The manufacturing sector has been a major economic driver for many developing economies across the world, however, unlike most others, India’s manufacturing performance has been lacklustre. Even though India enjoys a favourable demographic and geographic posion, it has not been able to capitalise on this advantage
GST Impact on Manufacturers
(a) Competitive in market:
There would be a saving in taxes due to less restrictions in taking setoff of taxes paid at various stages of manufacture reducing the cost of goods/ services supplied. This would make them more competitive both in domestic and the international markets.
(b) Valuation of the supply of goods:
At present, excise duty is paid on the event of manufacture of excisable goods and VAT on the sale of goods. VAT/CST is computed on sale price+ excise duty paid. With the shift of taxable event from manufacture to supply of goods, the valuation of goods could be simplified. Under GST, actual value received as a consideration for the supply of goods would be subject to GST with some exceptions.
(c) Cheaper exports:
Exports would be cheaper as taxes paid at earlier stages could be refunded to a larger extent. [credit restrictions can lead to tax sticking]
(d) Ease of doing Business:
Adoption of Information technology in GST regime will enable the organization to do business with ease.
(e) Transaction costs:
The transaction costs of compliance would reduce due to widespread computerization and online filling of forms and returns and payment of taxes. However, the need to upload all transactions may lead to increased compliance cost for medium sector while for the small sector it may not be bearable. (f) Manufacturers under administration of State VAT officials: Manufacturers having a value of clearances of less than Rs. 150 Lakhs are exempt under present Excise law. The matter of administration has not been resolved as on date.
Hassle free supply of goods
State-border checkpoints, which are tasked with material scrutiny and location-based tax compliance, negatively impact the overall production and logistics time and account for roughly 60% of a truck’s transit time. These unproductive transit hours coupled with regulatory impediments reduce the efficiency of Indian manufacturers compared to their international counterparts. The new GST regime will unify the Indian market and assist the smooth flow of goods within the country. Although border checkpoints may not be done away with immediately, reduced compliance scrutiny at these checkpoints will reduce transport hassles.
Discount
The Model GST Law stipulates that post supply discounts are to be excluded from the transaction value, provided such discounts are known at or before the time of supply of goods and are linked to the invoices for such supply. Companies may need to analyse existing post supply discounts/incentive schemes where the quantum of discount is not known at the supply stage. Example, secondary market incentive schemes, volume based discounts etc.
Increased compliance requirement
While the new GST regime may offer many benefits to businesses, it also has a flip side. Taking a cue from the OECD’s guidelines for place of supply, which were released earlier this year, GST may lead to increased compliance requirements.
Reduction of classification disputes
Currently, due to varying rates of excise duty and VAT on different products, as well as several exemptions provided under excise and VAT legislations, classification disputes are a regular cause for litigation under both central excise and VAT, especially for the manufacturing sector. It is expected that the inception of GST which is based on the principles of a simplified rate structure and minimization of exemptions will significantly reduce disputes regarding classification of products. Recommended Articles
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