subjective nature of service classification has resulted in increased compliance costs for businesses. Companies need to spend more time and resources to determine the applicable tax rate for their services.
  2. Classification Disputes: The lack of clarity in the GST law has resulted in classification disputes between businesses and the tax authorities. As a result, businesses have to engage in prolonged litigation to resolve these disputes, leading to further costs and delays.
  3. Difficulty in Planning and Budgeting: The uncertainty surrounding service classification has made it difficult for businesses to plan and budget for their tax liabilities. Companies cannot accurately forecast their tax liabilities, leading to cash flow issues and financial instability.

The Need for Objectivity in Service Classification

Businesses require a clear and objective methodology to classify their services under GST law. The government should provide detailed guidelines and examples to help businesses determine the applicable tax rate for their services.

The government should also consider establishing a separate body to oversee the classification of services under GST law. This body could be responsible for reviewing classification disputes and providing guidance on service classification.

By providing clear and objective guidelines for service classification, the government can reduce compliance costs for businesses and improve tax compliance. This would also provide businesses with a stable and predictable tax environment, allowing them to plan and budget for their tax liabilities more effectively.

Conclusion

The lack of objectivity in the classification of services under GST law has resulted in confusion and increased compliance costs for businesses. The current system is subjective and open to interpretation, leading to classification disputes and uncertainty.

It is essential for the government to provide clear and objective guidelines for the classification of services under GST law. By doing so, businesses can reduce compliance costs and improve tax compliance. A stable and predictable tax environment would allow businesses to plan and budget for their tax liabilities, leading to overall business growth.

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