Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) in GST: A Complete Guide

Introduction

The Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) is a unique provision under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) where the recipient, instead of the supplier, is responsible for paying the tax. This provision ensures compliance in sectors where tax evasion is common or where suppliers are unregistered.

In this article, we’ll break down:
✔ What is Reverse Charge Mechanism?
✔ When does RCM apply?
✔ How to pay tax under RCM?
✔ Examples to understand RCM better
✔ Important compliance requirements

What is Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM)?

Under normal GST rules, a supplier collects GST from the buyer and deposits it with the government. But in certain cases, the responsibility of paying GST shifts to the buyer, and this is called the Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM).

Legal Provision:

RCM is covered under Section 9(3) and 9(4) of the CGST Act, 2017 and its equivalent in SGST/IGST laws.

Section 9(3): When the government specifically notifies services or goods that fall under RCM.
Section 9(4): When a registered person purchases goods/services from an unregistered person.

When Does Reverse Charge Mechanism Apply?

✅ 1. Reverse Charge Under Section 9(3) – Notified Services/Goods

The government has pre-defined goods and services that attract RCM. Some common examples include:

Nature of Supply	Supplier	Recipient Liable Under RCM
Goods Transport Agency (GTA)	Transporter	Recipient (if registered under GST)
Legal Services	Advocate/Law Firm	Business Entity
Casual Taxable Person	Any Casual Supplier	Registered Business
Import of Services	Foreign Service Provider	Indian Importer
Unregistered Real Estate Suppliers	Landowners	Promoters (Developers)

✅ 2. Reverse Charge Under Section 9(4) – Purchases from Unregistered Dealers

If a registered business buys from an unregistered supplier, they must pay GST under RCM. This is to ensure tax compliance from small businesses.

For example, if a registered business purchases furniture worth ₹50,000 from a local carpenter (unregistered), the business must pay GST on behalf of the carpenter under RCM.

How to Pay GST Under Reverse Charge?

Unlike normal GST, where the seller collects and deposits tax, under RCM, the buyer must pay GST directly to the government.

🔹 Steps to Pay GST Under RCM:

1️⃣ Identify if the purchase falls under RCM.
2️⃣ Calculate GST at the applicable rate (5%, 12%, 18%, etc.).
3️⃣ Report the details in GSTR-3B and GSTR-1 returns.
4️⃣ Claim Input Tax Credit (ITC), if eligible, in the next period.

🔹 Accounting Entry for RCM:

When a company purchases services under RCM, the accounting entry would be:


Expense Account (GTA)     ₹10,000  
   To GST Payable (RCM)     ₹1,800 (18% GST)  
   To Vendor Account        ₹10,000

And when the company pays GST to the government:


GST Payable (RCM)     ₹1,800  
   To Bank Account        ₹1,800

Later, if eligible, ITC can be claimed:


GST Input (ITC)       ₹1,800  
   To GST Payable (RCM)  ₹1,800

Example Scenarios for RCM

📌 Example 1: Hiring a Truck from a Transporter (GTA)

Scenario:
ABC Ltd hires a truck for transporting goods from Sharma Transport (GTA), which does not charge GST.

GST Treatment:

Since GTA falls under notified RCM services, ABC Ltd (recipient) must pay GST at 5% under RCM.
ABC Ltd can claim ITC on the tax paid if used for taxable output supply.

📌 Example 2: Legal Services from an Advocate

Scenario:
A company, XYZ Pvt Ltd, avails legal services from Advocate Ramesh, who does not charge GST.

GST Treatment:

Legal services are covered under RCM, so XYZ Pvt Ltd must pay GST @18% under RCM.
XYZ Pvt Ltd can claim ITC if the service is used for business.

Compliance Requirements for RCM

📌 1. GST Registration:
Businesses liable under RCM must compulsorily register for GST, even if their turnover is below the threshold.

📌 2. Payment of GST:
GST under RCM must be paid in cash (ITC cannot be used for this).

📌 3. Filing of Returns:
RCM transactions must be reported in:

GSTR-3B – Monthly summary return
GSTR-1 – Details of outward and RCM supplies

📌 4. Input Tax Credit (ITC) Rules:
ITC can be claimed on RCM tax only if used for taxable supplies.

Conclusion

The Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) ensures GST compliance in cases where the supplier is unregistered or difficult to track. Businesses must be aware of when RCM applies, how to pay GST under RCM, and how to claim ITC.

By maintaining proper records and following GST rules, businesses can avoid penalties and ensure smooth compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on RCM

❓ Q1. Can ITC be used to pay tax under RCM?
👉 No, RCM tax must be paid in cash. However, ITC can be claimed later if eligible.

❓ Q2. Do I need to register for GST if I am only liable under RCM?
👉 Yes, businesses paying GST under RCM must register, even if turnover is below the threshold.

❓ Q3. What happens if I don’t pay GST under RCM?
👉 Non-payment of RCM GST can lead to interest, penalties, and non-compliance issues.

❓ Q4. How do I report RCM in GST returns?
👉 RCM transactions should be reported in GSTR-3B and GSTR-1.

Professional Education

Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) in GST – Meaning, Examples & Compliance