The GST Composition Scheme is a simplified taxation scheme under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime in India. It is designed for small businesses to reduce compliance burdens and ease tax filings by allowing them to pay tax at a fixed rate based on their turnover instead of the regular GST rates. Key Features of GST Composition Scheme: Simplified Tax Filing: Businesses under this scheme file a quarterly GST return (GSTR-4) instead of monthly returns. Lower Tax Rates: The tax rate under the scheme is lower than the standard GST rates: 1% for manufacturers and traders. 5% for restaurants (not serving alcohol). 6% for service providers (introduced in 2019 for turnover up to ₹50 lakhs). No Input Tax Credit (ITC): Businesses opting for this scheme cannot claim ITC on their purchases. Compliance Restrictions: Composition taxpayers cannot issue tax invoices. Instead, they issue a bill of supply as they are not allowed to collect GST from customers. Eligibility for GST Composition Scheme: Turnover Limit: Businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹1.5 crores in most states can opt for the scheme. For northeastern and hill states, the turnover limit is ₹75 lakhs. Service providers with turnover up to ₹50 lakhs can opt under the special scheme introduced in 2019. Business Type: Manufacturers, traders, and service providers (under the special scheme) can opt for this scheme. E-commerce operators and businesses making interstate supplies are not eligible. Exclusions: Businesses supplying non-taxable goods. Businesses engaged in supplying goods through e-commerce platforms. Casual taxable persons and non-resident taxable persons. Advantages of the GST Composition Scheme: Reduced Tax Burden: Lower tax rates than regular GST rates. Simplified Compliance: Fewer returns and easier record-keeping. Cost-Effective: Lower administrative and operational costs. Disadvantages of the GST Composition Scheme: No ITC: Ineligibility to claim Input Tax Credit. Limited Operations: Not suitable for businesses involved in interstate trade or those requiring tax invoices. Tax Liability: Tax is calculated on turnover, even if there is no profit. How to Opt for the GST Composition Scheme: At the Time of Registration: While applying for GST registration, the business can opt for the composition scheme by selecting the relevant option. Existing Taxpayers: Existing GST-registered businesses can switch to the composition scheme at the beginning of a financial year by filing Form GST CMP-02. Compliance: Composition taxpayers must indicate “composition taxable person” on their signboards and invoices. Conclusion: The GST Composition Scheme is ideal for small businesses looking for simplified tax compliance and reduced rates. However, businesses must carefully evaluate their eligibility and operational needs, as the scheme has limitations like no ITC and restrictions on issuing tax invoices.