GST Glossary (India) – A to Z
Clear definitions of GST terms used in India — returns, e-invoicing, place of supply, input tax credit, and more. Each term has its own page with examples and links to free Invoism tools where relevant.
A
Additional Place of Business
A location other than the principal place where business activities are conducted.
Read definitionAdvance Ruling
A decision issued by tax authorities about GST applicability before a transaction occurs.
Read definitionAggregate Turnover
Total value of all taxable, exempt, and export supplies under a PAN across India (excludes GST).
Read definitionApplication Reference Number (ARN)
Unique number generated when submitting an application on the GST portal.
Read definitionAssessment
The process of determining tax liability under GST.
Read definition
B
Bill of Supply
Document issued when GST is not charged (e.g., composition scheme or exempt supplies).
Read definitionBusiness Vertical
A segment of a business dealing with specific products or services.
Read definitionBusiness Entity
An organization engaged in commercial activity under GST law.
Read definitionBlocked Credit
Input Tax Credit that cannot be claimed under GST provisions.
Read definitionBusiness Transfer
Transfer of ownership of a business from one entity to another.
Read definition
C
CGST (Central GST)
Tax collected by the central government on intra-state supplies.
Read definitionComposition Scheme
Simplified GST scheme for small taxpayers paying tax at a fixed rate on turnover.
Read definitionCredit Note
Document issued to reduce invoice value due to returns or discounts.
Read definitionCapital Goods
Assets used in business operations that qualify for Input Tax Credit.
Read definitionComposite Supply
Two or more naturally bundled supplies treated as a single supply; tax applies as per principal supply.
Read definitionCasual Taxable Person
A person occasionally supplying goods or services in a taxable territory.
Read definition
D
Debit Note
Issued to increase taxable value or GST on a previously issued invoice.
Read definitionDeemed Supply
Certain transactions treated as supply even without consideration.
Read definitionDemand Notice
Official notice issued by tax authorities demanding unpaid GST.
Read definitionDocument Identification Number (DIN)
Unique number assigned to official GST communications.
Read definition
E
E-Invoice
Digitally authenticated invoice registered through the GST/IRP system with an IRN.
Read definitionE-Way Bill
Document required for transporting goods exceeding a prescribed value.
Read definitionElectronic Cash Ledger
Ledger showing tax deposits made in cash on the GST portal.
Read definitionElectronic Credit Ledger
Ledger showing available Input Tax Credit.
Read definitionElectronic Liability Ledger
Ledger showing total tax liabilities.
Read definitionExempt Supply
Goods or services not subject to GST.
Read definitionExport of Services
Supply of services outside India meeting GST export conditions (often zero-rated).
Read definition
F
G
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
A unified indirect tax on the supply of goods and services in India.
Read definitionGST Registration
Process of obtaining a GSTIN to collect and pay GST on taxable supplies when thresholds or conditions are met.
Read definitionGSTIN
15-digit unique identification number assigned to GST taxpayers.
Read definitionGST Council
Body responsible for making recommendations on GST policies.
Read definitionGST Portal
Online platform for GST registration, return filing, and compliance.
Read definitionGST Practitioner
A professional authorized to assist taxpayers with GST compliance.
Read definitionGSTR-1
Return for reporting outward supplies.
Read definitionGSTR-2B
Static statement showing eligible Input Tax Credit.
Read definitionGSTR-3B
Monthly summary return for GST liability declaration and ITC claim.
Read definitionGSTR-9
Annual GST return.
Read definitionGSTR-9C
GST reconciliation statement certified by a Chartered Accountant (where applicable).
Read definition
H
I
IGST (Integrated GST)
Tax levied on inter-state supplies.
Read definitionInput Tax Credit (ITC)
Credit available for GST paid on business purchases.
Read definitionInvoice Reference Number (IRN)
Unique number generated during e-invoice registration.
Read definitionInput Service Distributor (ISD)
Entity distributing ITC of common input services among branches.
Read definitionImport of Goods
Goods brought into India from outside the country; IGST and customs apply as per law.
Read definition
J
L
M
N
O
P
Place of Supply
Rules determining the location of a GST transaction (intra-state vs inter-state).
Read definitionPrincipal Place of Business
Main location where business operations are conducted.
Read definitionProvisional Assessment
Temporary tax assessment when exact liability cannot be determined immediately.
Read definition
Q
R
Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM)
GST paid by the recipient instead of the supplier.
Read definitionRefund under GST
Return of excess tax paid, subject to conditions and application on the portal.
Read definitionRegistered Person
Business registered under GST.
Read definitionReturn Filing
Submission of GST transaction details to authorities via prescribed returns.
Read definition
S
SGST (State GST)
Tax levied by the state government on intra-state supplies.
Read definitionSupply
Any sale, transfer, exchange, rental, or disposal of goods or services for consideration.
Read definitionSEZ (Special Economic Zone)
Special business zones with tax benefits.
Read definitionStandard Rate
Common GST slabs such as 5%, 12%, 18%, or 28% as notified.
Read definitionSelf-Assessment
Taxpayer determining their own GST liability in returns.
Read definition
T
Tax Invoice
Document issued by a supplier showing GST charged.
Read definitionTaxable Supply
Supply on which GST is applicable.
Read definitionTax Period
Period for which GST returns are filed.
Read definitionTaxable Person
A person registered or liable to be registered under GST.
Read definitionTurnover
Total sales value of goods or services in a period.
Read definitionTDS under GST
Tax deducted by specified entities during payment.
Read definitionTCS under GST
Tax collected by e-commerce operators on notified supplies.
Read definition
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
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