Advance Ruling under GST is a legal mechanism that provides clarity and certainty to taxpayers regarding the applicability of GST laws and regulations. Advance Ruling allows businesses to obtain a ruling from an authoritative body on the taxability of a transaction or activity before it is carried out. This helps businesses avoid tax litigation and promotes transparency and fairness in the tax system. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the concept of Advance Ruling under GST, its importance, and the process of seeking an Advance Ruling.

What is Advance Ruling under GST?

Advance Ruling under GST is a legal mechanism that allows taxpayers to seek clarification on various GST-related matters. This mechanism is designed to provide certainty and clarity to taxpayers regarding the applicability of GST laws and regulations. It is a system that helps taxpayers avoid and handle GST litigation and provides them with a clear understanding of the GST implications of their actions.

Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR)

The Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) is the statutory body responsible for issuing advance rulings under GST. The AAR is a quasi-judicial body that is empowered to issue rulings on matters related to GST. The AAR operates at both the central and state levels.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has introduced an online platform for taxpayers to file applications for advance rulings. The online platform has made the process of seeking advance rulings much simpler and more efficient.

What is the significance of Advance Ruling under GST?

The significance of Advance Ruling under GST is twofold. Firstly, it helps taxpayers avoid litigation by providing clarity on the GST implications of their actions. Secondly, it promotes transparency and fairness in the tax system by ensuring that all taxpayers are treated equally.

By seeking an advance ruling, taxpayers can avoid the risk of committing errors in the interpretation of the GST laws and regulations. This, in turn, can help them avoid unnecessary litigation and associated costs. Moreover, an advance ruling provides clarity on the tax implications of a particular transaction or activity, which can help businesses make informed decisions.

Advance Ruling under GST also promotes transparency and fairness in the tax system. It ensures that all taxpayers are treated equally and that the tax authorities apply the GST laws and regulations consistently. By providing clarity on the applicability of GST laws, advance rulings help prevent any potential discrimination against taxpayers.

What are the types of matters on which Advance Ruling can be sought?

Advance Ruling under GST can be sought on a variety of matters. Some of the common matters on which advance rulings are sought include:

• Classification of any goods and services or both under the act.
• Determination of time, value, and supply of goods and services.
• Applicability of a notification that affects the tax rate.
• Whether input tax credit of tax paid or deemed to be paid.
• Whether the applicant is required to be registered.
• Determination of the liability to pay tax on any goods or services or both.
• Whether any particular transaction is a supply of goods or services or both.

These are just some of the matters on which advance rulings can be sought. Any matter related to GST can be the subject of an advance ruling.

What is the process of seeking Advance Ruling under GST?

In order to seek an advance ruling under GST, the taxpayer must file an application in the prescribed format, which is FORM GST ARA-01. Along with the application, a fee of Rs. 5,000 must be paid. The application must contain all the relevant details and supporting documents related to the matter on which the ruling is sought.

It is important to note that an advance ruling decision will be given within 90 days from the date of the application. If the members of the Authority differ in opinion on any point, they will refer the point to the Appellate Authority for a decision.

Furthermore, it is essential to understand that an advance ruling will have a prospective effect only. This means that the ruling will apply only to the transaction or activity that is the subject of the ruling and not to any past transactions or activities.

Applicability of Advance Ruling

The Advance Ruling mechanism is available to all registered taxpayers, non-registered persons who are required to be registered, and those who intend to undertake a transaction in the future. The ruling obtained from AAR or AAAR is binding only in respect of the taxpayer who sought it, and in respect of the transaction or activity in question. The ruling is not binding on any other taxpayer or the tax authorities in respect of any other transaction or activity.

Limitations of Advance Ruling under GST

While Advance Ruling provides clarity and certainty to taxpayers, it has certain limitations. The ruling is applicable only to the specific transaction or activity that is the subject of the ruling, and not to any other transaction or activity. Additionally, an advance ruling will have a prospective effect only, meaning that it will apply only to future transactions or activities.

Jurisdiction for Advance Ruling

The taxpayer must approach the Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) or the Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling (AAAR) for seeking an Advance Ruling. The AAR and AAAR have been constituted at the state and central levels, and the jurisdiction for seeking an Advance Ruling will depend on the location of the taxpayer and the nature of the transaction or activity.

Also read: Appeal to Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling under GST

Appeal against Advance Ruling

If the taxpayer is not satisfied with the ruling given by the AAR, an appeal can be filed before the AAAR. The appeal must be filed within 30 days of the receipt of the advance ruling. The AAAR will then examine the appeal and give a decision on the matter.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Advance Ruling under GST is a legal mechanism that provides certainty and clarity to taxpayers regarding the applicability of GST laws and regulations. It helps businesses avoid litigation and promotes transparency and fairness in the tax system. The process of seeking Advance Ruling is straightforward, and taxpayers must file an application in the prescribed format with the AAR. The ruling is binding on the taxpayer, the jurisdictional GST officer, and the government, and it will have a prospective effect only. By seeking an advance ruling, businesses can make informed decisions and avoid potential errors in the interpretation of the GST laws and regulations.

How can IRIS LMS help you?

IRIS LMS is a Litigation Management Solution (LMS) developed by IRIS in association with DAA Consulting, a specialized Indirect Tax Consulting Organization with in-depth experience in litigation, knowledge of the subject and an understanding of the practical difficulties faced by various industries.

IRIS-DAA have combined their individual strengths of Technology and Subject Matter Experiences & Expertise to develop a robust product anticipating the needs of the industry in light of the faceless assessments under GST which is in pipeline.

LMS is a cloud-based litigation management software with Artificial Intelligence, a proactive alert mechanism, extensive reporting and an analytics dashboard for enterprises.

LMS is here to assist you in facing GST departmental audits and efficiently manage GST litigation.

Further, Integration through API with GSTN Portal is under request with GSTN to enable better tracking.

What can you do with IRIS LMS?

1. Track: Status of Litigations on real-time basis at GSTIN Level
2. Store: Complete trail of Litigation from 1st Letter to Replies, Hearing Proceedings to Final Order
3. Retrieve: Data through friendly UI with custom categorizations
4. Archive: GST Returns Data and Various Reconciliations to handle Departmental Audit in the future
5. Alerts: For various Due Dates for Pending Replies, Appeals, Personal Hearings, Written Submissions