Is GST Payable On Advance Payment Received for Goods

Goods and Services Tax (GST), a unified tax system, has significantly changed how taxes are levied in various countries, with India being a notable example. A common query that surfaces is about the applicability of GST on advance payments received from customers. This blog aims to dive into the specifics of how the Goods and Services Tax Act addresses advance payments.

We’ll examine the rules and conditions under which GST is charged on these payments, explaining the process and implications for both businesses and consumers. By breaking down the legal provisions and practical scenarios, this blog will provide a clear understanding of the GST liability on advance payments under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, ensuring clarity for all parties involved.

Understanding Advance Payments for GST

When a customer makes an advance payment to a supplier for procuring goods and services, GST is liable to be paid on such an advance payment as a consideration for supply. This advance amount is remitted by the customer before the actual transaction takes place. This means that even before the goods or services are delivered, the tax authorities consider the advance amount as taxable.

Taxable Event and GST Applicability

The taxable event in GST occurs at the time of supply. In the case of advance payments, since there is no actual supply at that moment, one might wonder why GST is applicable. The reason is that the GST law considers the advance payment as a consideration for supply. In simple terms, the government treats the advance payment as if the supply has already taken place for tax purposes. Here’s a detailed understanding of the GST applicability on advance payments for future supplies:

• Time of Supply Determination: The time when a taxpayer is required to discharge GST on a particular supply is governed by Sections 12 to 14 of the CGST Act 2017. The ‘time of supply’ is determined by the time when the supplier receives payment with respect to the supply. This also includes other factors like the issuance of an invoice or receipt of goods. Generally, the time of supply is the earliest of the issuance of an invoice or the receipt of payment.

• Advance Payments: In the case of advance received for any supply, the time of supply is fixed at the point when the advance is received. This applies irrespective of whether the actual supply is made or not. Consequently, GST needs to be paid with reference to the time at which the advance is received. This requires compliance with certain procedures, documentation, and reconciliation of taxes paid on the advances and the supply made.

• Deemed Supply: As per Section 12 of the CGST Act 2017, a “supply” is deemed to have been made to the extent it is covered by the invoice or, as the case may be, the payment. For example, if an advance of Rs. 10 lakhs is received for a future supply worth Rs. 1 crore, the time of supply for the advance received (Rs.10 lakhs) is at the time of receipt of the advance.

• Cancellation of Supply: If the supply is canceled after paying advances, depending on the agreements, the advances received may be refunded, forfeited, or adjusted for later supplies. Each of these scenarios may require different tax treatments.

• Exemption for Suppliers of Goods: The Government, recognizing the compliance burden on small businessmen with regard to GST on advances, issued Notification no. 66/2017 dated 15.11.2017. This notification exempts all suppliers of goods who have not opted for the composition scheme from the burden of paying GST on advances received. For these categories of taxpayers, the time of supply arises only at the time of issue of invoice, and they need to discharge GST liability accordingly.

• Supplier of Services: However, suppliers of services are required to pay GST at the time of receipt of advances​​

Exceptions and Specific Rules for Advance Payments

While GST is generally applicable on advance payments, there are exceptions and specific rules for advance payments that one should be aware of:

• Zero GST Rate: If the advance payment transaction is subject to a 0 (zero) GST rate, the process of matching and offsetting the receipts against invoices may not be applicable. This means that if the goods or services are taxed at a zero rate, you won’t have to pay GST on the advance.

• Interstate and Intrastate Transactions: Depending on whether the transaction is interstate or intrastate, you will have to calculate different components of GST. For interstate transactions, you calculate the Integrated GST (IGST), while for intrastate transactions, you calculate the Central GST (CGST) and State GST (SGST).

Also Read: Structure Of GST In India

Advance Payment Reconciliation and GST Adjustments

Now, let’s explore the steps involved in processing advance payment reconciliation and GST adjustments for goods and services in the GST regime:

• Create Unapplied Receipts: Use a designated program to create unapplied receipts for advance payments. These receipts are created without matching invoices, as the actual supply hasn’t occurred yet.

• Calculate GST for Advance Payments: There are separate programs for calculating GST on advance payments for goods and services. These programs consider factors like the Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) and Service Accounting Code (SAC) tax rates.

• Match and Offset Receipts: To offset advance payments against invoices, use specific programs for goods and services separately. This step ensures that the GST liability is adjusted correctly.

Matching Advance Payment Receipts with Sales Invoices

If a customer has made advance payments before receiving the goods, the supplier must offset these advance amounts with the invoice amounts. This step is crucial to decrease the GST liability effectively. This alignment or matching process is vital for several reasons:

• Reduction of GST Liability: The primary reason for this matching is to effectively decrease the GST liability. The advance payment already includes GST, and when the final sales invoice is raised, it should account for the GST paid on the advance. This ensures that GST is not paid twice on the same amount.

• Accurate Tax Accounting: Matching ensures accurate tax accounting. It helps in reconciling the advance payments with the final supply, reflecting a true and fair view of the financial transactions in the books of accounts.

• Compliance with Tax Laws: This process is also a compliance requirement under the GST regime. The GST laws mandate the reconciliation of advance payments with the sales invoices to ensure correct tax reporting and payment.

• Utilization of Specific Programs: There are specific software programs and accounting tools designed to assist in this matching process. These tools help in automating the reconciliation process, making it more efficient and less prone to errors.

Matching Advance Payment Receipts with AR Invoices

When it comes to services, the process of matching advance payments with accounts receivable (AR) invoices follows a similar rationale but with a focus on service transactions:

• Offsetting Advance Payments: The advance payment received for services needs to be offset against the AR invoice amounts. This means when the service is finally rendered and an invoice is issued, the advance payment (including the GST on it) should be accounted for, reducing the amount to be billed.

• Ensuring Accurate Financial Reporting: This matching is essential for maintaining accurate and reliable financial records. It helps in reflecting the true income and liability in the financial statements.

• Reduction in GST Liability: Similar to goods, this process helps in reducing the GST liability for services. By matching the advances with the AR invoices, the GST component of the advance payment is duly adjusted, preventing any overpayment of tax.

• Compliance and Reconciliation Needs: For services, as well, this matching process is a part of adhering to the GST laws. Proper reconciliation of advances with AR invoices is necessary for tax compliance and accurate reporting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, GST is indeed payable on advance payments. The tax authorities consider advance payments as a consideration for future supply, making them subject to GST. However, there are exceptions, specific rules, and processes for calculating, reconciling, and adjusting GST on advance payments. Understanding these are essential for businesses to comply with GST regulations and ensure accurate financial transactions.

Also Read: What Happens When A Customer Makes An Advance Payment For A Supply?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is GST liability on advance payments under the GST Act?

GST liability on advance payments under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act arises when a payment is received before the delivery of goods or services. Under the GST Act, this advance is treated as a taxable event, and GST must be paid at the time of receipt of the advance, based on the nature of the supply.

• How is an advance payment considered under GST?

Under GST, an advance payment is considered as a consideration for the supply of goods or services. The advance received is subject to GST, and the tax liability arises at the time the advance is received, rather than at the time of actual supply.

• What constitutes a taxable event in terms of GST on advance payments?

A taxable event under GST for advance payments occurs when a payment is made prior to the supply of goods or services. The receipt of this advance payment triggers the GST liability, making it a taxable event under the GST Act.

• Are there exceptions to GST applicability on advance payments?

Yes, there are exceptions and specific rules for advance payments. For instance, GST is not applicable on advance payments for the supply of goods by businesses that have not opted for the composition scheme, as per Notification no. 66/2017. Each exception for taxable event and GST applicability is based on specific rules outlined in the GST Act.

• What are the specific rules for advance payments under GST?

Specific rules include exemption from GST for advance payments received by certain suppliers of goods, and mandatory GST on advances received for services. The time of supply, as well as the nature of the supply, play crucial roles in determining the GST applicability.

• How is advance payment reconciliation done for GST?

Advance payment reconciliation for GST involves matching the advance payments received with the corresponding sales or AR invoices. This process ensures that GST is accurately accounted for and avoids double taxation on the advance and final supply amounts.

• What are GST adjustments in the context of advance payments?

GST adjustments with advance payments occur when the advance is offset against the final invoice. If the supply is canceled, GST paid on the advance may need to be refunded or adjusted against future supplies, depending on the circumstances.

• Is GST applicable on all types of advance payments?

No, GST is not applicable on all types of advance payments. Exceptions include advances received for exempt supplies, advances from unregistered businesses, and advances for goods by suppliers not under the composition scheme.

• How does the GST Act define advance payment for services?

The GST Act defines advance payment for services as any payment received before the actual provision of services. Such payments are considered as advance consideration for services and are subject to GST at the time of receipt.

• What happens if an advance payment is later adjusted or refunded?

If an advance payment is later adjusted or refunded, the GST paid on the advance needs to be adjusted accordingly. This could involve issuing a credit note or adjusting the GST in subsequent tax filings, as per the GST reconciliation process.

Deepti Goel

Deepti is an MBA Post- Graduate who transitioned into content writing last 5+years ago. She has a penchant for breaking down complex financial subjects into digestible content. Besides writing, Deepti consults clients on marketing strategies and brand growth strategies, through her Content, knack for explaining intricate financial matters in a straightforward manner makes her writings accessible for readers. In her downtime, Deepti enjoys exploring the outdoors and is an avid traveler.

See Full Bio