Clarifications on Taxability of Loan Transactions: Key Insights from Circular No. 218/12/2024-GST
<h3>1. <strong>Definition of Supply for Loan Transactions</strong></h3><p><span>The circular clarifies that the activity of providing loans or advances by an entity to its related entity, whether domestic or overseas, is considered a supply under GST, even if no consideration is charged other than interest or discount. This is based on Section 7 of the CGST Act, read with Schedule I of the Act.</span></p><h3>2. <strong>Exemption on Interest and Discount</strong></h3><p><span>The supply of services by way of extending deposits, loans, or advances, where the consideration is represented solely by interest or discount (excluding credit card services), is exempt from GST as per Notification No. 12/2017-Central Tax (Rate).</span></p><h3>3. <strong>Processing Fees and Other Charges</strong></h3><p><span>The circular emphasizes that any processing fee, administrative charges, or service fees associated with loan processing are taxable under GST. These charges, which cover the administrative costs of loan processing, are not exempt and must be included in the taxable value.</span></p><h3>4. <strong>Related Parties and Loan Processing</strong></h3><p><span>For loans provided between related parties, the circular notes that the usual processes of information gathering and credit assessment may not be necessary, as the required information may already be available within the group. Therefore, no administrative cost may be involved, and such loans may not attract GST on processing services if no additional charges are levied.</span></p><h3>5. <strong>Application of Rule 28</strong></h3><p><span>In cases where no consideration is charged other than interest or discount, the circular clarifies that the transaction cannot be deemed as supply of services for processing, facilitating, or administering the loan. Hence, there is no question of applying open market value for valuation under Rule 28 of the CGST Rules, 2017.</span></p><h3>6. <strong>Taxability of Additional Fees</strong></h3><p><span>If any fee in the nature of processing fee, administrative charges, or service fee is charged over and above the interest or discount, it will be considered as consideration for the supply of services and will be liable to GST.</span> <a href="https://cms.plasament.com/storage/shubham-pathak/circular-no-218-12-2024.pdf">circular-no-218-12-2024</a><br> </p>