Opinion on Indirect Tax Matters
Indirect tax in India today is governed primarily by the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which replaced Value Added Tax (VAT) for most goods and services with effect from July 2017. Hegde Hegde and Associates LLP provides indirect tax advisory covering GST positions, along with residual VAT matters that continue to apply to specific categories of goods in certain states.
Partner reviewedDocumented processBengaluru office
Why Indirect Tax Advisory Matters
GST applies to the supply of most goods and services in India, with classification, place of supply, and input tax credit rules that are not always straightforward for specific transactions. An incorrect position on any of these can result in short payment of tax, denial of input tax credit, or penalty exposure.
VAT continues to apply in a limited number of Indian states to specific goods excluded from GST, such as petroleum products and alcohol for human consumption. Businesses dealing in these goods may still need VAT return filing and related advisory alongside their GST compliance.
Why Businesses Need This Service
- Uncertainty over the correct GST rate, classification, or place of supply for a specific transaction.
- Input tax credit disputes or restrictions requiring a documented advisory position.
- Receipt of a GST scrutiny, audit, or assessment notice requiring a formal response.
- Businesses dealing in petroleum products, alcohol, or other goods still subject to state VAT.
- Cross-border transactions requiring analysis of GST treatment for imports, exports, or SEZ supplies.
- A need for an indirect tax consultant to review existing positions for compliance gaps.
Our Approach
- 01
Assessment
Understanding the specific transaction or indirect tax question.
- 02
Planning
Identifying the applicable GST or VAT provisions and relevant precedent.
- 03
Documentation
Researching classification rulings, circulars, and case law relevant to the matter.
- 04
Execution
Preparing the analysis and forming a reasoned position.
- 05
CA Review
Independent review of the opinion by a senior Chartered Accountant before issuance.
- 06
Compliance Verification
Confirming the opinion aligns with current GST or VAT provisions.
- 07
Reporting
Delivery of a formal written opinion with supporting reasoning.
- 08
Continuous Support
Advisory during assessment, audit, or appellate proceedings arising from the matter.
Scope of Services
- Written opinions on GST classification, rate applicability, and place of supply questions
- Input tax credit eligibility and restriction advisory
- Support in responding to GST scrutiny, audit, and assessment notices
- Advisory and representation support for GST appeals and litigation
- Residual VAT return filing and advisory for petroleum, alcohol, and other goods outside GST
- GST advisory on cross-border transactions, including exports and SEZ supplies
- Periodic indirect tax health-check review of existing positions and filings
Business Benefits
- A documented, defensible basis for indirect tax positions on complex transactions.
- Reduced risk of input tax credit denial or penalty exposure from incorrect classification.
- Improved preparedness for responding to GST scrutiny and assessment proceedings.
- Continued compliance for businesses that still carry residual VAT obligations.
- A consistent indirect tax advisory relationship for recurring or evolving questions.
Why Choose Hegde Hegde and Associates LLP
- Indirect tax opinions reviewed by a senior Chartered Accountant before issuance.
- Advisory covering both current GST provisions and residual VAT requirements where applicable.
- Indirect tax advisory coordinated with our broader taxation and compliance practices.
- Practical, reasoned analysis grounded in current circulars, rulings, and precedent.
- Support extending from opinion delivery through assessment and appellate proceedings where required.
Industries We Serve
Our indirect tax advisory engagements support technology and services companies with GST classification questions, manufacturing businesses managing input tax credit, and businesses in petroleum, fuel, or beverage trade that continue to carry VAT obligations alongside GST.
Technology & IT services
D2C & e-commerce
Manufacturing
Startups & funded ventures
Professional services
NRI individuals
Healthcare
Real estate
Financial institutions
NGOs & trusts
Hospitality
Education
Our Process
Each stage produces a defined deliverable, and nothing is issued to a client before the Chartered Accountant review stage is complete.
- 01
Discovery
Understanding the specific indirect tax question or matter.
- 02
Assessment
Identifying the applicable GST or VAT framework.
- 03
Documentation Review
Researching classification rulings and relevant precedent.
- 04
Execution
Preparing the reasoned analysis.
- 05
CA Review
Independent review of the opinion.
- 06
Reporting
Delivery of the written opinion.
- 07
Ongoing Support
Advisory during any resulting proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most goods and services, GST replaced VAT with effect from July 2017. VAT continues to apply in certain states to specific goods excluded from GST, such as petroleum products and alcohol for human consumption.
A GST opinion typically analyses the classification, applicable rate, place of supply, and input tax credit implications of a specific transaction, supported by relevant statutory provisions, circulars, and case law.
Yes. We assist businesses in preparing documented responses to GST scrutiny, audit, and assessment notices, based on a review of the underlying transactions and applicable law.
Businesses dealing in goods that remain outside the GST regime, such as petroleum products or alcohol for human consumption in certain states, may still be required to file VAT returns under the applicable state VAT law.
Yes. Exports and supplies to Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are generally treated as zero-rated supplies under GST, subject to specific conditions and documentation requirements, which differ from the treatment of standard domestic supplies.
Discuss Your Indirect Tax Advisory Requirements
Whether you need a GST opinion on a specific transaction or advisory on residual VAT obligations, our team is available to discuss your specific requirement.
Content reviewed by CA Ramkumar Hegde, Partner, Hegde Hegde and Associates LLP.