Is it mandatory to claim ITC as per GSTR-2B or can be claimed as per books of accounts. What would be the implication for claiming of ITC as per books instead of GSTR-2B. Since GSTR-2B is showing much less than books of accounts.

Reply: As per Rule 36(4) Input tax credit to be availed by a registered person in respect of invoices or debit notes, the details of which have not been furnished by the suppliers under sub-section (1) of section 37, shall not exceed 5 per cent. of the eligible credit available in respect of invoices or debit notes the details of which have been furnished by the suppliers under sub-section (1) of section 37 in FORM GSTR-1 or using the invoice furnishing facility.

As per Rule 60(7) an auto-drafted statement containing the details of input tax credit shall be made available to the registered person in FORM GSTR-2B, for every month, electronically through the common portal, and shall consist of -(i) the details of outward supplies furnished by his supplier, other than a supplier required to furnish return for every quarter under proviso to sub-section (1) of section 39, in FORM GSTR-1, between the day immediately after the due date of furnishing of FORM GSTR-1 for the previous month to the due date of furnishing of FORM GSTR-1 for the month.

As per above provisions ITC is to be claimed as per form GSTR-2B. However, it is auto populated in GSTR-3B but it can be changed as per Rule 36(4).

Consequences of violation of Rule 36(4)- As per rule 21A(2A) Where, a comparison of the returns furnished by a registered person under section 39 with (a) the details of outward supplies furnished in FORM GSTR-1; or (b) the details of inward supplies derived based on the details of outward supplies furnished by his suppliers in their FORM GSTR-1, or such other analysis, as may be carried out on the recommendations of the Council, show that there are significant differences or anomalies indicating contravention of the provisions of the Act or the rules made thereunder, leading to cancellation of registration of the said person, his registration shall be suspended and the said person shall be intimated in FORM GST REG-31, electronically, on the common portal, or by sending a communication to his e-mail address provided at the time of registration or as amended from time to time, highlighting the said differences and anomalies and asking him to explain, within a period of thirty days, as to why his registration shall not be cancelled.