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GST Cess & SRN Explained

Updated on: 03 Feb, 2025 07:25 PM

Since its introduction in 2017, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has significantly reshaped India's tax landscape. This consumption-based tax system marked a departure from the conventional indirect tax structure. However, the transition posed various challenges. One of these challenges was that Indian exporting states witnessed a decline in indirect tax revenue. To address this, the Central Government introduced the GST compensation cess, a mechanism designed to alleviate the financial strain on states grappling with revenue losses post-GST implementation. This blog particularly focuses on explaining the intricacies of the GST compensation cess and also covers the importance of SRN and how to use it for tracking GST application status.

What is GST Cess?

GST cess is a compensation cess that is levied under section 8 of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act. GST cess is levied on the inter-state and intra-state supply of goods and services to compensate the states for the revenue loss occurring due to the GST implementation in India.


What is SRN for GST?

Once you submit your application for GST registration on the GST portal, you will receive an SRN (Service Request Number). This number can be used to track your GST registration application status. This request number is generated when applying for GST registration at the time of incorporating a company. This application can be made through a SPICE AGILE (INC-35) form.


Why is GST Cess Levied?

GST, being a consumption-based tax, the state in which the consumption of services and goods takes place gets the indirect tax revenue. Therefore, after the introduction of GST, the states exporting more goods and services experienced a decrease in indirect tax revenue.

The Central Government introduced GST compensation cess to compensate such states for the loss in revenue. GST compensation cess is levied for a period of 5 years after GST implementation.


Who is Required to Collect GST Compensation Cess?

Compensation cess is collected by all taxpayers involved in supplying specific goods or services, excluding composition taxpayers and exporters. This requirement extends to compensation cess applicable to certain goods imported into India. If a compensation cess is paid on exports, exporters have the option to seek a refund for the amount paid.


What is the Use of GST Cess?

All the receipts from the GST compensation cess are credited to a non-lapsable fund, also known as the GST compensation fund. This fund is then used to compensate those states that have suffered revenue loss due to GST implementation. At the end of the transition period, unutilized funds, if any, are shared in half by the state and central governments. The state government's share is shared in the ratio of total revenues.


How is Cess in GST Calculated?

Compensation cess is levied and calculated above the amount of GST that has been charged on the taxable value of supply and the rates provided in the GST cess rate schedule.

Let’s understand this with the help of an example -

Suppose the compensation cess on copper is Rs.500 per tonne. On the sale of a tonne of copper having a value of Rs.5000, the GST cess that has to be paid is Rs.500. In addition to this, GST @5% is calculated on the value of copper sold, which will be Rs.250. Therefore, the total liability for GST on copper will be Rs.750 (500+250).


How do you check the GST registration status using the SRN number?

You can check the status of your GST registration application using the SRN number generated at the time of applying for registration.

Given below are the steps to check the GST registration status using the SRN number -

  • First of all, visit the home page of the GST portal.
  • Next, click on the ‘services’ bar on the top bar.
  • After clicking on the ‘Services’ tab, you have to click on ‘Track application status.’
  • In the next step, you have to enter the SRN number and hit the search button.
  • Once you enter the SRN number, a table will appear showing the details like your SRN number, form number, form description, submission date, and status.

GST Cess Rate List

Goods GST Compensation Cess
Cut tobacco 0.14R per unit
Unmanufactured tobacco (with lime tube) – featuring a brand name 0.36R per unit
Unmanufactured tobacco (without lime tube) – with a brand name 0.36R per unit
Branded tobacco refuse 0.32R per uni
Tobacco extracts and essence bearing a brand name 0.36R per unit
Tobacco extracts and essence not bearing a brand name 0.36R per unit
Filter khaini 0.56R per unit
Jarda scented tobacco 0.56R per unit
Cheroots and Cigar 21% or 4170 per thousand, whichever higher
Cigarillos 21% or Rs. 4170 per thousand, whichever is higher
Cigarettes containing tobacco excluding filter cigarettes, of length not more than 65mm 5% + 2076 per thousand
Cigarettes containing tobacco apart from filter cigarettes, of length more than 65mm and up to 75mm 5% + 3668 per thousand
Filter cigarettes of length (including the length of the filter, the length of filter being 11 millimetres or its actual length, whichever is more) not exceeding 65 millimetres
5% + Rs.2076 per thousand
Filter cigarettes of length (including the length of the filter, the length of filter being 11 millimetres or its actual length, whichever is more) exceeding 65 millimetres but not exceeding 70 millimetres 5% + Rs.2747 per thousand
Filter cigarettes of length (including the length of the filter, the length of filter being 11 millimetres or its actual length, whichever is more) exceeding 70 millimetres but not exceeding 75 millimetres 5% + Rs.3668 per thousand
Cigarettes of tobacco substitutes Rs.4006 per thousand
Cigarillos of tobacco substitutes 12.5% or Rs. 4,006 per thousand whichever is higher
Smoking mixtures for pipes and cigarettes 290%
Branded ‘hookah’ or ‘gudaku’ tobacco 0.36R per unit
Tobacco used for smoking ‘hookah’ or ‘chilam’ commonly known as ‘hookah’ tobacco or ‘gudaku’, not bearing a brand name 0.12R per unit
Other water pipe smoking tobacco not bearing a brand name 0.08R per unit
Other smoking tobacco bearing a brand name 0.28R per unit
Other smoking tobacco not bearing a brand name 0.08R per unit
Homogenised or reconstituted tobacco, bearing a brand name 0.36R per uni
Chewing tobacco (without lime tube) 0.56R per unit
Chewing tobacco (with lime tube) 0.56R per unit
Preparations containing chewing tobacco 0.36R per unit
Pan masala (gutkha) containing tobacco 0.61R per unit
All goods, other than pan masala containing tobacco ‘gutkha’, bearing a brand name 0.43R per unit
All goods, other than pan masala containing tobacco ‘gutkha’, not bearing a brand name 0.43R per unit
Snuff 0.36R per unit
Preparations containing snuff 0.36R per unit
Coal, ovoids, briquettes, and similar solid fuels manufactured from lignite, coal, whether or not agglomerated, excluding jet, peat (including peat litter), whether or not agglomerated Rs.400 per tonne
Aerated waters 12%
Lemonade 12%
Others 12%
Motorcycles with engine capacity more than 350 cc 3%
Aircrafts (including helicopters, etc.) for personal use 3%
Yacht and other vessels for pleasure or sports 3%
Motor vehicles for transporting maximum 13 persons, including the driver 15%
Motor vehicles, excluding ambulances, three-wheelers and vehicles of engine capacity not exceeding 1500cc and of length not exceeding 4000 mm, with both spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine and electric motor as motors for propulsion or with with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine [diesel-or semi diesel] and electric motor as motors for propulsion 15%
Petrol, LPG or CNG driven motor vehicles of engine capacity not more than 1200cc and of length not more than 4000mm. 1%
Diesel-driven motor vehicles with engine capacity of not more than 1500cc and length not exceeding 4000mm. 3%
Motor vehicles with engine capacity not more than 1500 cc 17%
Motor vehicles with an engine capacity more than 1500 cc except motor vehicles specified 20%
Motor vehicles of engine capacity more than 1500cc, including Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and utility vehicles. 22%

How is Compensation Cess Distributed to the States?

The compensation amount for each state is determined using the following steps:

  • Base Revenue Calculation: The state's tax revenue for FY 2016-17 serves as the base revenue.
  • Projected Revenue Estimation: A 14% annual growth rate is applied to calculate the projected revenue for each financial year. This projected revenue represents the amount a state would have earned if GST had not been implemented. The calculation covers a five-year transition period during which the compensation cess applies.
  • Compensation Payable Calculation: For each financial year, the compensation payable is computed as:
    • Projected Revenue for the FY: ₹XXX
    • Less: Actual Revenue Earned by the State: ₹XXX
    • Compensation Payable: ₹XXX

The states receive this provisional compensation every two months. Any surplus in the compensation fund at the end of the transition period is distributed between the Centre and the states based on a specified formula.

The purpose of GST Cess, its calculation, and the role of SRN in monitoring registration progress are essential insights for businesses trying to gain an understanding of GST. As we continue to adapt to the evolving tax landscape, a comprehensive understanding of these concepts becomes indispensable for informed decision-making and compliance. However, GST can be very intimidating for normal people without any tax background. Therefore, it is advisable to seek professional help in GST-related matters. Whether you don’t have time to file your GST return or have a GST-related query, our tax experts have got you covered. Book an online CA Now!


Frequently Asked Questions

Q- What is the purpose of the GST compensation cess?

The government collects GST compensation cess to compensate those states that mostly export their goods and services for the loss of revenue occurring due to the implementation of GST.


Q- What is the base year for calculating GST compensation cess?

The compensation cess payable under GST during a financial year is calculated on the basis of 2016, which has been taken as the base year for GST compensation cess calculation.


Q- Who is eligible for GST cess?

Taxpayers supplying specific goods or services, excluding exporters and composition taxpayers, must collect compensation cess. This also applies to compensation cess levied on certain goods imported into India.


Q- What is the SRN in GST?

Upon submitting the registration application on the MCA Portal, you will receive a Service Request Number (SRN). If submitted on the IFSCA Portal, you will be assigned a Financial Reference Number (FRN). You can use the SRN or FRN to track the status of your application.


Q- What is the GST cess on a motor vehicle?

In India, cars attract GST at varying rates: 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%. The 5% GST rate applies exclusively to vehicles designed for disabled individuals and related accessories. Additionally, motor vehicle sales are subject to a compensation cess of up to 22%, which is levied over and above the GST.


CA Abhishek Soni

CA Abhishek Soni
Founder & CEO at Tax2win

Abhishek Soni is a Chartered Accountant by profession and an entrepreneur by passion. He has wide industry experience in telecom, retail, manufacturing, and entertainment and has handled various national and international assignments. He is the co-founder and CEO of Tax2win.in. Tax2win, an online tax filing platform, provides the easiest way to e-file your Income Tax Return in India. Through Tax2win.in, Abhishek endeavors to revolutionize how individuals file their income tax returns, offering a seamless and user-friendly experience.