The GST Invoice and GST Refund: The Eight Pros and Cons

The GST or tax on goods and services is the tax that is applied every time a consumer buys a service or a good. It is the replacement of all indirect taxes that the Central and State governments levy on goods and services. The single comprehensive law brings all charges under one umbrella, that is, it applies to manufacturing, sale and consumption. By using a single indirect tax, the cascading effect on the prices of goods and services due to production and distribution is eradicated.

What are the benefits of GST?

For a long time in India, the tax had a cascading effect. In simpler words, the tax liability was transferred to the next person at each stage of the transaction. This tax-on-tax system kept increasing the price of the good or service. With GST replacing the pre-existing scheme, the burden of the tax shifts to the consumer. It implies that the industry has better control of working capital and greater cash flow. The elimination of this tax on the tax effect is the most notable advantage of the GST Bill.

In addition to this, there are 8 other refunds that a business can get after online GST registration.

• Creditable input tax:

When a service provider (or manufacturer) pays taxes on its production, it can subtract the tax that was levied on its inputs. The final tax payable is the reduced amount, which means that the tax burden is greatly reduced for the service provider.

• Control of tax evasion:

The input tax is creditable to a service provider only if the supplier of supplies mentions the details of it in his declaration. It means that the provider of services or goods must be truthful in their tax returns that reduce evasion.

• More transparency:

Because taking advantage of GST benefits requires full disclosure of information, registered retailers cannot have hidden costs and taxes.

• Small Business Support:

The tax burden has been significantly reduced for small businesses along with compliance. Also, under GST, entities having a turnover of Rs 20 to Rs 75 Lakh can use compounding schemes.

• Increased rotation threshold:

Under VAT, any business that had a turnover of 5 lakhs was required to pay it. (The limit varies from state to state) GST has raised the threshold to Rs 20 lakh which makes all small businesses exempt.

• Less compliances:

Before the GST, each tax collected was met separately. For example, the tax on services had to be declared every month or in four months, and the excise tax declarations were made monthly. After online GST registration, a business only has to file a return.

• Better logistics:

With the GST in place, the restrictions placed on the transport of goods from one state to another have been reduced. It means that warehouses only need to be set up in a few places rather than in every city or state. Unlike the previous fiscal system, the operating cost has been reduced and logistics have been improved.

• Improvement of the organization of the sectors:

With the imposition of a nation, a tax, industries such as textiles and construction are becoming more regulated. They must comply with compliance and payment provisions, which makes them better organized and more accountable.

What are the drawbacks of GST?

• The most prominent disadvantage of GST is short term. While it is being implemented, it can significantly disrupt a company’s working capital because inbound credit will be locked up. Once the transition phase is over, this inconvenience is eliminated.
• Another short-term disadvantage is that all businesses will have a higher operating cost because they will have to train employees on GST rules and regulations or hire professionals. This last course will be equally expensive.
• For small businesses, which had been free from the shackles of the tax regime, it means getting off to a fast start on their feet. They must understand the nuances of GST because every invoice they generate must meet the requirements.
• Tax exemption on indigenous manufacturing units has been significantly reduced from a turnover of Rs 1.5 million to Rs 20 lakhs.
• While the tax is touted as a single umbrella that reduces effort, it is still hindered from achieving the goal due to the division of:

1. Core GST
2. GST status
3. Integrated GST

A similar disadvantage is for companies that have a presence throughout India. Although it is said to be a tax system, each state still has its own compliances. It means that for each state-owned company that has a branch, they must register and learn their individual GST procedures.

• The GST return is completed online. While for most of the nation this is seen as a major advantage, for some it is a drawback. The old tax was done with pen and paper, which was easy for small businesses that are not tech-savvy. The online system now requires people to upload invoices and returns, which can be difficult.
• Before GST, a discounted good was taxed on the price after the discount was deducted. Now, the tax is on the pre-discount price. Therefore, all discount and reward programs will be affected.
• The control of the business is now in the hands of the central and state government due to the GST Act because the owner is subject to the laws. It sows more complexities for business owners.