Input tax credit (ITC) under GST (2026)
What ITC is with a worked example, the conditions to claim it, what's blocked, and how e-commerce sellers use it to cut their GST.
Input tax credit (ITC) lets a GST-registered business reduce the tax it pays on sales by the GST it already paid on its purchases — as long as the supplier has filed, the invoice is valid, and the goods or services are used for business.
What ITC is — a simple example
You buy stock for ₹10,000 + ₹1,800 GST and sell it for ₹15,000 + ₹2,700 GST. You claim ₹1,800 as ITC and pay the government only ₹900 (₹2,700 − ₹1,800).
Conditions to claim ITC
- You hold a valid tax invoice from a registered supplier.
- The supplier has filed their return and the credit appears in your GSTR-2B.
- You have received the goods or services.
- The purchase is used for business (not personal or exempt supplies).
Blocked credits (what you can't claim)
- Motor vehicles (with exceptions), food & beverages, club memberships.
- Goods/services for personal use or for exempt supplies.
- Purchases where the supplier didn't pay/declare the tax.
ITC for e-commerce sellers
Sellers claim ITC on packaging, logistics, software, ads and stock — reducing the net GST payable each month. Reconcile your GSTR-2B before filing GSTR-3B so you only claim eligible credit.
How to claim ITC
- Collect valid GST invoices for all business purchases.
- Check the credit appears in your GSTR-2B for the period.
- Claim the eligible amount in GSTR-3B.
- Pay only the net tax (output tax minus ITC).
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What is input tax credit in GST?
Input tax credit (ITC) is the GST you paid on business purchases, which you subtract from the GST you collected on sales, so you only pay tax on your value addition.
Who can claim ITC?
A GST-registered business with a valid tax invoice, where the supplier has filed and the credit shows in GSTR-2B, the goods/services were received, and they are used for business.
What credits are blocked under GST?
Common blocked credits include motor vehicles (with exceptions), food and beverages, club memberships, and anything used for personal purposes or exempt supplies.
How do I check my ITC?
Your eligible credit is auto-drafted in GSTR-2B each month. Reconcile it before filing GSTR-3B and claim only what is eligible.
Can e-commerce sellers claim ITC?
Yes. Sellers claim ITC on stock, packaging, logistics, software and advertising, reducing the net GST they pay each month.
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