Composition Scheme Under GST Explained

If you're a small or medium business owner or a startup founder in India, you're probably aware of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) that was introduced in 2017. This tax system has simplified the taxation process for businesses in India by providing a single tax structure for all goods and services. One of the key features of the GST system is the Composition Scheme, which is designed specifically for small businesses to help them comply with the tax regulations more easily.

What is the Composition Scheme?

The Composition Scheme is a scheme under the GST system that allows small businesses to pay a fixed percentage of their turnover as tax instead of paying tax on every transaction. This scheme was introduced to reduce the compliance burden on small businesses and to help them grow by lowering their tax liability.

Who can apply for the Composition Scheme?

The Composition Scheme is available for businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 1.5 crores. This limit was increased from Rs. 75 lakhs in 2019 to support more small businesses in India. However, businesses that deal in goods or services that are subject to reverse charge mechanism (RCM) are not eligible for this scheme.

Benefits of the Composition Scheme

The Composition Scheme provides several benefits to small businesses, including:

Lower tax liability: Businesses under the Composition Scheme have to pay a lower tax rate than regular taxpayers. The tax rate is fixed at 1% for traders and manufacturers and 5% for restaurants.
Reduced compliance burden: Businesses under the Composition Scheme do not have to maintain detailed records of every transaction, which reduces the compliance burden and saves time and money.
Easy to administer: The Composition Scheme is easy to administer and does not require businesses to file monthly returns like regular taxpayers. Businesses under the scheme have to file quarterly returns instead.

Limitations of the Composition Scheme

The Composition Scheme has certain limitations that businesses need to keep in mind, including:

No input tax credit: Businesses under the Composition Scheme cannot claim input tax credit on their purchases. This means that they cannot reduce their tax liability by claiming credit for the tax paid on their purchases.
Restrictions on inter-state sales: Businesses under the Composition Scheme cannot make inter-state sales. They can only sell goods or services within their state.
Restrictions on product categories: Businesses under the Composition Scheme cannot deal in certain product categories such as tobacco, pan masala, and ice cream, among others.

How to apply for the Composition Scheme

Businesses that meet the eligibility criteria for the Composition Scheme can apply for it by filling out Form GST CMP-02 on the GST portal. They will need to provide details such as their business name, PAN number, and turnover for the previous financial year. Once the application is approved, the business will be registered under the Composition Scheme and will have to pay tax as per the scheme's rules.

Conclusion

The Composition Scheme is a useful tax scheme for small businesses in India that helps them reduce their tax liability and compliance burden. However, businesses need to keep in mind the limitations of the scheme and should evaluate whether it is the right choice for their business. If you're a small business owner or startup founder in India, consider consulting a tax expert to guide you through the process of applying for the Composition Scheme.