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Input Tax Credit (ITC) – An Overview

Input Tax Credit (ITC) is a mechanism under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) law that allows businesses to claim a credit for the tax paid on inputs (goods or services) used to provide taxable goods or services. The ITC system ensures that the tax paid at each stage of the supply chain is offset, thereby reducing the cascading effect of taxes on the final consumer.

Reduce Tax Burden: ITC helps businesses avoid paying taxes multiple times on the same product or service by allowing credit on taxes paid at each stage.
Boost Cash Flow: With ITC, businesses can recover the tax paid on inputs, leading to improved cash flow and liquidity.
Enhance Compliance: It encourages businesses to maintain proper documentation and timely filing of returns, ensuring tax compliance.

Documents Required for Claiming ITC


To successfully claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) under GST, the following conditions and documents must be met:

GST Invoice for Goods or Services Purchased

Payment of Taxes to the Government (Proof of Payment)

Proper GST Returns Filed (GSTR-1, GSTR-2A, etc.)

Goods or Services Should Be Used for Business Purpose (Not Personal Use)

Input Tax Credit Timeline


The timeline for claiming ITC is tied to the filing of GST returns. ITC can be claimed within the due date of filing the GST returns for the month or quarter in which the goods or services were received.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Input Tax Credit (ITC)?

Input Tax Credit (ITC) is the tax paid on inputs (goods and services) that can be claimed back by businesses under the GST regime, provided the goods or services are used for taxable business purposes.

Is ITC Available on All Goods and Services?

No, ITC is not available on all goods and services. For example, ITC on certain items like food and beverages or motor vehicles is restricted, as per GST provisions.

What Happens If I Don’t Claim ITC on Time?

If ITC is not claimed within the prescribed time limit, you lose the benefit of claiming the credit. However, you can claim it in the subsequent period if the return is filed within the time frame.