Skip to main content
GST
10 min read
February 20, 2024

GST Composition Scheme: Eligibility, Tax Rates & How to Opt

Simplified GST taxation for small businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore

TL;DR
  • Turnover Limit: Rs 1.5 crore (Rs 75 lakh for special category states)
  • Tax Rates: Traders/Manufacturers: 1%, Restaurants: 5%, Service providers: 6% of turnover
  • Returns: Quarterly GSTR-4 (by 18th of next month), Annual CMP-08
  • No ITC: Cannot claim Input Tax Credit on purchases
  • No Interstate: Cannot sell to other states or on e-commerce platforms

What is Composition Scheme?

GST Composition Scheme is a simple tax scheme for small taxpayers with reduced compliance burden. Instead of paying regular GST, you pay a fixed percentage of turnover.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Requirements
Check if your business qualifies
  • Annual turnover up to ₹1.5 crore
  • ₹75 lakh for special category states
  • Should not be engaged in inter-state supply
  • Should not supply non-taxable goods
  • Not an e-commerce operator

Tax Rates Under Composition Scheme

Business TypeGST Rate
Manufacturers
1%
(0.5% CGST + 0.5% SGST)
Traders
1%
(0.5% CGST + 0.5% SGST)
Restaurants (no alcohol)
5%
(2.5% CGST + 2.5% SGST)
Service Providers
6%
(3% CGST + 3% SGST)

Benefits of Composition Scheme

Lower Tax Rate
Significant tax savings

1% vs 18% regular GST - save up to 17%!

Simple Compliance
Reduced filing burden

Quarterly returns instead of monthly filings

Less Paperwork
Minimal documentation

Minimal documentation required for compliance

Easy Calculation
Simple turnover-based tax

Tax on turnover, not complex invoice-wise calculation

Key Takeaway

Best Fit Analysis: Composition scheme works best if your customers are end consumers (not businesses) and your business has minimal purchases requiring ITC. For B2B sellers, the 1% tax benefit often gets nullified because your buyers cannot claim ITC on purchases from you. Use our GST Calculator to compare regular vs composition tax liability.

Share this insight:

Limitations

  • Cannot charge GST from customers (no invoice)
  • No input tax credit available
  • Cannot do inter-state supply
  • Must mention "composition taxable person" on bills

How to Register

Registration Process
Step-by-step guide to register for composition scheme
1

Login to GST Portal

Access the GST portal with your credentials

2

Navigate to Registration

Go to Services > Registration > New Registration

3

Select Composition Option

Choose "Composition" in the registration type

4

Fill CMP-02 Form

Complete the composition scheme intimation form

5

Submit and Start Filing

Submit form and begin quarterly return filing

Need Expert Help?

Get personalized guidance from CA Ashama Rajawat on your specific tax situation.