Determination of Time and Place of Supply of Goods and Services

The Determination of the time and place of supply of goods and services is crucial under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime in India. It plays a significant role in ascertaining when the tax liability arises and in which tax period it needs to be reported. Both time and place of supply have specific rules and guidelines laid out in the GST law.

The determination of the time and place of supply is fundamental for businesses to accurately calculate their GST liabilities and comply with the GST law. These rules provide a structured framework for businesses to understand when and where the tax liability arises in the course of their transactions. It is essential for businesses to be aware of these rules to ensure accurate reporting and adherence to compliance requirements under the GST regime.

Determination of Time of Supply:

The time of supply for goods and services is crucial for calculating when the tax liability arises. It is determined based on the earliest of the following events:

1. Invoice Issuance:

The date of issue of the invoice or the last date on which the invoice should have been issued, whichever is earlier.

2. Payment Receipt:

The date on which the payment is received by the supplier.

3. Goods Delivery:

The date on which the goods are delivered to the recipient or any other person on the direction of the recipient, where the supplier is liable to supply the goods or, in case of continuous supply, the date on which the goods are made available to the recipient.

4. Due Date of Invoice:

The date on which the supplier receives payment or the due date of the invoice, whichever is earlier, when the invoice is not issued within the prescribed time.

5. Continuous Supply:

For continuous supply of services, each successive event mentioned above is considered to be the time of supply.

The time of supply rules ensures that the tax liability arises at the earliest of these events, ensuring clarity in reporting and compliance.

Determination of Place of Supply:

The place of supply is crucial for determining the applicability of Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) in case of interstate transactions. It is determined based on the nature of the supply, i.e., whether it is an intra-state or inter-state supply.

1. Intra-State Supply (Within the Same State):

The place of supply for goods and services in an intra-state supply is the location of the recipient.

2. Inter-State Supply (Between Different States):

   • The place of supply for goods is the location where the goods are delivered.
   • The place of supply for services is the location of the recipient, where the recipient is registered, or where the recipient has a fixed establishment.

3. Services Relating to Immovable Property:

In the case of services related to immovable property, the place of supply is the location of the immovable property.

4. Performance-Based Services:

For performance-based services, the place of supply is the location where the services are performed.

5. Services Provided at More than One Location:

If the services are provided at more than one location, the place of supply is the location of the supplier’s main establishment.

The place of supply rules are designed to ensure that the appropriate state or union territory collects the tax on the transaction.