Mandatory ISD Registration from 1st April 2025

Mandatory registration as an Input Service Distributor (ISD) is required for all entities that have more than one GSTIN based on a single PAN effective 1st April 2025. ISD registration was previously optional, but it is now mandatory as per the new GST amendment. This amendment aims to facilitate the distribution of Input Tax Credit (ITC) while ensuring compliance and allowing credit management for entities with multiple branches. Companies receiving standard input service bills at a head office and distributing ITC to multiple branches will be most affected. To comply, they must pre-register as ISDs, establish proper ITC distribution processes, and ensure effective compliance practices from the start.

Understanding Input Service Distributor (ISD)

An input service distributor is an office of the business that receives tax invoices for input services and distributes the available input tax credit (ITC) to related branches or units having separate GSTINs but using the PAN of that business.
Distributing Input Tax Credit The input tax credit (ITC) available for distribution in every month has to be distributed in that month itself and to be reported in Form GSTR-6. Furthermore, the ISD must distribute every tax credit arising from payments made under the reverse charge mechanism under Sections 9(3) and 9(4) to the respective recipients. If the input service is availed only by one recipient, input tax credit should be distributed to that one recipient only. To distribute the available tax credit among multiple recipients who use the input services, they must do so in proportion to their turnover.

The distribution has to be done,
ITC to Branch = (Branch Turnover / Total Turnover) x Total ITC
Branch Turnover =  turnover, as referred to in section 20, of person R1 during the relevant period
Total Turnover = the aggregate of the turnover, during the relevant period, of all recipients to whom the input
service is attributable in accordance with the provisions of section 20
Total ITC = the amount of credit to be distributed.
XYZ Ltd. is a company with its head office in Mumbai (ISD) and branch offices in Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai.
The Mumbai head office receives an invoice from an advertising agency for ₹1,00,000 + 18% GST (₹18,000 GST Credit). This advertisement benefits all three branches, so the ITC needs to be distributed proportionately.

Turnover of Branches:

ITC Distribution Calculation:

Since the ITC of ₹18,000 needs to be distributed based on turnover, the allocation is:

BranchTurnover (₹)Share (%)ITC Distributed (₹)
Delhi10,00,00050%₹9,000
Bangalore5,00,00025%₹4,500
Chennai5,00,00025%₹4,500
Total20,00,000100%₹18,000


Financial Risks of Non-Compliance with ISD Rules-

Failure to comply with Input Service Distributor (ISD) rules poses significant financial and operational risks to business organizations. Non-compliance with ISD protocols would deny branches any allowable Input Tax Credit (ITC) for general services, which would only increase tax cost. Similarly, errors in ISD and/or mismatches of ITC in Goods and Services Tax (GST) returns would increase the likelihood of receiving a GST notice, or auditing, and/or potential penalties.

Non-compliant businesses face increased scrutiny from tax authorities due to uncertainty in ITC apportionment, raising the risk of financial liabilities. The cost of ITC would be much more significant if taxpayers could claim benefits for any Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) transactions prior to April 2025, which leads to additional taxes being paid. However, this holds true if the company ensures satisfactory ISD compliance, properly apportions the ITC between branches, reduces compliance risks, and results in lower taxes with a clear flow of ITC. It also supports claiming ITC based on RCM, subsequently after April 2025, improving cash flow for the company's overall improved tax efficiency. To reduce tax litigation and financial losses, companies must value their ISD compliance and ensure proper ITC disbursement.

Conditions to be Met by an Input Service Distributor (ISD)

Registration:

An Input Service Distributor (ISD) is required to separately register as an "ISD" in addition to their regular GST registration. When applying through REG-01, the taxpayer will have to indicate ISD registration at serial number 14. Under the law, only upon making that declaration is the ISD permitted to distribute Input Tax Credit (ITC) to its recipients.

Invoicing :

Raise ISD invoices while disbursing ITC to respective units or branches.

Filing of Returns:

The returns will be filed on a monthly basis in GSTR-6 on or before the 13th of the ensuing month reporting the ITC paid out.

Returns:

The total tax credit paid out by the aggregators should not exceed the available tax credit at the end of the relevant month.

Filling :

ISD has to report the remitted ITC in GSTR-6, to be filed by 13th of next month.

Consequences of Not Registering as an Input Service Distributor (ISD)

From April 1, 2025, companies that do not register as an Input Service Distributor (ISD) can encounter various difficulties, including legal and monetary penalties:

Penalties and Interest

 Failure to comply with obligatory ISD registration can invite penalties for improper distribution of Input Tax Credit (ITC). If ITC is claimed in excess, tax officials can recover it from the recipient along with interest under Section 21 of the GST Act.

Increased GST Audits and Scrutiny

Companies that are not registered under ISD are prone to audits and investigation by the tax department. Discrepancies in the claim of ITC can invoke in-depth inquiry, resulting in legal issues.

ITC Reversal and Cash Flow Interruptions

Incorrect or non-registered ISD operations might lead to ITC claim reversal. This makes branches pay tax directly rather than availing eligible ITC, affecting cash flow and working capital management.

Tax Notices and Financial Burdens

Mistaken ITC claims at the head office without ISD registration can result in tax notices. These notices can translate into extra financial burdens and operational interruptions.

Operational Inefficiencies and Credit Allocation Problems

In the absence of an appropriate ISD mechanism, companies might find it difficult to distribute ITC effectively among various branches. This can lead to credit distribution disputes and financial management inefficiencies.

The entity must obtain a separate registration as an ISD, even if it has a normal GST registration.

Step-by-Step ISD Registration Process

  • Step 1: Access the GST Portal
  • Step 2: Navigate to Registration Application
  • Step 3: Fill Part A of Form GST REG-01
  • Step 4: Fill Part B of Form GST REG-01
    Details of Promoters/Partners:
    Authorized Signatory:
    Bank Account Information
  • Step 5:  Upload Required Documents
    a. Proof of Constitution of Business
    b. Proof of Principal Place of Business
    c. Identity and Address Proofs of Promoters/Partners
    d. Bank Account-Related Proof
    e. Photograph of Promoters/Partners
    f. Letter of Authorized Signatory in case of partnership firm, company, HUF, etc.
    g. DSC in applicable cases like company , etc.

CONCLUSION

We at BMA take satisfaction in streamlining tricky tax regimes, and if each person is best proper to showcase this, it's far the Input Service Distributor (ISD) device beneath GST. Compliance calls for a painstaking recognition on detail, consistency, and a clear information of the way to distribute enter tax credit (ITC) between divisions. That's wherein we step in. We provide full support for businesses with ISD registration, compliance setup, and monthly return filings. Our strong approaches ensure that we assign ITC appropriately and fairly at locations, preventing mistakes, loss of credit, and undue notices from the tax department. Whether you have a decentralized headquarters or are a large company with decentralized operations, we streamline ISD management to ensure your tax credits are compliant and optimized.

With us on your side through BMA , you can cast off tax monitoring issues and cognizance at the boom of your enterprise, as we deal with your ISD requirements with accuracy and on time.    

Disclaimer

The above is general information. Material on this site is for general information purposes only. Readers are advised to consult a professional tax consultant before making any tax decision. Despite the exercise of care in updating information, BMA cannot be held liable for error or omission or loss arising from use of such information

Major Income Tax Modifications for FY 2025-26: NIL Tax on Incomes up to Rs 12 Lakhs

Revised Tax Slabs

The budget introduces a restructured tax slab system to ensure a progressive taxation approach. The new tax rates are as follows:

New Income Tax Slabs for FY 2025-26 (as per Budget 2025)

Annual Income (₹)Tax Rate (%)
Up to ₹4,00,000No Tax
₹4,00,001 - ₹7,50,0005%
₹7,50,001 - ₹12,00,00010%
₹12,00,001 - ₹15,00,00015%
₹15,00,001 - ₹20,00,00020%
₹20,00,001 - ₹25,00,00025%
Above ₹25,00,00030%

This restructuring aims to provide relief to middle-income earners while ensuring that higher-income individuals contribute a fair share to the nation's revenue.

The Finance Minister's recent budget speech for the year 2025-26 has brought a revolutionary change in India's income tax scenario. This move is proposing people a great deal, especially those with an income of up to Rs 12 lakhs. In this blog, we shall introduce the main features and implications of the new income tax regime.

1. Exemption Limit: A New Beginning

Traditionally, the income tax exemption limit was Rs 2.5 lakhs for those who were less than 60 years old. In the following financial year, though, there was a surprise twist with those having income up to Rs 12 lakhs exempted from income tax. That is way higher than previous exemptions, and the idea is to lower tax on mid-level income earners.

2. Section 87A Extended Rebate

Most relevant among these extensions is the rebate under Section 87A for taxable incomes that have been lifted to Rs 12 lakhs. That is, such eligible assessee shall not only benefit from a bigger exemption limit but also from the rebate path. It must especially be noted in this regard that this rebate remains reserved only for resident individuals. Foreigners living in India or non-resident Indians are not eligible to claim it.

3. Tax Liability of Salaried Individuals

For salaried people, it is all the more useful. Although the minimum exemption amount is the same at Rs 4 lakhs, one can see that such people can be exempt from taxation up to a point of income of Rs 12.75 lakhs if one takes average deductions and other deductions into consideration. This brings the tax scenario for the salaried community more favourable, and they get to experience prosperity in terms of finance and consumption.

4. Special Rate Incomes: Clarification Needed

Though the new regulations have been welcomed with open arms, special rate incomes like Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) have instilled fear.

These revenues are not liable for the rebate under the current clauses whether the aggregate revenue of the taxpayer is below Rs 12 lakhs. This provision of the new scheme has brought some ambiguity. Most of the taxpayers are enquiring whether they can avail themselves of the rebate scheme if their taxable revenue is mainly from such special sources.

5. Introduction of Marginal Relief

In order to avoid that the taxpayers suddenly find themselves bearing the tax burden as their incomes just cross Rs 12 lakhs, marginal relief has been provided for by the budget.

This is invoked when the taxpayer's income just crosses this threshold. The marginal relief provides that the tax levied on the income in excess of Rs 12 lakhs is never greater than the size of the excess income, in order to avoid so-called "tax trap." For example, a taxpayer can avail of a marginal relief of overall income of Rs 12,70,587, so that his total tax burden would be the size of the income in excess of Rs 12 lakhs.

6. Implications for the Taxpayer

These measures are aimed at having beneficial effects on tax payers. With an increase in the exemption amount and increasing the rebate under Section 87A, the government aims to increase the disposable incomes of citizens, which will be able to generate economic growth as well as consumption by consumers. It can also simplify the system of taxation, decreasing the compliance burden on individuals.

Other than that, marginal relief schemes are a thoughtfully generous favor for taxpayers' well-being. The budget cost of violating a tax limit could sometimes deter individuals from seeking further meritorious compensations that could hinder economic growth. Taxpayers have much to gain with such an enlightened step on the part of the government here in this budget, with increasing economic liberty.

Conclusion

The newly released budget of FY 2025-26 is a landmark for India's income tax situation, particularly with the inclusion of NIL tax for incomes up to ₹12 lakhs. In addition to lowering the tax burden for mid-income groups, this future-proof budget also promises to increase the economic growth by increasing the disposable income. The introduction to Section 87A and marginal relief also go towards establishing the government's aim of enacting a more progressive tax regime.

And all the while, taxpayers are trying to cope with all this and keep up to speed and seek advice from an expert, especially regarding special rate incomes and rebates qualifying.

Book My Accountant Talks

We, at Book My Accountant, are dedicated to guiding you through the implications of these tax reforms and helping you get the best out of the new regime. Our experts are ready to provide you with personalized advice and assistance according to your financial situation.

Greet this exciting new era of Indian taxation with optimism, and let us help you make the most of the possibilities of the future unfolding. We can construct foundations for a prosperous economic future together.

You may approach us at any time for any fact or assistance you may require regarding tax planning and compliances. Your welfare matters to us!

Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Scheme, 2024

The Income Tax Assessee can file appeals before the higher authorities in case disputed assessment orders. The department is also empowered to file an appeal in case the assessee gets relief in the case. The appeal can be filed at various levels, including Joint Commissioner, Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals), Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, High Courts, and Supreme Court. Pending litigations are rising due to more cases being appealed and fewer cases being disposed of. The successful 2020 Direct Tax Vivad se Viswas will be followed by the 2024 scheme to reduce litigations further. The scheme though announced yet to come in force on a date to be notified by the Central Govt. The starting and end date of the scheme shall be announced very soon.

Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Scheme Key points

Main Objective

The main objective of the scheme to resolve the pending income tax disputes by depositing a portion of the disputed tax, interest and penalties. The aim is to provide immediate relief to the taxpayers vide the speeding up the resolution process for pending disputes before various tax appellate forums

Eligibility

As of July 22, 2024, all pending disputes/appeals are before Supreme Court, High Court, ITAT, Commissioner (Appeals), or DRP. Except a few exclusions, the scheme covers disputes/appeals filed by any of the taxpayer and/or tax authorities.

Application

The eligible taxpayers may file a declaration in the prescribed form with the designated authority. The designated authority shall determine the tax arrears and issue a certificate stating the tax arrears payable within 15 days. The taxpayer is required to deposit the arrear payable within 15 days from the date of receipt of such certificate.   

Arrear Payment

In the previous Direct tax VSV Scheme, taxpayers were required to pay a percentage of the disputed tax, but received full waivers on penalties and interest. The amount payable depends on the timing of the settlement and the type of dispute. If the scheme is opted on or before 31.12.2024, only 100% of the disputed tax will be in question. Persons will be charged a little more in disputed tax if they opt for the scheme after December 31, 2024 but before its closure.

In case the dispute is about Interest, Penalty or Fee i.e. non tax disputes, only 25% of such non tax arrear is payable if the scheme is opted on or before 313.12.2024 and 30% if after 31.03.2024.

Immunity and Settlement

Under this scheme, the taxpayer is granted immunity from further prosecution, penalties, and interest for resolving disputes. After filing the declaration and making the payment, the appellants before relevant forums (such as High Courts or ITAT) will withdraw their pending appeals.

Exclusions

As we have discussed earlier, some of the litigations are not eligible under VsV 2024 like cases involving search and seizure operations, where prosecution under any law has been initiated, undisclosed foreign income or assets and cases received in DTAA.

Conclusion

The Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Scheme 2024 improves upon the previous VSV Scheme by efficiently resolving tax disputes cost-effectively. It waives interest and penalties and avoid further litigation.

The government will soon announce closure dates for the scheme, along with notifications and clarifications, to maximize benefits for taxpayers.

Disclaimer:

This document is general information and is not intended to be advice or legal opinion on any matter. Readers should seek appropriate professional advice before acting on the basis of any information contained herein.

A Guide to Section 194T : TDS on Payments to Partners

Section 194T of the Income Tax Act 1961 covers TDS deduction on partner payments by firms. It is crucial for firms and partners to comprehend this segment to adhere to the tax laws of India.

What is Section 194T?

Section 194T covers income tax paid by firms or LLPs to partners as salary, commission, interest, or remuneration.. It requires firms to subtract TDS that is payable before making such payments to partners. This makes sure that the incomes of partners are taxed under income taxation of India.

The following are the main features of the section :

Why TDS Matters Under Section 194T

The tax referred to as TDS that is paid under Section 194T makes it possible for government to recover its taxes directly from the firms before reaching the partners. This reduces chances of tax evasion and ensures that the provisions of the income tax laws are followed.

For partners, this means they receive income after the tax has been deducted from the income received, thus making it convenient for the partners to handle the tax issue at the end of the financial year. It also reduces the burden of depositing large amounts of taxes at a go because TDS is made progressively.

Example of Section 194T in Action

If a firm pays ₹50,000 as commission to a partner, it has to deduct 10% TDS which is payable on ₹50,000 and it will be ₹5,000. The partner gets ₹45,000 and ₹5,000 is paid to the government as TDS amount. Here’s a table that illustrates this:

Payment to PartnerTDS Deducted (10%)Net Payment to Partner
₹50,000₹5,000₹45,000
This will help to ensure that income taxation is in compliance with the laws of India as provided by the Income Tax Act of 1961.

Conclusion

Section 194T is a very important section in the context of income taxation in India especially for partnership concerns. The firms ensure compliance with the Income Tax Act 1961 by deducting TDS payment on partner income. This provision is very important for firms to be in touch with to avoid penalties and to make proper filings of taxes. The knowledge of the right income tax rates and TDS payable assists both the firms and the partners in the efficient management of their taxes.

Choosing Wisely: Old Tax Regime vs. New Tax Regime in 2024

Starting of a new financial year not only brings a new opportunity in India but also the time to pay income tax for the financial year. It can be a very emotional period that can often be tinged with sadness. We all look forward to the end of the year and the closing of account books but tax laws may not always be welcome. One of the biggest decisions many taxpayers face is which income tax regime to choose: the present one or the new one adopted recently. It is essential to understand the differences between both options because it can be quite confusing at first sight. But, at Book My Accountant we know that. This article aims to clarify the two available income tax systems to avoid confusion. This article will break down the primary differences between the old and new laws so that you can make a better choice for the following tax year, i.e. , AY 2024-25.

Understanding Income Tax Regimes

India offers two main tax regimes for individual taxpayers:

  • Old Tax Regime: This conventional type of tax system enables different deductions and exemptions that can drastically cut down the taxable income. Many of the normally allowed deductions are, for instance, investments in Public Provident Fund (PPF), Employee Provident Fund (EPF), National Pension System (NPS), health insurance premiums, and home loan interest payments.
  • New Tax Regime: Under Budget 2020, this new regime is a shorter one where the tax rates are lower than the old one. Nevertheless, it is accompanied by the downside, which is the removal of most deductions and exemptions.

Choosing the Right Regime: A Balancing Act is the act of keeping weight on both sides of a vessel in order to maintain its stability.

There is no single-answer solution for the tax system that applies to everyone. The optimal decision for you is determined by your own financial situation.

Income Tax Regimes

Income Tax Slab Comparison (FY 2023-24, AY 2024-25)

The income tax you pay depends on the tax slab you fall under.

Comparison of the income tax slabs for both regimes, Income Tax Slabs
Comparison of the income tax slabs for both regimes

Let Book My Accountant do the heavy lifting for you so you can choose the best option.

Selecting the better tax system can profoundly affect your tax burden. On top of that, our certified tax consultants can evaluate your income, deductions, and investments to put forward the most economical tax regime for you. We offer a range of tax services, including:

  • The keynote discussion will be on the comparison of tax return filing for the old and new regimes.
  • The planning and optimization of tax are the first steps in the process of organizing your money.
  • More assistance in claiming deductions and exemptions is the next step.
  • Provide assistance in tax computation and e-filing.

Don’t attempt to tackle the tax filing on your own.
Contact Book My Accountant for a Consultation and let us be your tax saver!