Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) Under GST

RCM is also known as Reverse Charge Mechanism. RCM under GST is a mechanism under which the tax liability is to be borne by recipients of the supply of goods and services and not the the supplier of such goods and services.

 

In the case of the RCM under GST, the tax liability is reversed from the regular norm of the GST process. The supplier who sells the goods and services is absolved from paying the tax while the recipient or the buyer becomes liable for paying the tax. This payment includes the GST amount which is later paid to the government by the supplier. 

 

As per the Reverse Charge Mechanism in GST, the tax is paid by the recipient of the goods and services to the government. The Reverse Charge Mechanism in GST is applicable to under select conditions and on specified goods and services.

RCM is also known as Reverse Charge Mechanism. RCM under GST is a mechanism under which the tax liability is to be borne by recipients of the supply of goods and services and not the the supplier of such goods and services.

 

In the case of the RCM under GST, the tax liability is reversed from the regular norm of the GST process. The supplier who sells the goods and services is absolved from paying the tax while the recipient or the buyer becomes liable for paying the tax. This payment includes the GST amount which is later paid to the government by the supplier. 

 

As per the Reverse Charge Mechanism in GST, the tax is paid by the recipient of the goods and services to the government. The Reverse Charge Mechanism in GST is applicable to under select conditions and on specified goods and services.

When is Reverse Charge Applicable?

There are certain conditions under which various goods and services are liable for reverse charges. The conditions in which a Reverse Charge under GST is applicable include:

 

• Unregistered seller to Registered buyer: If the seller is not registered under GST but the recipient who is getting the goods or services is, then the RCM under GST is applicable. The recipient needs to pay the GST directly. They make the invoice for the goods and services bought. If there is an interstate transaction, then the buyer pays IGST, while the buyer pays SGST and CGST as per the rules of reverse charge mechanism in case of intrastate transaction.

• E-commerce: When the e-commerce company provides services, then the Reverse Charge Mechanism applies to that particular e-commerce operator. Since in Ecommerce, many operators do not have an office in the territory, they appoint a representative who becomes the person responsible for paying the GST.

Transportation services provided to the passengers like online cab booking companies are taxable, and accommodation services like hotels, clubs, guest houses, inns, etc. also come under this category. Apart from all of these, housekeeping services like plumbing and carpentry are also included.

 

• Specific Goods: According to the CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs), the RCM GST can also be applicable for certain goods and services. You can find a long list of those goods online. Some of the most common items it contains are cashew nuts, tobacco leaves, bidi wrappers, lottery, raw cotton, etc.

Time of Supply Under RCM 

Talking about the time of supply under RCM, these dates are crucial to know:

Payment date

Date of receiving the goods

On the supplier invoice, the 30th day from the date of issue 

When the supply date is not available, the time of supply can be used as the date of entry as mentioned in the book of the recipient.

In the case of time of supply for services, it is important to know about

 

Payment date

On the supplier invoice, the 60th day from the date of issue 

When the supply date is not available, the time of supply can be used as the date of entry as mentioned in the book of the recipient.

 

Let's understand this with the help of an illustration:

For goods, the time of supply under RCM is as follows:

 

• Date of receipt of goods A is 15th June 2022.

• Date of the invoice is 1st July 2022.

• Date of entry in books of the receiver is July 30th 2022.

As per the above illustration, the supply time of goods will be 15th June 2022.

Registration Rules Under RCM

According to the CGST Act Section 24, if you pay tax under the RCM you must get registered. The same must be done even if your turnover is under the threshold limit.

Input Tax Credit Under RCM

The receiver can use ITC or Input Tax credit on the amount paid under the reverse charge mechanism. The only condition is that the goods and services must be used for business. If the dealer is under RCM, then he is not eligible to claim the tax credit. 

Who Should Pay GST Under RCM?

The person receiving the goods and services needs to pay GST under RCM. This must be mentioned by the supplier in the tax invoice. 

Supplies of Goods as per Reverse Charge Mechanism

Supplies of Services as per Reverse Charge Mechanism

What is Self Invoicing?

Self-invoicing is stated in Section 31(3)(G) of the Income Tax Act. All those goods that fall under reverse charge mechanism in GST and are purchased from unregistered suppliers are applicable for self-invoicing. The purpose of self-invoicing is introduced because the unregistered suppliers cannot issue GST invoice and so, you have to pay the taxes on their behalf. This voucher is issued at the time of making the payment to the receipt. 

Conclusion

Reverse Charge Mechanism or RCM under GST means the liability to pay the tax is on the recipient and not the supplier of goods and services. The type of reverse charge conditions is based on the nature of the supply as well as the nature of the supplier.