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GSTR-6: Return for Input Service Distributors (ISD) – A Detailed Guide 2025

 



Introduction

GSTR-6 is a monthly GST return filed by Input Service Distributors (ISD) to distribute Input Tax Credit (ITC) on services received to their branches or units.

It is mandatory for all taxpayers registered as ISD under GST and helps businesses manage tax credits effectively while ensuring compliance with GST laws.


Who is an Input Service Distributor (ISD)?

An Input Service Distributor (ISD) is a business that receives invoices for input services and distributes the tax credit to its branches or units that have the same PAN but different GSTINs.

Example of an ISD

  • A company's head office in Mumbai receives an invoice for consulting services worth ₹1,00,000 with ₹18,000 GST.
  • The head office does not provide outward supplies but distributes this ITC to its branches in Delhi and Chennai.
  • The Mumbai office files GSTR-6 and passes ITC to the Delhi and Chennai branches based on their usage.

Who Needs to File GSTR-6?

Only Input Service Distributors (ISDs) registered under GST must file GSTR-6.

Who is NOT Required to File GSTR-6?

  • Regular GST taxpayers
  • Composition scheme taxpayers
  • Non-Resident Taxable Persons (NRTPs)
  • E-commerce operators

Due Date for Filing GSTR-6 (2025 Updated)

  • GSTR-6 must be filed by the 13th of the following month.

Example:

  • GSTR-6 for January 2025 must be filed by 13th February 2025.

Late Fee: ₹50 per day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST) for delays, with a maximum of ₹10,000.


Details to be Reported in GSTR-6

GSTR-6 consists of multiple sections where businesses must enter details about ITC received, distributed, and reversed.

1. Basic Information

  • GSTIN of the ISD
  • Legal name and trade name
  • Tax period (month and year)

2. Details of ITC Received (Auto-Populated from GSTR-1 & GSTR-5)

  • Invoice details of input services received from suppliers
  • Supplier GSTIN, invoice number, date, taxable value, and GST amount
  • Separate columns for CGST, SGST, IGST, and Cess

3. Total ITC Available for Distribution

  • Consolidated ITC available for CGST, SGST, IGST, and Cess
  • Auto-calculated based on ITC received from suppliers

4. ITC Distribution to Branches (GSTIN-wise)

  • Amount of ITC distributed to each branch/unit
  • GSTIN of recipient branches
  • Separate distribution of CGST, SGST, IGST, and Cess

5. ITC Reversal (If Any)

  • Details of any ITC that needs to be reversed due to incorrect credit claims

6. Late Fees & Interest (If Applicable)

  • Late fees, if the return is filed after the due date

Step-by-Step Process to File GSTR-6

Step 1: Login to GST Portal

Step 2: Select GSTR-6

  • Go to the Returns Dashboard, select the return filing period, and choose GSTR-6.

Step 3: Verify Auto-Populated Data

  • Details of ITC received from suppliers appear automatically from GSTR-1 & GSTR-5 filed by vendors.

Step 4: Enter ITC Distribution Details

  • Enter the GSTIN of recipient branches and distribute ITC accordingly.

Step 5: Verify Tax Calculations

  • Ensure correct distribution of CGST, SGST, IGST, and Cess.

Step 6: Submit & File the Return

  • Click "Submit", verify the details, and file the return using DSC or OTP-based verification (EVC).

Example of GSTR-6 Filing

Example Business Details

  • Company: XYZ Ltd. (Registered as ISD in Mumbai)
  • Service Received: Consulting services from ABC Pvt. Ltd.
  • Invoice Amount: ₹2,00,000
  • GST Paid: ₹36,000 (18% GST: CGST ₹18,000 + SGST ₹18,000)
  • Branches Using ITC: Delhi (60%) & Chennai (40%)

ITC Distribution in GSTR-6

Branch

GSTIN

CGST Distributed

SGST Distributed

Total ITC Distributed

Delhi

07ABCDE1234F1Z5

₹10,800

₹10,800

₹21,600

Chennai

33ABCDE1234F1Z7

₹7,200

₹7,200

₹14,400

Total

-

₹18,000

₹18,000

₹36,000

  • XYZ Ltd. distributes ITC worth ₹36,000 to Delhi and Chennai branches.
  • Delhi branch claims ₹21,600, and Chennai branch claims ₹14,400 as ITC.

Penalties for Late Filing of GSTR-6

Late Fee:

  • ₹50 per day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST).
  • Maximum penalty: ₹10,000 per return.

Additional Interest:

  • 18% per annum on the outstanding tax amount.

Consequences of Non-Filing:

  • Branches cannot claim ITC on distributed services.
  • Tax liability increases, affecting cash flow.
  • Legal action by tax authorities.

Key Differences Between GSTR-6 and Other GST Returns

Feature

GSTR-6

GSTR-3B

GSTR-1

Who Files?

Input Service Distributors (ISD)

Regular taxpayers

Regular taxpayers

Filing Frequency

Monthly

Monthly

Monthly/Quarterly

Includes ITC Distribution?

Yes

No

No

Includes Outward Supplies?

No

Yes

Yes

Late Fee

₹50/day

₹50/day

₹50/day


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can ITC be distributed to branches in different states?

Yes, ITC can be distributed to branches located in different states, but IGST must be used for interstate distribution.

2. What happens if ITC is distributed incorrectly?

Incorrectly distributed ITC must be reversed in future GSTR-6 returns.

3. Can an ISD claim ITC on goods?

No, an ISD can only claim ITC on input services (not goods).

4. Can an ISD distribute ITC without filing GSTR-6?

No, ITC cannot be distributed until GSTR-6 is filed.

5. Can an ISD claim a refund?

No, an ISD cannot claim a refund because ITC is distributed, not utilized.


Conclusion

GSTR-6 is essential for businesses registered as ISDs to distribute ITC properly to their branches.

  • Filed monthly by the 13th.
  • Includes ITC received, distributed, and reversed.
  • Failure to file results in penalties and compliance issues.


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