The eligibility of Input Tax Credit (ITC) on the purchase of Plywoods, Mica, Fevicol & Paints used in making a tiles display stand depends on how the stand is treated and the nature of its use in business, in light of Section 17(5) of the CGST Act, 2017.
Legal Analysis: Section 17(5)(c) and (d) of the CGST Act, 2017 restrict ITC on:
- Works contract services when supplied for construction of immovable property (except where it is an input service for further supply of works contract service), and
- Goods or services received for construction of immovable property (other than plant and machinery) on own account, even if used in the course or furtherance of business.
Key Considerations:
- Nature of the Asset (Movable or Immovable):
- If the display stand is fixed to the floor, but can be removed, relocated, or restructured without substantial damage or civil construction, it may be treated as a movable asset.
- Since the structure is frequently altered and moved depending on tile sizes, it shows characteristics of a movable fixture rather than a permanently fixed immovable property.
- Purpose of Use:
- The display stand is used in the course or furtherance of business, specifically for marketing and customer presentation, which supports business activities.
- Capitalisation in Books:
- Though it is capitalised as "Showroom Display Fixtures", the accounting treatment is not the sole criterion for ITC eligibility. What matters more is whether the asset qualifies as immovable property under GST law.
Conclusion – ITC Eligibility:
Based on the facts provided:
- The display stand appears to be movable and used for business promotion.
- Since it is not an immovable property, and no civil works or permanent affixation is involved, the restriction under Section 17(5)(c)/(d)does not apply.
- Hence, ITC on inputs like Plywoods, Mica, Fevicol, and Paints used for making the stand is allowable, provided other general conditions for availing ITC are satisfied (like possession of tax invoice, actual receipt of goods/services, etc.).