Under the GST regime, there have been significant changes in the tax structure for various industries and professions. One such profession that has been impacted by GST is the legal profession or lawyers.
Before we delve into the impact of GST on the legal profession, let’s first understand what GST is and how it works.
GST or Goods and Services Tax is a comprehensive indirect tax that was introduced in India on 1st July 2017. It replaced multiple indirect taxes such as VAT, service tax, and excise duty with a single tax system. GST is levied at every stage of the supply chain, from the manufacturer to the consumer, and is collected by the government.
The GST system in India is divided into four tax slabs – 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%. However, certain essential goods and services are exempted from GST.
The legal profession is a service industry that provides advisory and representation services to individuals and businesses. Under the GST regime, legal services are classified as ‘taxable services’ and are subject to GST. This implies that advocates, law firms, and other legal service providers are liable to pay GST on their services.
Under GST, legal services are covered under the category of ‘legal consultancy services’ and attract an 18% tax rate. The GST on legal services is applicable on all types of legal services such as:
However, certain legal services such as legal aid and free legal services provided by the government are exempted from GST.
Small law firms with a turnover of less than Rs. 20 lakhs per annum are exempted from GST registration. However, if the turnover exceeds the threshold limit, the law firm is liable to register under GST and pay the applicable tax.
The introduction of GST has increased the compliance burden on small law firms. They have to maintain proper records of their income and expenses and file their GST returns on time. Failure to comply with the GST rules and regulations can lead to heavy penalties and interest charges.
Under GST, clients who avail legal services are required to pay GST on the fees charged by the lawyer or law firm. However, if the client is a registered business entity, they can claim input tax credit on the GST paid on legal services. This means that the client can reduce their tax liability by claiming credit for the GST paid on legal services.
The introduction of GST has brought about significant changes in the taxation system in India. The legal profession is one of the many professions that have been impacted by GST. Legal services are now subject to GST, and law firms and other legal service providers are required to comply with the GST rules and regulations.
While the impact of GST on the legal profession may have initially caused some disruption, it has ultimately led to a more streamlined and transparent tax system. Clients can now benefit from input tax credit, and small law firms can focus on growing their businesses without worrying about the GST compliance burden.
Cash Transactions Limit under GST Income Tax
BITUMINOUS MIXTURES - GST RATES HSN CODE 2715
Presumption as to Documents under Revised Model draft GST Law
