GST Refund Processing for UIN Entities: Key Insights from Circular No. 36/10/2018-GST
<h2><span><strong>Key Highlights of the Circular</strong></span></h2><h3><span><strong>1. Status of Registration for UIN Entities</strong></span></h3><ul><li><span><strong>Entities with UINs are not considered registered persons under GST.</strong></span></li><li><span>UINs are granted solely to <strong>claim refunds on GST paid for inward supplies</strong> (goods or services received).</span></li><li><span>If a UIN entity engages in commercial activities, it must obtain a <strong>regular GSTIN</strong>.</span></li><li><span><strong>Application for UIN:</strong></span><ul><li><span>Entities must apply electronically using <strong>FORM GST REG-13</strong> on the GST portal.</span></li><li><span>Due to technical delays, UIN applications can also be processed via the <strong>Protocol Division, Ministry of External Affairs</strong>.</span></li><li><span>UIN registration is <strong>optional</strong>, and an entity may seek <strong>multiple UINs</strong> if required.</span></li></ul></li></ul><h3><span><strong>2. Filing GST Returns for UIN Entities</strong></span></h3><ul><li><span><strong>UIN entities must file GST returns using FORM GSTR-11.</strong></span></li><li><span><strong>Returns are only required for tax periods in which a refund claim is made.</strong></span></li><li><span>If no refund is claimed for a specific period, there is <strong>no obligation to file GSTR-11</strong>.</span></li></ul><h3><span><strong>3. Procedure for Claiming Refunds</strong></span></h3><ul><li><span><strong>Eligibility:</strong> Only UIN entities notified under <strong>Section 55 of the CGST Act</strong> can claim a refund.</span></li><li><span>Refund claims must comply with <strong>Notification No. 16/2017-Central Tax (Rate)</strong>.</span></li><li><span><strong>Required Forms:</strong></span><ul><li><span><strong>FORM RFD-10</strong>: Filed quarterly for refund applications.</span></li><li><span><strong>FORM GSTR-11</strong>: Must be submitted with the refund claim, detailing inward supplies.</span></li></ul></li><li><span>Refund applications must be submitted to the <strong>jurisdictional Central Tax Commissionerate</strong>.</span></li><li><span><strong>Processing of Refunds:</strong></span><ul><li><span>Refunds will be processed <strong>exclusively by Central Tax authorities</strong>, regardless of the tax type (CGST, SGST, IGST, or Cess).</span></li><li><span>A <strong>designated nodal officer</strong> in each state is responsible for processing claims (contact details provided in Annexure A of the circular).</span></li><li><span><strong>Multiple UIN Mergers:</strong> If an entity previously had multiple UINs merged into one, refund claims for the old UINs must still be processed under the new UIN.</span></li></ul></li></ul><h3><span><strong>4. Refund Order and Settlement Process</strong></span></h3><ul><li><span><strong>Centralized refund processing:</strong> The facility of a single UIN ensures that all refunds are centrally managed.</span></li><li><span>Field officers must ensure proper documentation, including <strong>certificates and undertakings</strong>.</span></li><li><span>A <strong>monthly report</strong> on refund processing must be submitted to the <strong>Director General of Goods and Services Tax (GST)</strong> by the <strong>30th of each month</strong>.</span></li><li><p><span>A copy of each refund order must be shared with <strong>State Tax counterparts</strong> for informational purposes.</span></p><p><a href="https://cms.plasament.com/storage/shubham-pathak/circularno-36-cgst.pdf">circularno-36-cgst</a><br> </p></li></ul>