GST has introduced simplicity and transparency to the tax landscape. Still, it also brings challenges for businesses, including return filing, tax payments, input tax credit claims, and compliance with intricate rules. An array of tools and resources is available to empower businesses in navigating these complexities and maximizing the benefits of GST. These resources aid in calculating GST rates, generating invoices, filing returns, verifying GSTIN, and staying abreast of the latest GST developments. This blog will explore essential GST tools and resources, exploring how businesses can leverage them for success.
What is GST?
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is imposed on providing goods and services. The GST Law in India is an extensive, multi-stage, destination-based tax applied to each value-addition step. It functions as a unified domestic indirect tax law covering the entire nation.
Objectives of GST
- This unified tax approach ensures consistent rates across states, simplifies tax administration under the Central Government, and introduces standard practices like e-way bills and e-invoicing. The result is enhanced tax compliance, alleviating the burden on taxpayers with simplified forms and deadlines. Overall, it establishes a cohesive system for indirect tax compliance.
- To consolidate indirect taxes in India, including service tax, VAT, and Central Excise, GST was introduced, streamlining the tax structure across supply chain stages. This unification significantly reduced the compliance burden on taxpayers and streamlined tax administration.
- A key goal of GST was to eliminate the cascading effect of taxes. Unlike the previous system, GST allows tax credits to be set off against each other, preventing the accumulation of taxes at different stages of the supply chain.
- To combat tax evasion, GST laws in India are stringent, with input tax credits only claimable on invoices verified by suppliers. The nationwide reach and centralized surveillance system make cracking down on defaulters quicker and more efficient in minimizing tax fraud.
- GST widened the taxpayer base in India by applying a consolidated tax on goods and services, leading to increased tax-registered businesses. Stricter laws surrounding input tax credits also brought unorganized sectors, like the construction industry, under the tax net.
Tools and Resources for Businesses
GST Calculators
A Goods and Services Tax (GST) calculator is a convenient tool designed to assist users in calculating the GST amount for a product or service. It considers the price and applicable GST rate, streamlining the process of determining the tax component.
Some online calculator tools include but are not limited to Cleartax, TaxAdda Indian GST Calculator, and Free GST Calculator by Zoho.
Government GST portals
The official government GST website, www.gst.gov.in, also known as the GST Portal or GSTN portal, offers a range of services to taxpayers. These services include obtaining GST registration, filing GST returns, applying for refunds, and requesting the cancellation of GST registration.
An essential feature of the GST regime is its reliance on robust technology for tax administration. This eliminates the need for taxpayers to visit tax departments in person for assessments or to submit applications and returns. While facilitation centers are available across India, the GST portal is a comprehensive platform for all communication, including approving, rejecting, or responding to applications. It also facilitates the issuance of notices by the department, providing a convenient window for taxpayers to respond.
GST accounting software streamlines tax management within an organization, facilitating secure return filing with automatic tax calculations. Here are some noteworthy GST accounting software options:
- Zoho Invoice: An invoicing and online billing software recognized as one of the best free billing software.
- ProfitBooks: A popular GST accounting software in India.
- QuickBooks: A cloud-based accounting solution.
- FreshBooks: A prominent name in the invoicing and accounting scene.
- Vyapar: A dedicated GST billing software.
Educational courses on GST cover both fundamental and advanced concepts of Goods and Services Tax (GST), a comprehensive indirect tax system in India. These courses aim to impart knowledge on GST laws, rules, rates, procedures, compliances, and benefits. Some notable educational courses on GST include
PwC GST Taxation Executive Professional Certificate:
Offered by PwC India on Coursera, this course delves into GST fundamentals, covering aspects like registration, return filing, e-invoicing, e-way bills, reconciliation, and audits. Practical exercises and projects are included to equip learners with job-ready skills in GST.
ClearTax GST Training:
Provided by ClearTax, a prominent tax and compliance platform in India, this course offers videos, case studies, webinars, and quizzes on various GST topics. Content spans GST overview, registration, invoicing, returns, payments, refunds, input tax credit, reverse charges, composition schemes, and e-commerce. Additionally, it aids learners in preparing for the GST Practitioner exam conducted by the government.
GST Online Courses by Masters Indi
Courses by Masters India, a GST Suvidha Provider (GSP) and Application Service Provider (ASP) in India, cover a range of topics including GST basics, registration, returns, invoices, payments, refunds, audits, and assessments. Delivered by experts in the GST field, these courses provide comprehensive insights into the intricacies of GST.
GST mobile apps
GST mobile apps are applications designed to provide users with access to various information and services related to Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Some of the top GST mobile apps include:
GST Connect:
An offline app offering information on GST, CGST, IGST, SGST, UTGST, HSNS code, SAC code, and GST rate finder.
GST Press:
An app guiding users on basic GST functions such as filing returns, choosing the composition levy, and registering digital signatures. It features a smart search for GST topics.
Vyapar:
An app facilitating business management, accounting, inventory, invoicing, and GST compliance. It supports e-invoicing, e-way bills, and barcode scanning.
IRIS Peridot:
An app enabling users to search and verify the GSTIN of any taxpayer using a QR code or PAN. It also displays the GST return filing status and e-way bill details of the taxpayer.
Also Read: Free GST Calculation Tools: Are They Worth It?
Conclusion
A plethora of GST tools and resources exists, empowering businesses to efficiently manage their GST obligations and optimize tax savings. Among the notable tools are GST Connect, GST Press, Vyapar, IRIS Peridot, Zoho Books, FocusLyte, Saral GST, and CaptainBiz. These resources cater to various GST functions, from rate calculation to invoice generation, return filing, GSTIN verification, and staying updated on GST news. By integrating these tools, businesses can streamline processes, save time and money, and redirect their focus toward core activities and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What types of GST exist in India?
The GST framework in India encompasses three types: Central GST (CGST), State GST (SGST), and Integrated GST (IGST). CGST and SGST are levied by the respective state and central governments, while IGST is imposed by the central government on inter-state transactions.
How can one register for GST in India?
GST registration is obligatory for businesses surpassing a defined turnover threshold or involved in inter-state goods or services supplies. Online registration through the GST portal requires the submission of various documents, including PAN, proof of business address, and business constitution. Upon successful registration, the business receives a GSTIN (GST Identification Number), a unique 15-digit identifier to be mentioned in all invoices.
What advantages do GST software offer businesses?
GST software is the frontline IT infrastructure enabling businesses to adhere to the Indian GST system. It facilitates tasks such as return filing, invoice uploading, challan creation for payments, and other tax compliances. The software enhances transparency and efficiency in the tax system, aiding businesses in tracking GST, managing returns, handling fees, invoicing, overseeing cash flow, managing inventory, and generating reports.
