What is the difference between nil rated and zero rated supply under GST?

Asked by: Prof. Lyric Wuckert  |  Last update: August 10, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (44 votes)

Nil-rated supply and zero-rated supply under GST both attract a 0 % 0 % tax rate, but differ fundamentally on Input Tax Credit (ITC) eligibility. Zero-rated supplies (exports/SEZ) allow claiming ITC and refunds, whereas nil-rated supplies (certain essential goods) do not. Zero-rated promotes exports; Nil-rated applies to domestic exempted goods.

Are Nil rated and zero-rated the same?

To summarise, zero-rated supply is a type of GST supply where the GST rate applicable is 0%, but the supplier can still claim the input tax credit. Nil-rated supply is a type of GST supply where the GST rate is also 0%, but the supplier cannot claim the input tax credit.

What is the meaning of nil in GST?

As discussed above, a NIL Rated supply of goods or services means the supply of the same is leviable to #GST but the tax payable shall be NIL. Such a supply is covered under 'exempt supply' and no 'input tax credit' can be availed by a supplier of 'NIL Rated' supply.

What is the difference between zero-rated and no GST?

GST Treatment: 'No GST' transactions are exempt from GST, while 'Zero-rated GST' transactions have GST applied at 0%. GST Returns: Zero-rated transactions must be included in your GST returns, while exempt transactions do not appear.

Is GST applicable on zero-rated supplies?

As per sec 16(1) of IGST Act any supplies made by a registered dealer as an export (Both goods or services) or supply to an SEZ qualifies for Zero Rated Supplies in GST. The supply to a developer of an SEZ is also covered under Zero-Rated Supplies in GST as no tax is levied on these supplies as well.

Nil rated or Exempted Goods ? What is Difference between Nil rated , exempted and zero Rated good

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What are examples of a zero-rated supply?

The following goods and services are zero-rated:

  • Exports.
  • 19 basic food items.
  • Illuminating paraffin.
  • Goods which are subject to the fuel levy (petrol and diesel)
  • International transport services.
  • Farming inputs.
  • Sales of going concerns, and.
  • Certain grants by government.

How to enter Nil rated supplies in GSTR1?

To file a nil Form GSTR-1, perform the following steps:

  1. Access the www.gst.gov.in URL. ...
  2. The File Returns page is displayed. ...
  3. Click the PREPARE ONLINE button in the GSTR1 tile.
  4. The GSTR-1 – Details of outward supplies of goods or services page is displayed. ...
  5. The Nil File GSTR-1 page will be displayed.

Who benefits from zero-rated supplies?

Governments commonly lower the tax burden on low-income households by zero rating essential goods, such as food and utilities or prescription drugs.

Which type of supply is exempt from GST?

Exempt supplies under GST include nil-rated supplies, supplies wholly or partially exempted by government notification, and non-taxable supplies like alcoholic liquor for human consumption. Exempt goods and services do not attract GST, and input tax credit (ITC) for such supplies cannot be claimed or utilized.

What are the pros and cons of zero-rating?

Thus users of zero-rated services might benefit from its introduction, while non-users may find that their prices rise or download limits fall. The introduction of zero rating may also involve upselling as the ISP could limit zero- rated offers to more expensive plans.

What is an example of nil rated supply under GST?

Some items which are nil rated include grains, salt, jaggery, etc. This supply includes items which are used for everyday purposes. Since they are basic essentials, they do not attract any GST at all.

Which moves to nil GST?

GST on pencils, sharpeners, crayons, exercise books, graph books, maps, and charts has been reduced from 12% to Nil. GST on erasers has been reduced from 5% to Nil. This reduction will make basic learning tools cheaper, especially for government schools, children and youth in rural areas.

Is it mandatory to file a Nil GST return?

It is mandatory for every registered taxpayer to file nil GST return even when he has no transaction for that particular period. Further, non-filing of returns will attract penalty for the taxpayer.

What are zero-rated GST items?

Zero-rated supplies are supplies of property and services that are taxable at the rate of 0%. This means there is no GST/HST charged on these supplies, but GST/HST registrants may be eligible to claim ITCs for the GST/HST paid or payable on property and services acquired to provide these supplies.

Is GST free the same as zero-rated?

Under Australian GST law some sales are GST-free. This term is generally the same as: zero rated (in other countries with VAT/GST systems) exempt (in countries with sales tax systems).

What is the difference between zero-rated supply and nil rated supply?

Under GST, supplies are categorized as zero-rated, nil-rated, or exempt-rated. Zero-rated supplies, like exports, are taxed at 0% with Input Tax Credit eligibility. Nil-rated supplies also have a 0% tax rate but no ITC, while exempt supplies are fully GST-free with no ITC.

What is zero-rated GST vs exempt?

'No GST' transactions are completely exempt from GST. 'Zero-rated GST' transactions have GST applied at a 0% rate, making them non-taxable.

What is an example of a zero-rated supply?

Zero-rated goods, in countries that use value-added tax (VAT), are products that are taxed at a 0% VAT rate, meaning no tax is charged on their sale. These goods are often essential items, such as basic food staples, books, or children's clothing, designated as zero-rated to make them more affordable for consumers.

Can you claim VAT on zero-rated supplies?

Yes, you can reclaim VAT on zero-rated supplies. This is because these supplies are taxable at a rate of 0%, meaning that the customer does not have to pay any VAT, but the supplier can reclaim the input VAT paid on associated purchases.

What is the primary benefit of zero-rated supply under GST?

By zero rating it is meant that the entire value chain of the supply is exempt from tax. This means that in case of zero rating, not only is the output exempt from payment of tax, there is no bar on taking/availing credit of taxes paid on the input side for making/providing the output supply.

What is an example of a nil rated supply?

Common examples of nil rated supplies include essential commodities like grains, salt, and jaggery. When reporting nil rated supplies in GST returns, businesses must include them in their GSTR-1 under the appropriate section but without any tax liability.

When to file nil in GSTR1?

Form GSTR-1 can be filed as a nil return if there are no outward supplies (including supplies on which tax is to be charged on reverse charge basis, zero rated supplies and deemed exports) during the month or quarter, for which the return is being filed for .

Can you claim ITC on zero-rated supplies?

Zero-rated supplies are supplies of property and services that are taxable at the rate of 0%. This means there is no GST/HST charged on these supplies, but GST/HST registrants may be eligible to claim ITCs for the GST/HST paid or payable on property and services acquired to provide these supplies.