Refund of Tax Wrongfully Paid: Circular No. 162/18/2021-GST
<p><span>The Ministry of Finance, via Circular No. 162/18/2021-GST dated 25th September 2021, clarifies issues regarding the refund of tax wrongfully paid as specified in Section 77(1) of the CGST Act and Section 19(1) of the IGST Act. Here are the key highlights:</span></p><p><span><strong>1. Understanding Sections 77 and 19</strong></span></p><ul><li><span><strong>Section 77 of the CGST Act</strong>: If a registered person has paid central and state tax (or central and union territory tax) on a transaction considered as an intra-State supply but later found to be an inter-State supply, they shall be refunded the wrongly paid amount.</span></li><li><span><strong>Section 19 of the IGST Act</strong>: Conversely, if a registered person has paid integrated tax on a supply considered as an inter-State supply but later found to be an intra-State supply, they shall be granted a refund of the wrongly paid amount.</span></li></ul><p><span><strong>2. Interpretation of "Subsequently Held"</strong></span></p><ul><li><span>The term "subsequently held" covers both cases where the taxpayer or the tax officer determines that a supply initially considered as inter-State or intra-State is later found to be intra-State or inter-State, respectively.</span></li><li><span>Refund claims can be made in either scenario, provided the taxpayer pays the required tax under the correct head.</span></li></ul><p><span><strong>3. Relevant Date for Claiming Refund</strong></span></p><ul><li><span>The taxpayer can file a refund application within two years from the date of payment of the tax under the correct head.</span></li><li><span>For payments made before the issuance of notification No. 35/2021-Central Tax dated 24.09.2021, the refund application can be filed within two years from 24.09.2021.</span></li></ul><p><span><strong>4. Illustrative Scenarios</strong></span></p><ul><li><span>The circular provides various scenarios to illustrate the application of the provisions, including self-realization by the taxpayer or findings by the tax officer.</span></li></ul><p><span><strong>5. Exclusions</strong></span></p><ul><li><span>Refunds under Section 77 of the CGST Act or Section 19 of the IGST Act are not available if the taxpayer has made tax adjustments through the issuance of credit notes under Section 34 of the CGST Act.</span></li></ul><p><span><strong>Conclusion</strong> Circular No. 162/18/2021-GST provides much-needed clarity on the refund of taxes wrongfully paid, ensuring uniform implementation and compliance with GST laws. By understanding these provisions, businesses can claim refunds effectively and avoid potential pitfalls.</span> <a href="https://cms.plasament.com/storage/circular-20no-20162-18-2021-gst.pdf">circular_20no._20162_18_2021_gst</a><br> </p>