Inter-State & Intra-State Supply in GST

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a comprehensive tax system implemented in India on July 1, 2017. It replaced a complex network of indirect taxes with a unified tax structure. One of the key features of GST is the clear distinction between interstate supply and intrastate supply. This article will delve into inter-state and intra-state supply under GST, how they are defined, and their implications for businesses and taxation.

Understanding GST: A Brief Overview

GST is a destination-based tax system, which means that the tax is levied where the goods or services are consumed, as opposed to where they are produced. This departure from the earlier tax system, which was origin-based, has led to the classification of transactions into two broad categories: interstate supply and intrastate supply.

What is Interstate Supply?

Inter-State Supply, as the name suggests, refers to the supply of goods or services from one state to another state. To understand this better, let’s break down the components:

• Inter-State: This implies that the transaction crosses state boundaries. For example, if a business in Tamil Nadu sells goods to a customer in Karnataka, it is considered an Inter-State Supply.
• Supply: This encompasses the transfer of goods, services, or both in exchange for consideration, which could be in the form of money or other value.

It’s important to note that for a transaction to be considered an Interstate Supply, it must meet both these criteria. Now, let’s explore some key aspects of Inter-State Supply:

Key Aspects of Inter-State Supply

1. GST Rate: The GST rate applicable to Inter-State Supplies is known as the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST). This is a tax levied by the central government and is designed to maintain the uniformity of tax rates across states. IGST combines both the central and state taxes, making it a single tax applicable to Inter-State Supplies.
2. Invoice Format: Businesses engaged in Interstate Supply are required to issue invoices following a specific format. These invoices must contain details such as the seller’s GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number), the buyer’s GSTIN, description of goods or services, HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) code, quantity, and value of goods or services, along with the IGST amount.
3. Input Tax Credit (ITC): When a business pays IGST on its purchases in the course of Inter-State Supply, it can claim the IGST paid as Input Tax Credit. This credit can be used to offset the IGST liability on its sales.
4. E-way Bill: For the transportation of goods involved in Interstate Supply, an E-way Bill is mandatory. The E-way Bill is an electronic document generated online for the movement of goods worth more than a specified threshold value.
5. Destination Principle: IGST is levied based on the destination principle. This means that the state where the goods or services are ultimately consumed receives the tax revenue.

What is Intra State Supply?

Intra-state supply, on the other hand, refers to the supply of goods or services within the same state. It includes transactions where both the supplier and the recipient are located within the same state’s jurisdiction. The key components of Intra State Supply are as follows:

• Intra-State: In this case, the transaction takes place entirely within the boundaries of a single state.
• Supply: Just like in Inter State Supply, Intra State Supply covers the transfer of goods, services, or both in exchange for consideration.

Let’s look into some of the essential aspects of Intra State Supply:

Key Aspects of Intra-State Supply

1. GST Rate: In the case of intrastate supply, the tax levied is divided into two components: Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and State Goods and Services Tax (SGST). These taxes are administered by the central and state governments, respectively. The total of CGST and SGST is equivalent to the GST rate applicable for Intra State Supply.
2. Invoice Format: Invoices issued for Intra State Supply need to follow a specific format, similar to Inter-State Supply. They must include details such as the supplier’s GSTIN, the recipient’s GSTIN, a description of the goods or services, HSN code, quantity, value, and the amount of CGST and SGST.
3. Input Tax Credit (ITC): For businesses involved in Intra State Supply, the ITC mechanism allows them to claim credit for the CGST and SGST paid on their purchases. This credit can be used to offset the CGST and SGST liability on their sales.
4. E-way Bill: The requirement for E-way Bills is also applicable for the transportation of goods in Intra State Supply, depending on the state’s specific regulations and the value of the goods.
5. Origin Principle: In the case of Intra State Supply, the tax revenue goes to the state where the supply originates, not the destination. This is in contrast to the destination principle applied in Inter-State Supply.

Real-Life Examples

GST rates for interstate and intrastate supplies in India vary based on the type of goods or services involved. The country has categorized GST rates into four slabs: 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%. There are also specific rates for high-value goods and a nil rate for essential items.

To better understand how GST is applied to interstate and intrastate supplies, let’s dive into some examples:

Interstate GST Rate Example:

Imagine a company, ABC Ltd., located in Jaipur, Rajasthan. They’re supplying mobile phones worth Rs. 1,00,000 to Mumbai, Maharashtra. This transaction is classified as an interstate supply because it crosses state borders. The mobile phones fall under the 18% GST slab.

The calculation for Integrated GST (IGST) is straightforward: Rs. 1,00,000 * 18% = Rs. 18,000. In this case, IGST is collected by ABC Ltd. The IGST amount is then split between the Central Government and the destination state, which is Maharashtra in this instance.

However, if ABC Ltd. were to supply goods from Jaipur, Rajasthan, to a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) unit within Rajasthan, it would still be considered an interstate supply. It’s important to note that all supplies to or from an SEZ unit are categorized as interstate supplies.

Intrastate GST Rate Example:

Now, let’s consider ABC Ltd. in Jaipur, Rajasthan, again. This time, they are supplying mobile phones worth Rs. 2,00,000 to another entity located in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Since both locations are within the same state, this transaction is considered an intrastate supply. The applicable GST rate is 18%, which is further divided into 9% CGST and 9% SGST.

The calculation for both CGST and SGST is as follows: Rs. 2,00,000 * 18% = Rs. 36,000. Out of the total GST amount collected, Rs. 18,000 goes to the Central Government as CGST, and the remaining Rs. 18,000 is paid to the Rajasthan State Government as SGST.

It’s worth noting that CGST and SGST are levied separately by the Central Government and the respective state government. However, when you combine the rates of CGST and SGST, the total tax amount remains the same, whether it’s an interstate or intrastate supply. The only distinction lies in how the tax is distributed between the different levels of government.

Distinguishing Between Inter-State and Intra-State Supply

Distinguishing between Interstate and Intra State Supply is essential for businesses to determine the correct tax treatment, maintain compliance, and calculate the appropriate GST. Here are some key factors to consider when making this distinction:

1. Location of Supplier and Recipient: The primary factor in determining whether a supply is interstate or intra-state is the location of both the supplier and the recipient. If they are in the same state, it’s intra-state; if they are in different states, it’s Inter-State.
2. Place of Supply: Understanding the place of supply is crucial, as it helps determine whether a transaction is Inter-State or intra-state. The place of supply varies based on the nature of goods or services.
3. GSTIN: The Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) of the supplier and recipient is a vital piece of information. It helps verify the location and identity of the parties involved.
4. Invoice Details: Invoices play a critical role in GST compliance. Correctly formatted invoices that include the GSTIN, HSN code, and the applicable GST components (IGST, CGST, and SGST) help in categorizing supplies accurately.
5. Value of Supply: The value of the supply, especially in the context of E-way Bills, plays a significant role. Depending on the value, the need for an E-way Bill may differ.
6. Nature of Supply: Certain supplies, such as services or goods under special schemes, may have specific rules for classification.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between inter-state and intra-state supply is fundamental for businesses operating under the GST regime. Proper classification ensures that the right amount of tax is levied, and businesses can claim Input Tax credits accurately. It also plays a crucial role in compliance, especially in the context of E-way Bills and filing returns. Businesses must stay informed about the evolving regulations and guidelines related to GST to avoid errors and penalties in their transactions.

Related Services

• GST Registration Online
• GST Return Filing Online