The Bilimoria Perspective

February 6, 2025

India Budget 2025

The Union Budget 2025 marks a significant step forward in the Government’s steadfast journey to accelerate India’s growth, secure inclusive development, and invigorate the private sector. Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26, continues the mission to uplift household sentiments, enhance the spending power of India’s rising middle class, and unlock the vast potential that lies within our nation. With agriculture as the first engine of growth, MSMEs as the second, Investment as third and Exports as fourth engine, the Budget sets the stage for a brighter, more self-reliant future for India, ensuring that every citizen can participate in the nation’s economic progress. Here is our summary from the Budget Speech present on 1st Feb 2025 by the Finance minister Shrimati Nirmala Sitharaman. Click the link below to read the PDF. Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this document it may contain inadvertent errors for which we shall not be held responsible. It must be stressed that the Finance Bill may contain proposals which have not been referred to in the budget speech and additionally, the detailed proposals are liable to amendment during the passage of the Finance Bill through Parliament. The information given in this document provides a bird’s-eye view on the changes proposed and should not be relied for the purpose of economic or financial decision

Read More

September 18, 2024

Invoice Management System (IMS) under GST

The Goods and Services Tax Network is constantly streamlining its GST portal and introducing new features to simplify compliance and auditing for taxpayers. The latest is the Invoice Management System (IMS), which will go live on 1st October 2024. It aims to help significantly manage the process of ITC claims. This article discusses the key features and benefits of the Invoice Management System and explains how it works. What is the Invoice Management System (IMS) Under GST? Ans. The Invoice Management System, or IMS, is a new feature within the GST portal that will allow recipient taxpayers to accept, reject, or keep invoices filed by their supplier taxpayers pending. Mismatches between invoices filed by suppliers and returns submitted by recipients are a significant issue taxpayers face when claiming input tax credits. Once rolled out, the IMS will allow registered recipients to match their records with invoices issued by suppliers in their GSTR-1. This will streamline recipient taxpayers’ Input Tax Credit (ITC) availing process. How Does the Invoice Management System Work? Ans. One of the significant problems that taxpayers face in GST compliance is availing input tax credit (ITC). The IMS functionality is expected to resolve some of the critical bottlenecks in that process. First, suppliers submit and save their GSTR-1 by the 11th of every month or Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF) or amend the submitted invoice using GSTR-1A in the GST portal. GSTR-1Acan be submitted until the time a taxpayer files the GST return (GSTR-3B) for the relevant tax period. Once the supplier saves and submits the recorded invoice, it will appear in the recipient taxpayer’s IMS dashboard and eventually in the GSTR-2B. The IMS dashboard includes the supplier’s GSTIN, trade name, invoice number, and type. The recipient taxpayers will be given three options: ACCEPT, REJECT, or PENDING, which must be acted upon within the time the supplier uploads the invoice in their GSTR1/IFF/1A and the recipient files their GSTR-3B by the 20th of the corresponding months. To take action on an invoice after the 14th of every month, recipients will need to recompute the draft GSTR-2B. If the recipient chooses to ACCEPT, the accepted invoice becomes part of the recipient’s auto-generated ITC statement or GSTR-2B, which is generated on the 14th of every month. Suppose the recipient decides to REJECT an invoice saved by the supplier. In that case, it does not become part of the recipient’s ITC report or GSTR-2B. When the recipient decides to keep an invoice PENDING, the portal does not count it as part of GSTR-2B for that month. IMS carries it forward to next month. Suppose a recipient does not take action on an invoice. In that case, the system considers it ‘deemed accepted’ and automatically adds it to the recipient’s GSTR-2B. If the supplier amends an accepted or pending invoice, the amended invoice will replace the old invoice. The recipient must act on the newly updated invoice. When suppliers make amendments in GSTR-1 through a GSTR-1A, the updated information flows through IMS to the recipient’s GSTR-2 B, but only in the subsequent month. Taxpayers can avail of PENDING invoices in any future months subject to a maximum limit as per Section 16(4) of the CGST Act, 2017 Benefits of Invoice Management System When rolled out, IMS is expected to offer multiple benefits to small and large businesses. Precision audit: IMS will allow auditors to check each invoice thoroughly without requiring them to access multiple interfaces, helping to avoid audit errors. Minimal error in GSTR-3B: The system offers a summary view of all inward invoices. So, taxpayers do not need to bother about missing out on any invoice before filing GSTR-3B. Less complication with pending invoices: Pending invoices get carried forward to upcoming tax periods without affecting GSTR-2B and 3B. Available for QRMP taxpayers: The new invoice management system will be helpful for small businesses and is also available for QRMP taxpayers. However, it will not automatically populate GSTR-2B for months 1 and 2 in a quarter. For them, GSTR-2B will be generated quarterly. FAQ’S: What are key features of Invoice Management System (IMS) ? Single-window to process auto-generated GSTR-2B. Zero compliance burden . Summary view of inward invoices and Suppliers can now easily amend submitted invoices. How does IMS support e-invoicing under GST? Ans. Invoice management system can support e-invoicing system in multiple ways, such as, Auto-populate GSTR-1 for suppliers and IMS for recipients. Handle amendments in invoices by suppliers automatically. Keep track of recipient taxpayers’ rejection of invoices Are there any specific requirements for IMS under GST? Ans. IMS requires taxpayers to review and assess each inward invoice through a single-window interface. However, if a taxpayer fails to act on any invoice, the system automatically considers it as ‘deemed accepted’. So, it does not include any compliance burden.

Read More

June 27, 2024

Summary of Major Decisions from the 53rd GST Council Meeting

Date: 22nd June 2024 Chairperson: Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman The 53rd GST Council meeting, chaired by the Union Minister for Finance, resulted in several important recommendations aimed at facilitating trade, streamlining compliance, and adjusting GST rates. Here are the key highlights: Tax Compliance and Filing Introduction of FORM GSTR-1A: A new optional facility, FORM GSTR-1A, will allow taxpayers to amend or add details in FORM GSTR-1 before filing returns in FORM GSTR-3B, ensuring accurate liability auto-population. Threshold for B2C Inter-State Supplies: The threshold for reporting B2C inter-State supplies invoice-wise in Table 5 of FORM GSTR-1 has been reduced from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 1 lakh. FORM GSTR-7 Filing Requirements: Taxpayers required to deduct tax at source must file FORM GSTR-7 monthly, regardless of tax deductions, and no late fees will be charged for delayed Nil returns. Invoice-wise details are now mandatory in FORM GSTR-7. Annual Return Exemption: Taxpayers with an annual turnover of up to Rs 2 crore are exempt from filing annual returns in FORM GSTR-9/9A for FY 2023-24. Procedural Adjustments Sunset Clause for Anti-Profiteering Applications: New applications for anti-profiteering will not be accepted after April 1, 2025. Changes in Export Duty Refund: Refunds for goods subjected to export duty are restricted, affecting exports both with and without tax payments, and supplies to SEZ units or developers. Section 122(1B) of CGST Act: The amendment clarifies that the penal provision applies only to e-commerce operators required to collect tax under section 52 of the CGST Act. Bio-Metric Aadhaar Authentication: A phased roll-out of biometric-based Aadhaar authentication for registration applicants will help combat fraudulent input tax credit claims. Common Time Limit for Demand Notices: A common time limit for issuing demand notices and orders under Sections 73 and 74 of the CGST Act, irrespective of fraud, suppression, wilful misstatement etc, involvement. The time limit for availing reduced penalty benefits is extended to 60 days. Anti-Profiteering Provisions: Amendments to section 171 and section 109 of the CGST Act introduce a sunset clause for anti-profiteering and transfer cases to the GST Appellate Tribunal. New applications for anti-profiteering will not be accepted after April 1, 2025. Changes in GST Tax Rates Goods: Aircraft Parts: Uniform 5% IGST on imports of parts, components, and tools for aircraft MRO activities. Milk Cans: 12% GST on all milk cans (steel, iron, aluminum). Paper Products: GST reduced from 18% to 12% on cartons, boxes, and cases of both corrugated and non-corrugated paper. Solar Cookers: 12% GST on all solar cookers. Sprinklers: Clarification that all types of sprinklers, including fire water sprinklers, attract 12% GST. Defence Imports: IGST exemption extended for specified defence imports till June 2029. SEZ Imports: Compensation Cess exemption on imports by SEZ units/developers effective from 1st July 2017. Services: Indian Railways: Exemption for services such as platform tickets, retiring rooms, and intra-railway transactions including services provided by special purpose vehicles (SPV) to Indian railway. Accommodation Services: Exemption for accommodation services valued up to Rs. 20,000 per month per person for a minimum continuous period of 90 days. Insurance Services: Co-insurance, ceding/re-insurance commission and reinsurance transactions, including retrocession, declared as no supply under Schedule III of CGST Act.

Read More

Regulatory & Taxation Updates

Date

Update

Description

Read More

November 10, 2023

Impact of Global Tax Reforms

Global tax reforms are influencing India's taxation policies and strategies.

Read More

November 5, 2023

Updates on Tax Filing Procedures

Revised tax filing procedures aim to simplify the process for individual taxpayers in India.

Read More

November 1, 2023

Taxation of Cryptocurrency

The government is formulating taxation policies for cryptocurrency to ensure compliance.

Read More

October 30, 2023

Updates on Tax Treaties

The government has revised tax treaties to prevent double taxation and promote trade.

Read More

October 25, 2023

Tax Incentives for Green Energy

The government is offering tax incentives to promote green energy initiatives in India.

Read More

October 20, 2023

Changes in Taxation of Digital Services

The government has revised taxation policies to include digital services in India.

Read More

October 15, 2023

New Tax Compliance Measures

New compliance measures have been introduced to improve tax collection in India.

Read More

October 10, 2023

Corporate Tax Rate Adjustments

The Indian government has adjusted corporate tax rates to attract foreign investment.

Read More

October 5, 2023

Income Tax Reforms for FY 2023-24

The government has introduced income tax reforms to provide relief and enhance compliance.

Read More

October 1, 2023

GST Rate Changes in India

Recent changes in GST rates aim to simplify the tax structure in India.

Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

The financial landscape for organizations are rapidly evolving, and it’s essential for businesses to stay informed. At BILiMORIA MEHTA & CO, we provide timely insights into these developments to help your business navigate the changes with ease.

What services does BILiMORIA MEHTA & CO offer?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

How does BILiMORIA MEHTA & CO assist startups?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

What is your approach to compliance and regulatory services?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Do you offer services for international clients with operations in India?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

How do I know which services are right for my business?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Get in touch with us

Let’s create success together. Reach out to BILiMORIA MEHTA & CO.  to learn how we can help your business achieve its goals in an ever-evolving landscape.