Introduction
Chapter V of CGST Act deals with input tax credit. The availment or otherwise of Input Tax Credit forms the cornerstone in a GST regime. GST can be understood as a system of value added tax on goods and / or services. It is these provisions of Input Tax Credit that make GST a value-added tax i.e., collection of tax at all points in the supply chain after allowing for credit of taxes paid on inputs / input services and capital goods. The invoice method of value added taxation has been followed in the GST regime too, viz., the tax paid at the time of receipt of goods or services or both would be eligible for set-off against the tax payable on supply of goods or services or both, based on the invoices with a special emphasis on actual payment of tax by the supplier. As on date, there is a debate going on between the tax payer and the Government as to whether the emphasis placed by the Statute on payment of taxes by the Supplier to enable a Recipient to avail credit, is fair or not and whether it adds on to the compliance burden or not. The procedures and restrictions laid down in these provisions are important to make sure that there is seamless flow of credit in the whole scheme of taxation without any misuse.