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KNOW YOUR GST EXPERT BY SUDHIR HALAKHANDI

INTERVIEW WITH GST EXPERT ADVOCATE JATIN HARJAI

ADVOCATE JATIN HARJAI

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Dear Friends Namaskar! The Interview of Advocate Jatin Harjai, a renowned GST Expert has been taken by me on one of the Whats Group of 256 GST Professionals which includes some of the Top class GST Experts from the country also. A Native from Bayana (Bharatpur-Rajasthan). Advocate Jatin Harjai is a qualified Chartered Accountant (2004). He surrendered his COP (CA) and taken COP as Advocate. He is prolific speaker of subject and attended lot of seminars as key speaker throughout the country. He is also Special Invitee member of National Indirect Tax Committee of PHD Chamber of Commerce for 2018-19 and 2019-20. He was appointed as Special Invitee member of National Indirect Tax Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of India for Year 2017-18 to 2019-20. Further he was an active member and founder Convener of the Study Group framed by the ICAI for study, research and recommendations on GST, whereby all group members were eminent chartered accountants practicing in the field of Indirect Taxes. He is chairman of Technical Research (Indirect Tax) Committee of Tax Consultatants Association , Jaipur. Jatin is accredited trainer of NACEN (National Academy of Customs, Excise and Narcotics, Government of India) for GST Training to be provided to Trade and Industry as well as GST Officers of the Central Govt. Apart from Central Tax Officers, he has given extensive training of GST to State Tax officers of Rajasthan and conducted training sessions on different aspect of GST for state tax officers of West Bengal, Delhi, Telangana and Assam. Apart from being Panelled GST Trainer of ICAI, Jatin was part of ‘Faculty Identification’ & ‘Train the Trainer’ Programs of Indian GST as well as UAE VAT. Whereby he selected members of the institute, from various parts of the country, and provided them training of Indian GST & UAE VAT for being a Trainer.

Let us have a Talk with Advocate Jatin Harjai . -SUDHIR HALAKHANDI

S ud hi r hal a kha ndi @ gma i l .co m

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SUDHIR HALAKHANDI:- Dear Friends. Welcome our star GST Expert ADV. JATIN HARJAI in our Program “KNOW YOUR GST EXPERT”. Welcome Jatin! How are you? How is your life in Lockdown period? Since it very difficult for person like you, who is always busy professionally, to spend so much time at H ome? How you are managing it?

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

Thank you very much Sudhir Ji. First of all, it’s an honor to be here for this unique type of

interview, whereby stalwarts like You, CA Bimal Jain, CA RA Sharma, Dr.Arpit Haldia and all

other learned indirect tax practitioners are members.

Lockdown is quite reasonable till now. Started with some spiritual litterateur (Bhagwat Geeta

Ji) and spending time with family.

From last few days, all webinar and other meetings has been started online. Now people are

adapting to more and more online activities and I believe it will be part of our life, even after

this COVID-19. Hope all good and safe at your end and all members end.

SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: Jatin as I know you turned from Science to Commerce and ultimately for CA. My son Abhas has also chosen this route. Is it easy for an initial Science student to get CA? Lot of students is doing this. What is your experience and opinion Jatin?

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

It was only initial few months which were having bit struggle due to non commerce

background. After that I think we picked up comparatively faster and loved all subject barring

few theory papers. I believe mathematics and science helps in multiple ways for any CA student

and accordingly always suggests younger generation to go for science for initial two years and

then switch to commerce along with CA.

By the way for me it was not pre-planned.

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SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: After getting CA it is very rare to surrender it for Law practice. It is very rare. I think Advocate Sanjay Jhanwar has also done it years back. What was your thought while taking this decision? It was very tough or it was a compulsion?

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

You are right, it’s rare. As I understand reason is, most of CA’s are involved in compliance and

attest practice, which can be done better with COP as CA. However, I was having more interest

in consultation and litigation, which I thought can be better, served with COP as lawyer.

Further, compliances were very small part of my practice, and accordingly it was comparatively

easy decision for me. Yes, Sanjay Bhaiya did this and he is inspiration for me and lots others.

SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: Now you are more comfortable as Advocate because it was your choice or have any regrets?

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

I am more than happy. Absolutely no regrets. This field is exciting. So many things to learn.

One important aspect which I observed is, till tribunal major focus remains on factual points

and principles of laws are less appreciated. Whereas in courts it’s altogether different ball game.

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SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: So now you are the inspiration for others. You are a very good speaker and you are very much busy in GST seminars as Key Speaker throughout the country. How do you manage it so often? How do you manage your working schedule?

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

It's actually tough task. Since I am not involved in compliances, it gets managed. Consultation

and opinions can be done with travelling with not much extra efforts. One added advantage was

alternate week bench of Tax Board in Jaipur. Now after taking COP as advocate I am curtailing

number of seminars and workshops and normally accepting invitations only on weekends and

holidays. Looks like COVID will change rules of game.

SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: How do you rate GST and its implementation? Are you satisfied with the way in which it is implemented and it is working? The dealers and professionals are finding it very tough as far as procedures and formalities are concerned.

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

You are right everyone is finding it tough as far as procedure and formalities are concerned.

In my opinion It was started as good concept and degraded at each and every step of its journey.

If we start from Concept paper – CAB – CAA – GST Act(s) – Rules – Notifications –

Circulars – GSTN performance, at each and every stage there was compromise or

development was without keeping intended objectives.

Barring MNC’s and large corporate, I feel the GST implementation has not served the

objectives, rather increased the burden in one way or other, which can be discussed for sector or

industry specific separately. If I will have to rate it on a scale of 10, I will give 3 marks.

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SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: Very poor performance! In your opinion who is responsible for this debacle?

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

Foresightedness of political leaders at front. It was not only about union. Since the GST could

be implemented only after constitutional amendment, majority of states are to be on board.

Secondly ... whosoever drafted the core law, Prima facie the law is being made keeping in mind

that tax payer doesn’t pay tax honestly. That’s why so many types of assessment, notices and

stringent powers are given.

I am not saying to reduce penalty, rather penalty for persons violating law should be higher but

ultimately process has to be such that it supplements business process and not such that any tax

payer has to invest its substantial time in tax related compliances.

SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: State Budgets now have no meaning as far Tax and revenue are concerned? GST has made states powerless in this field?

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

That’s true. Very limited aspects like Stamp, Registration, Liquor, petroleum products etc are

the main components in the State Budget. All these businesses are such whereby number of tax

payers is less though the volume is there.

SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: Is it good for federal system of Governance like our Country?

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

If we go to constitutional principles, it’s a hit on federal system, which is part of basic structure

of our constitution and yes to some extent federal system is compromised.

As far as economy is concerned, we are having two types of players:-

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1. MNC's and large corporate and I believe for most of them GST is like blessings.

2. Small and medium business, both trading and manufacturing. GST has majorly damaged this

sector.

SME Traders - Due to compliances

SME Manufacturer - Their market lost as they need to compete with large players having

economies of scale

So in summary: it will have mix impact on economy, some positive some negative. But I

believe negative are more, as we are country of SME’s.

SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: Is there something good about GST?

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

Yes, Certainly good things are here.

- Centralized working of most large corporate, earlier they used to have teams in all states

-Most of taxes (not all) are now reflecting in invoicing for consumer, by which one can

understand tax component in his consumption.

-And on a lighter note, now Mr. Sudhir Halakhandi is more popular in the whole country.

SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: Thanks! Now Jatin Something about GSTN? Why our lawmakers are not thinking about any alternate? Even after 30 Months it is struggling to settle down.

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

Most important reason I think is information of complete failure of GSTN is not reaching to the

top level. My thoughts becomes believe when, at times, hear praise for GSTN by govt. for its

implementation.

In my view the matching concept should be removed completely till the time system is fully

prepared and it should be re-launched in phased manner. Till that time govt. should find out

other ways to tap tax evaders. For tackling some evaders, disturbing life of all tax payers cannot

be said to be prudent policy.

Just to remind - there was no matching under service tax and excise law.

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SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: Now Jatin If you permit Dr.Arpit Haldia wants to ask something.

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

Sure. My pleasure.

SUDHIR HALAKHANDI:Welcome Dr.Arpit Haldia. Please ask your question.

Dr. ARPIT HALDIA:

A Very Good Evening Jatin. It was great to go through you discussion with Sudhir Ji.

ADV. JATIN HARJAI: Very good evening Arpit Ji. It's always pleasure talking to you.

DR.ARPIT HALDIA: Just a Question from my side..Some of Our members in our group are

fairly new to the field of Practicing in the field of Law..and rather it would be a very good for

all of us to know..

How to Study Law and get the knowledge..Any specific suggestions from your side to go about

the study part of law..Start from where and then how to move ahead.. Asking you specifically as

The deliberations I have with you..It’s always an admiration for the knowledge bank you have..

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

You both are much bigger knowledge bank.

Since asked, I will share my thoughts. First of all one should have basic idea of structure of law

you are going to read, for this one may refer any text book, articles, seminars, videos etc. After

that one should pick up the bare law, viz Act, Rules and notifications.

Now the stage comes when you have some practical case or issue before you, apply whatever

read and refer judgments from various courts decided on the same aspect. Important - Read full

judgment and not summary, gist or head notes.

To be very honest with you all, till today I haven't referred a single text book or reference.

Always read through direct law and judgments.

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No question of relying or referring any FAQ, Clarification, AAR.

Even Circular with due care.

DR. ARPIT HALDIA:

Any Specific Books you Suggest for the Understanding of Law.. Which invariably everyone

should have..

Constitution of India. Bare Act - Rules

SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: Ok Thanks Arpit for asking such a useful question.Now Jatin, Something about Professional stress related to GST procedures though you are not involved in day to day working but at ground level I know there is so much stress amongst the professionals after introduction of GST. What is your suggestion to professionals to come out of it and work comfortably?

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

Since GST stress level has increased in all tax professionals’ life.

I will advise all friends on two fronts:

On professional front:

- Keep terms of engagement in writing before start working.

-Charge as per your efforts (time consumed).

Personal front:

- Do take out some time on daily basis for your own interest areas (games, movie, music etc.)

-Read some spiritual litterateur

SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: Jatin One hour is over. Are you comfortable?

ADV. JATIN HARJAI: I am ok. No problem.

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SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: Thanks Jatin, What your opinion about Rajasthan AAR decision on Director's Remuneration? Please explain it in nutshell and also its viability and its impacts.

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

First of all I would say, in GST AAR is suicidal attempt and one should avoid it, unless using

strategically. In one liner I can say the ruling is not even worthy of commenting as it is

absolutely non-speaking on key issue. I am not assenting or dissenting with order. Answer to

question is subjective and depends on facts of the case.

In my opinion, since provisions of GST laws are crystal clear that any services by employee to

employer are out of tax net. So if we narrow down underlying issue, question is whether

director is employee of the company or not.

There are judgments from courts including Hon’ble apex court that executive directors are

Employees of the company, though these judgments are majorly from labour laws. In addition,

there are different circular/ document and tribunal judgments under service tax law (which IMO

is Pari Materia) which supports the broad understanding that MD, WTD, ED etc. (i.e. other than

professional/ independent/ nominee directors) works dedicatedly for the company and should be

treated as employee only despite not having regular payments.

However, I would like to suggest everyone to read one of the recent judgments from CESTAT

Kolkata (Brahm Alloy Ltd. – Aug 2019). This one is negative for the assessee, but gives good

insight about what care one should have in term of engagement of director.

Summary - have properly written Terms of engagement, including payment terms, hiring and

firing policy, and all other details which are there with any other engagemernt letter with

employee. Pay remuneration timely - as per engagement (not necessarily monthly). You are

safe. No problem

This is for future and for past, there is adequate legal material available to fight, if case is made

out.

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SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: The provisions of 16(4) and 36(4) are the biggest problem before the dealers. These are legal problems but can you suggest lawmakers something more liberal to do away such strict procedures or do you agree with them to make the disciplined tax system.

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

I believe two are absolutely different category items. Let me take them one by one.

Firstly Rule 36(4) putting up restriction of 10% over above details filed by supplier. In my

opinion this is absolutely absurd use of delegated legislation, against the basic objectives and

architecture of GST and is without proper authority of law. So my advice to lawmakers would

be to withdraw this rule ASAP as its making life as hell of many tax payers, otherwise in most

probable scenarios courts will struck it down in times to come.

SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: Now 16(4)

On Sec. 16(4), I believe it is issue of interpretation of the provision. A careful reading suggest,

it is not outright restriction on entitlement of credit rather restriction on taking of credit, unlike

Sec. 16(2) which is outright restriction on the entitlement of credit. In simple words a person

takes credits in its books of accounts and return is reflection of the same. The restriction laid

down by Sec. 16(4) is on taking of credit and not entitlement of the credit per se. If we read the

law in this manner (which is supported by couple of judgments from excise law) probably most

of issues gets resolved. So here my advice to the government would be to issue a clarification

only without amending the law.

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SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: In case of Merchant exporters who export without payment of IGST. Can they claim refund for 0.01% for purchase at concessional rate?

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

Yes. Such exporter is allowed to claim refund.

One may refer Sec. 54(3) r/w Rule 89(4B).

SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: This is in relation to Raw cotton purchase. What is the legal position for RCM on Raw cotton in case of Commission Sale transaction where actual purchase (inward Supply) of cotton does not taken place whereas only aadat sale occurs? Will it amount to Inward Supply and RCM is applicable? If yes, can we voluntarily pay that in current GSTR 3B claim ITC on RCM? Or we have to pay the same vide DRC 03 , then how can we claim input for RCM as RCM credit is now time barred.

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

Aarhatia (Kaccha) who takes goods for further sale in mandi on the basis of commission is

covered by the definition of ‘Agent’ and is related party to his principal. Providing raw cotton

by agriculturist to such Commission agent shall be treated as supply, hence inward supply for

such Commission agent. Now inward supply of raw cotton from agriculturist is covered by

RCM provisions u/s 9(3) w.e.f. 15.11.2017 and accordingly the RCM liability is to be

discharged.

As far as question of credit is concerned, it appears to be asked for RCM liability paid for now

in respect of Financial Year 2017-18 and 2018-19 as apparently no challenge appears for

Financial Year 2019-20. In my opinion even for the earlier year the same shall be eligible,

reason being credit is restricted for in respect of any ‘invoice or debit note’ for and not in

respect of ‘supply’. In the question under consideration the RCM invoice would have been

made now, which shall be eligible document for claim of credit, hence credit eligible. That

means limitations provided in Sec. 16(4) shall be counted from the date of RCM/ Purchases

invoice made by the recipient.

One will have to read Sec. 16(4), Sec. 31(3) (f) and Rule 36 together.

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SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: Now Jatin, We have 2 questions from Real Estate sector. First one is here. We are a commercial complex Builder. In Tran-1 we have taken transitional credit of cement in stock and cement used in building (WIP). Department allowed us the credit of cement in stock but denied the credit of cement used in WIP. What is the reason?

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

Departmental view is based on term ‘Inputs’ used in Sec. 140(3) r/w definition of goods

provided in Sec. 2(52), as per which for taking credit it has to be movable property whereby

standing structure is immovable in nature. One of the arguments against department claim is, if

the same is immovable, can GST be levied at all? Govt. cannot twist its stand on factual

position for levy of GST and for allowing of ITC. The argument is well supported by landmark

judgment from Hon’ble SC in case of ‘Larsen & Toubro’ dt. 26.09.2013.

Further, apart from merit points, due to ill drafting and poor technical knowledge of

adjudicating authorities there are other reasons in GST law to defend these credits and save

from reversal. In two of our cases, client has taken good amount of credit on cement, iron etc.

used for construction of unsold WIP, and so far department could not pass the order for reversal

despite chasing for more than two years.

Even if credit has reversed, if the amount is not too small, it’s better to claim back. No point in

leaving such claims, despite litigation prone.

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SUDHIR HALAKHANDI:The Second question from the Real Estate Sector is:- Real estate builder has 3lakh sq ft area to be constructed and sold. Out of which 2 lakh has been booked n sold and total construction is completed and whole ITC taken. Now we intend to get completion certificate so do we need to reverse itc on remaining 1lakh sqft area which is unsold which we availed before completion certificate or can we avail full credit of 3 Lakh sq ft area ?

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

I am assuming this question belongs to period prior to 31.03.2019. See law allows eligibility

criteria to be tested at the time of taking the ITC. Once availed the same there has to be some

specific provision to reverse it. Completion of construction or applying for CC/ OC is certainly

not any such event mentioned anywhere in law. My view is well supported by one of the latest

judgment by Gujarat HC in case of ‘Alembic Limited’ Dt. 12.04.2019.

Further, please note if completed flat(s) sale is there within the same Financial Year of the

completion of the project, Sec. 17(2) shall apply, but not on whole project, rather for the

specific period. In summary, whole of the credit on 3 Lakh Sq. feet shall be allowed, and no

need to reverse the credit on 1 Lakh Sq. feet. Through depending upon facts of the case there

might be some minor/nominal disallowances u/s 17(2) r/w R. 42/43 in the year of completion.

I can say in none of our cases we have advised to reverse the ITC on the date of completion, and

even the departmental audits has also been done without any para on this point.

Couple of others form tribunals are also there with the same ratio.

Eg Oberoi mall - Mumbai Tribunal

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SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: Nice talking with you Jatin. What is your experience about this program?

ADV. JATIN HARJAI:

It was fantastic. Absolutely unique. Thank you very much for this opportunity to interact with

stalwart like you, and at a platform having top class consultants. One more thing to admit, it’s

really admirable that how this group remains stick to its objectives and doesn’t deviate.

Kudos. Once again, thank you very much.

Stay Home Stay Safe.

SUDHIR HALAKHANDI: Thanks Jatin. Thanks to all the Members for attending with Keen Interest.

END