GST Mini Ready Reckoner

This book serves as a concise and comprehensive guide that simplifies the complexities of Goods and Services Tax (GST) for newcomers and seasoned professionals. It offers a step-by-step approach to understanding the GST framework, covering essential topics such as tax levy and collection, input tax credit, registration, compliance, and procedural tasks like filing returns and managing e-way bills.

By incorporating practical tools like examples, FAQs, flow charts, and diagrams, the book makes even the most complex concepts easy to grasp. It is designed to provide a clear and straightforward pathway through GST laws; it equips readers with the knowledge and practical skills to navigate GST confidently, whether for personal learning or professional use.

This guide is beneficial for beginners, students, and professionals who seek to understand GST concepts in a simplified and accessible manner.

The Present Publication is the 5^th Edition and has been amended by the Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024. It covers the recommendations of the 54^th GST Council Meeting held on 09-09-2024 and is authored by CA. Akhil Singla and Adv. Pavan Kumar Gaur, with the following noteworthy features:

• [Comprehensive Coverage] The book provides in-depth coverage of all key aspects of GST, including levy and collection, input tax credit, registration, compliance, returns, payment procedures, and e-way bills
• [Simplified Explanations] Uses clear and simple language to break down complex GST concepts, making them accessible to all readers, including those with no prior knowledge of tax laws
• [Practical Tools] Enriched with practical examples, FAQs, flow charts, diagrams, and compliance calendars that aid in understanding and applying GST provisions effectively
• [Step-by-Step Guidance] Offers a structured approach, guiding readers through the entire GST mechanism from the basics of supply to advanced compliance processes and penalties
• [User-Friendly Format] Designed as a handy reference guide, the book is organised into concise, easy-to-navigate sections, allowing readers to find and refer to specific topics quickly
• [Focus on Compliance] Provides detailed insights into compliance requirements, including filing deadlines, registration criteria, payment rules, and procedures for claiming refunds
• [Visual Aids for Better Understanding] Incorporates visual aids like flow charts and diagrams, which help readers visualise processes and improve retention of complex information
• [Chapter-Wise Breakdown] The book is organised into chapter-specific topics that discuss detailed aspects such as the nature of supply, time and value of supply, offences and penalties, and the composition scheme, making it an all-in-one guide

The structure of the book is as follows:

• GST Compliance Calendar for the Financial Year 2024-25
• Key compliance dates and deadlines
• Amendments in GST
• Changes introduced through the Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024
• GST Amnesty Scheme 2023
• Details of the amnesty scheme and its implications
• Compliance Related Relief Measures
• Recent relief measures to ease compliance burdens
• Chapter 1 – Levy and Collection on Supply
• Introduction to GST levy and collection
• Detailed sections on reverse charge mechanisms for goods and services
• Scope of supply and related schedules under the CGST Act
• Chapter 2 – Nature of Supply
• Importance of determining the nature of supply
• Guidelines for inter-state, intra-state, and territorial waters supply
• Chapter 3 – Time and Value of Supply
• Time of supply for goods, services, and vouchers
• Determination of taxable value and relevant rules
• Chapter 4 – Input Tax Credit (ITC)
• Definitions, eligibility, and conditions for claiming ITC
• Provisions for ITC in special circumstances and distribution by Input Service Distributor
• Chapter 5 – GST Registration & Types of Taxpayers
• Who needs to register, exemptions, and types of taxpayers
• Processes for GST registration, cancellation, and revocation
• Chapter 6 – Composition Scheme under GST
• Eligibility, tax rates, and conditions for the composition scheme
• Differences between regular taxpayers and composition dealers
• Chapter 7 – Tax Invoice, Credit & Debit Notes
• Definitions and requirements for tax invoices, credit notes, and debit notes
• Specifics on export invoices and e-invoice systems
• Chapter 8 – E-Way Bill
• Overview and provisions of the e-way bill system
• Benefits and compliance requirements
• Chapter 9 – Accounts & Records
• Requirements and methods for maintaining accounts and records under GST
• Retention periods and governing provisions
• Chapter 10 – GST Returns
• Definition, types, and filing requirements for GST returns
• Benefits, due dates, and penalties for late filing
• Chapter 11 – Payment of Tax & Other Dues
• Guidelines for payment of tax, interest, and penalties
• Use of electronic liability, credit, and cash ledgers
• Chapter 12 – Zero Rated Supply & Refund
• Understanding zero-rated supplies and eligibility for refunds
• Step-by-step process for claiming refunds
• Chapter 13 – Assessment and Audit
• Types of assessments under GST and their procedures
• Overview of GST audit types and requirements
• Chapter 14 – Offences & Penalties
• List of offences under GST and corresponding penalties
• Rules and disciplines related to penalties
• Chapter 15 – Demands & Recovery
• Determination of tax liabilities in both fraud and non-fraud cases
• Recovery proceedings and related provisions