No due date extension to file GST returns for input credit?
One of the most irking issues since the onset of the GST regime in India is availing the refund of input credit claimed on the tax paid on the raw material. Getting ITC Refund has truly been one of the most doubtful issues for all the traders who have GST registration.
There has been a huge uncertainty about the due date for availing Input Tax Credit (ITC) in respect of GST invoices or debit notes relating to the period from July 2017 to March 2018. In this context, the government has officially announced that the deadline to avail input tax credit (ITC) for the previous financial year (FY 2018) is October 20, 2018, as against the taxpayers’ demand to extend the due-date till October 31, 2018.
#1. Why did the taxpayers want delay of due-date for getting ITC till Oct 31?
- The uncertainty regarding the due date for availing ITC had seemingly arisen due to the Government’s recent decision to extend the due date for GST return filing FORM GSTR-1 to furnish of details of outward supplies, till October 31, 2018.
- The tax assessees had expressed their worries about the October 20 due date for availing ITC for the period of July 2017-March 2018, as their returns could not be reconciled with the returns filed by their vendors.
#2. Why did the government not extend the deadline for availing GST input?
The government, in this regard, has stated that since the input credit is availed by the entities who have GST registration on the basis of summary return GSTR-3B, the due date for which is October 20, the deadline for availing GST input credit must also be kept at October 20.
The GST department has stated in this regard-
"As the taxpayers self-assess and avail ITC through FORM GSTR-3B, the last date for availing ITC in relation to the said invoices made by the vendor(s) during the period from July 2017 to March 2018 is the last date for the filing of such return for the month of September, 2018 i.e. 20th October, 2018."
In case you need any guidance on GST registration or GST return filing, feel free to contact us at 8881-069-069.
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