ITC ON SOLAR PLANT - GST CENTRAL AUDIT TEAM WANT TO REVERSED AND CHARGE INTEREST

[RAVI MUNDRA]

We installed a solar power system at our manufacturing plant in the 2020-21 financial year. During a recent GST audit, the department has raised an objection and is demanding a reversal of Input Tax Credit (ITC) claimed on this solar installation. What potential grounds might the GST department be citing for this ITC reversal, and what would be the best course of action/solution to defend our ITC claim or minimize any potential liability?

 

[YAGAY and SUN]

The objection raised by the GST Department in respect of Input Tax Credit (ITC) claimed on the solar power system installed at the manufacturing premises in FY 2020–21 is likely premised on the restrictive provisions of Section 17(5)(d) of the CGST Act, 2017. This clause disallows ITC on goods or services used for construction of immovable property (other than plant and machinery) on one’s own account. The department may contend that the solar installation constitutes immovable property, thereby attracting the ITC restriction.

However, the statutory explanation to Section 17 clarifies that "plant and machinery" includes equipment and apparatus affixed to the earth by foundation or structural support, used in business operations. Solar generating systems, when used for captive power to support taxable manufacturing activity, fall within this definition. Judicial rulings, including Solex Energy Ltd. v. State of Gujarat, have recognized such installations as eligible plant and machinery, not civil structures. The mere attachment of the system to land or rooftops does not, by itself, render the asset immovable if it retains separability and serves a functional business use.

To defend the ITC claim, the assessee must substantiate that the solar system is capitalized as plant and machinery, not as part of building or civil works. Supporting evidence such as vendor invoices, CA certifications (non-claim of depreciation on tax component), asset registers, and consumption data linking power generation to manufacturing must be furnished. Technical specifications showing modularity and detachability of the system can reinforce the argument.

If a show cause notice is issued, a detailed legal response citing the Explanation to Section 17 and relevant case law should be submitted. In case of an adverse order, the matter may be appealed under Section 107. If reversal is made under protest, interest and penalty may be challenged under Section 73 by demonstrating absence of wilful default or suppression.

Conclusively, if the solar installation is used in the course of business and qualifies as plant and machinery, the ITC should be legally admissible. Proper classification, documentation, and a reasoned legal reply will be key to defending the claim.

[RAVI MUNDRA]

Dear Sir, 

Thanks for your Reply. But as per yesterdays discussion with GSt Department, the are disallowing on the basis of

Electricity Supply Exempt from GST; ITC Claim on Solar Power Denied by AAR

Tamil Nadu Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) recently ruled on the input tax credit (ITC) eligibility of Kanishk Steel Industries Limited regarding their solar power plant. The company, engaged in steel manufacturing, sought clarification on whether ITC could be availed on goods and services used for the design, installation, and maintenance of a 10.2 MW solar power plant. The plant was intended for captive consumption, with generated electricity transferred to TANGEDCO, which would provide credits against the company?
 

Request you to Please guide

[KASTURI SETHI]

Dear Querist,

In order to contest the objection of the Audit, read the following decisions of AARs word for word. Although the decision of AAR/AAAAR has not precedential value yet it has persuasive value. Each case has different facts and circumstances.  You can extract strong points in your favour from these decisions.

2020 (10) TMI 808 - AUTHORITY FOR ADVANCE RULING, TAMILNADU - IN RE : KUMARAN OIL MILL

 

[KASTURI SETHI]

2024 (1) TMI 659 - AUTHORITY FOR ADVANCE RULING, GUJARAT - IN RE : UNIQUE WELDING PRODUCTS (P.) LTD.

 

[KASTURI SETHI]

2023 (10) TMI 473 - APPELLATE AUTHORITY FOR ADVANCE RULING, GUJARAT - IN RE : THE VARACHHA CO-OP. BANK LTD.

 

[Shilpi Jain]

If the power is capitvely consumed for making a taxable supply finally, then credit should be eligible.

AI Summary

Input tax credit on solar installations: classification as plant and machinery determines GST eligibility and audit defence.
ITC on a solar generating system is contested as construction of immovable property; the defence rests on the statutory explanation that equipment affixed by foundation used in business qualifies as plant and machinery. The assessee must show capitalization as plant and machinery, provide invoices, asset registers, CA certifications, technical specifications demonstrating modularity and detachability, and operational data proving captive consumption for taxable manufacturing. Reliance on persuasive AAR and judicial decisions and a detailed legal reply to any show cause notice are recommended, with appeals and challenges to interest or penalty to follow if necessary.