There is full code of law for Reverse Charge under GST. There is definition clause for reverse charge, goods or services are specified on which reverse charge be applicable, supplier and recipient notified for the purpose of reverse charge, time of supply provisions available for reverse charge, input tax definition is also there for reverse charge etc… I shall try to discuss all provisions relating to the Reverse Charge in this article.
What is Reverse Charge?
Section 2(98) CGST Act – “reverse charge” means the liability to pay tax by the recipient of supply of goods or services or both instead of the supplier of such goods or services or both under sub-section (3) or sub-section (4) of section 9, or under sub-section (3) or sub-section (4) of section 5 of the Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act.
Thus, tax liability on supply of goods or services or both specified under sections 9(3) CGST, 9(4) CGST, 5(3) IGST and 5(4) IGST shall be paid by the Recipient. The notifications for the purpose of Reverse Charge are issued under these provisions.
Difference between the provisions stated under sub-section 3 of section 9 and sub-section 4 of section 9 of the CGST.
| Particulars | Sub-section 3 of section 9 | Sub-section 4 of section 9 |
| Goods or Services | Specified under this section | Specified under this section |
| Supplier of the Goods or Services | The person either registered or unregistered person | Only Unregistered Person |
| Recipient | Any Recipient who receives specified goods or services. If the Recipient is not registered then he shall have to register compulsory according to section 24(iii) CGST. | Only Notified Registered Person |
Parent Notifications specifying Goods or Services, suppliers and recipients
| S.No. | Notification | Goods or Services | For which section notification was issued |
| 1 | Notification No.4/2017-Central Tax (Rate) – Dated 28-06-2017 | For Goods | Sub-Section 3 of Section 9 CGST |
| 2 | Notification No.13/2017-Central Tax (Rate) – Dated 28-06-2017 | For Services | Sub-Section 3 of Section 9 CGST |
| 3 | Notification No. 07/2019- Central Tax (Rate) – Dated 29-03-2019 | For Services | Sub-Section 4 of Section 9 CGST |
| 4 | Notification No.4/2017-Integrated Tax (Rate) – 28-06-2017 | For Goods | Sub-Section 3 of Section 5 IGST
|
| 5 | Notification No.10/2017-Integrated Tax (Rate) – 28-06-2017 | For Services | Sub-Section 3 of Section 5 IGST |
Whether tax paid on the basis of Reverse Charge is output tax?
No. Tax paid on the basis of Reverse Charge is not an output tax. It has been cleared by definition stated under section 2 of the CGST. Clause 82 of Section 2 CGST says that “output tax” in relation to a taxable person, means the tax chargeable under this Act on taxable supply of goods or services or both made by him or by his agent but excludes tax payable by him on reverse charge basis;
Time of Supply for reverse charge supply of goods – Section 12(3) CGST
(3) In case of supplies in respect of which tax is paid or liable to be paid on reverse charge basis, the time of supply shall be the earliest of the following dates, namely:—
(a) the date of the receipt of goods; or
(b) the date of payment as entered in the books of account of the recipient or the date on which the payment is debited in his bank account, whichever is earlier; or
(c) the date immediately following thirty days from the date of issue of invoice or any other document, by whatever name called, in lieu thereof by the supplier:
Provided that where it is not possible to determine the time of supply under clause (a) or clause (b) or clause (c), the time of supply shall be the date of entry in the books of account of the recipient of supply.
Time of Supply for reverse charge supply of services – Section 13(3) CGST
(3) In case of supplies in respect of which tax is paid or liable to be paid on reverse charge basis, the time of supply shall be the earlier of the following dates, namely:—
(a) the date of payment as entered in the books of account of the recipient or the date on which the payment is debited in his bank account, whichever is earlier; or
(b) the date immediately following sixty days from the date of issue of invoice or any other document, by whatever name called, in lieu thereof by the supplier:
Provided that where it is not possible to determine the time of supply under clause (a) or clause (b), the time of supply shall be the date of entry in the books of account of the recipient of supply:
Provided further that in case of supply by associated enterprises, where the supplier of service is located outside India, the time of supply shall be the date of entry in the books of account of the recipient of supply or the date of payment, whichever is earlier.
Invoice provisions relating to Supply falling under Reverse Charge Mechanism
The Tax Invoice pertaining to supply of goods or services falling under reverse charge shall either be issued by the supplier himself if he is registered or by the recipient if the such supply is received from the person who is not registered under the GST.
There is mandate to issue the invoice within time as stipulated under the provisions of the GST. Timing to issue the invoice is as under stated.
Supply of goods made by Registered Person – The invoice shall be issued before or at the time of, removal of goods where the supply involves movement of goods or delivery of goods or making available thereof to the recipient, in any other case. (Section 31(1) CGST)
Supply of service made by Registered Person – The invoice shall be issued before or after provision of service but within a period of thirty days from the date of the supply of service. (Section 31(2) CGST read with rule 47.)
Supply received from Unregistered Person – Section 31(3)(f) CGST – a registered person who is liable to pay tax under sub-section (3) or sub-section (4) of section 9 shall issue an invoice in respect of goods or services or both received by him from the supplier who is not registered on the date of receipt of goods or services or both;
Payment Voucher – Payment voucher is mandate to issue if liability to pay tax fall under section 9(3) or 9(4) CGST
Section 31(3)(g) CGST – a registered person who is liable to pay tax under sub-section (3) or sub- section (4) of section 9 shall issue a payment voucher at the time of making payment to the supplier.
Input Tax – For the purpose of Reverse Charge Liability – Section 2(62) CGST
According to this section Input Tax includes the tax payable under the provisions relating to reverse charge i.e. 9(3) CGST, 9(4) CGST, 5(3) IGST and 5(4) IGST.
Input Tax Credit Provisions under section 16 CGST read with Rule 36 be applicable for availing Input Tax Credit towards supply falling under Reverse Charge Mechanism
Such provisions contemplated under section 16(2) are as under:
1. Tax Invoice in possession;
2. Goods or Services has been received;
3. Tax Liability has been paid and
4. Return has been furnished
Relevant provisions enumerated under clause (a) and (b) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 36 require for claiming input tax credit that
(a) an invoice issued by the supplier of goods or services or both in accordance with the provisions of section 31;
(b) an invoice issued in accordance with the provisions of clause (f) of sub-section (3) of section 31, subject to the payment of tax;
Thus, merely Tax Invoice is not required in possession but it (Tax Invoice) must be issued in accordance with the provisions of section 31. If Invoice is not issued within time as stated under section 31 then it shall be treated as invoice was not issued in accordance with the provisions. If it is proved that invoice is not issued in accordance to the provisions of section 31, input tax credit may be denied for availing
Limitation Period to avail Input Tax Credit in the case of Supply falling under Reverse Charge Mechanism – Section 16(4) CGST
The present provisions say that a registered person shall not be entitled to take input tax credit in respect of any invoice or debit note for supply of goods or services or both after the thirtieth day of November (before amendment – 20th October) following the end of financial year to which such invoice or debit note pertains or furnishing of the relevant annual return, whichever is earlier.
For example, the registered person shall not be entitled to avail input tax credit if he failed to avail input tax credit towards reverse charge liability pertaining to the 2020-21 till 20th October 2021.
Conclusion –
The term Reverse Charge Mechanism under the GST Law is being governed by following provisions.
1. Definition – Section 2(68) CGST
2. Goods or Services on which RCM be applied – Specified in Notifications issued under Section 9(3) and Section 9(4) CGST and Section 5(3) and Section 5(4) IGST
3. Recipients and Suppliers for the purpose of reverse charge – See Notifications prescribed under relevant sections pertaining to reverse charge.
4. Time of Supply for Supply of Goods – Section 12(3) CGST
5. Time of Supply for Supply of Services – Section 13(3) CGST
6. Invoice Provisions – Section 31 read with rule 47
7. Input Tax in the case of Reverse Charge – Section 2(62) CGST
8. Input Tax Credit Provisions – Section 16(2) CGST read with rule 36
9. Limitation Period for availing Input Tax Credit – Section 16(4) CGST
10. Interest, Penalty and Recovery – Provisions relating to interest, penalty and recovery shall apply to tax liability on account of reverse charge as if it is applied to liability towards regular supply.
Thus, it can be said there is full code of law under the GST for Reverse Charge Mechanism.
To reach to me for any suggestions, rectifications, amendments and/or further clarifications in regard of this article my email address is pkmgstupdate@gmail.com.
(PARVEEN KUMAR MAHAJAN)
Advocate
Author Bio
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