Thank you for clearly stating your business model — this is a very practical scenario and quite common in electronics and FMCG distribution chains. Let's carefully address your two questions under the GST framework in India.
📌 Business Summary (for clarity):
- You purchase a fridge from the manufacturer at ₹25,000 + applicable GST.
- You sell to the customer at ₹24,000.
- The manufacturer compensates you ₹1,500 at the end of the month via credit note.
- Your effective margin = ₹500.
- You are paying GST on your sale value of ₹24,000, but claiming ITC on ₹25,000.
Now let’s address your specific questions.
🔹 Question 1: Do I need to reverse ITC of ₹1,000 that got accumulated? If yes, to whom?
✅ Answer: No, ITC reversal is not required — if the following conditions are met:
- You paid full GST on your purchase invoice (on ₹25,000).
- The manufacturer issued a credit note for the ₹1,500 under Section 34 of the CGST Act with GST adjustment, and:
- The credit note is reported in GSTR-1 by the manufacturer.
- You accept the same in your GSTR-2B/GSTR-3B.
🔄 When Reversal Is Required:
If the credit note issued by the manufacturer does not reduce the GST component, and is a pure commercial credit note (non-GST impact), then:
- You retain full ITC.
- You do not reverse any GST.
But if GST is adjusted in the credit note (i.e., manufacturer reverses outward tax liability on that ₹1,500), then you must also reverse proportionate ITC (on ₹1,500, say 18% = ₹270) in your GSTR-3B.
🔧 Your case likely:
- Since your sale price is lower, and the manufacturer adjusts with a credit note, you must check:
- Whether the credit note includes GST (i.e., is it ₹1,500 + GST or ₹1,500 inclusive?)
- If GST is reduced, proportionate ITC reversal is mandatory.
- Otherwise, if it’s a pure commercial incentive, no ITC reversal is needed.
So, check the credit note structure.
🔹 Question 2: Should I raise invoice at ₹25,000 and show ₹1,000 discount on the invoice?
✅ Correct Way Under GST:
Yes, you should issue tax invoice to the customer at actual transaction value, i.e., ₹24,000 (your selling price). However, two options are possible:
🔸 Option A – Invoice Value = ₹24,000 (No mention of ₹1,000 discount)
- You issue invoice for ₹24,000 (inclusive or exclusive of GST).
- No discount field shown.
- GST calculated on ₹24,000.
✅ This is fully compliant as per Section 15(1) of CGST Act — “transaction value is price actually paid or payable.”
🔸 Option B – Invoice Value = ₹25,000, Less ₹1,000 Discount = ₹24,000 (With discount shown)
- Invoice shows gross value of ₹25,000.
- Discount ₹1,000 is shown on the face of invoice as per Section 15(3)(a) of CGST Act.
- Net taxable value = ₹24,000.
✅ This is also valid only if discount is known at or before supply, and is recorded in the invoice.
🚫 What you should NOT do:
You should not raise invoice at ₹25,000, collect ₹24,000 from customer, and not show the discount — this would be misleading.
✅ Summary:
Issue | Answer |
Reverse ITC of ₹1,000? | ❌ Not required, unless GST credit note is issued by manufacturer. If yes, reverse proportionate ITC. |
Invoice to customer | ✅ Must be raised at actual selling price — ₹24,000, either directly or via discount shown on invoice. |
SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for this with invoice format and journal entries for business model involving discounted sales, manufacturer credit notes, and accounting reference.
✅ SOP for Selling Goods at Discounted Price with Manufacturer Compensation
Step No. | Business Activity | Details / Action Required | GST & Accounting Treatment |
1 | Purchase of goods from manufacturer | Goods purchased at ₹25,000 + GST (say 18%) | Claim full ITC on ₹25,000 in GSTR-3B |
2 | Sale to customer below cost price | You sell at ₹24,000 (your invoice value) | Issue invoice at actual transaction value (₹24,000). GST charged on ₹24,000. |
3 | Compensation from manufacturer | Manufacturer issues credit note of ₹1,500 at month end | Two possibilities: (a) With GST → You must reverse proportionate ITC (on ₹1,500) (b) Without GST → No ITC reversal needed |
4 | Invoice format to customer | Two options: - Option A: Invoice for ₹24,000 directly - Option B: Invoice for ₹25,000 with ₹1,000 discount shown | Both options valid under GST if discount is pre-agreed. Ensure discount is reflected on the invoice if you use Option B. |
5 | GST Return Filing | File GSTR-1 & 3B as per actual sale (₹24,000), and claim ITC accordingly | If GST credit note received, reverse ITC of GST on ₹1,500 (e.g., 18% = ₹270) in GSTR-3B |
6 | Accounting entries | Example (Option A): Purchase: Inventory A/c Dr ₹25,000 + ITC ₹4,500Sale: Bank/Cash A/c Dr ₹24,000Revenue A/c Cr ₹20,338GST Payable Cr ₹3,662Credit Note: Manufacturer A/c Dr ₹1,500 | Maintain clear ledgers for ITC and credit notes. Reconcile with 2B monthly. |
📌 Notes:
- Always verify whether the credit note issued by manufacturer includes GST.
- If you’re receiving only a commercial credit note, no ITC adjustment is needed.
- Keep all communication/agreements with manufacturer regarding post-sale incentives documented.
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