GST might hit small fund distributors, investment advisors

The advent of the goods and services tax (GST) is likely to hit small distributors and investment advisors, says the mutual fund (MF) sector. Players say ambiguity over input tax credit and inter-state transactions has created confusion among distributors, particularly those earning less than Rs 20 lakh a year. Meanwhile, fund houses and the Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi) are helping distributors get GST-ready, by conducting workshops and educating through lists of 'Frequently asked questions (FAQs). Amfi has also appointed consultancy entity PwC India to assess the impact on the sector. Financial Astrology Tips

According to industry players, registration and obtaining of GST number is mandatory for all MF distributors, irrespective of their income. Fund houses are expected to deduct GST from distributors' commission, even those whose income is below the threshold of Rs 20 lakh, if they haven't provided their GST number. Those providing it will be paid the entire brokerage and distributors will have to do the GST filing at their end. Sector executives have urged all distributors to register for getting the input tax credit. Future & Option Trading Tips

There is a lack of clarity on how independent financial advisors (IFAs) will be eligible for this credit, as many don't operate out of offices. There is also a lack of clarity over inter-state and intra-state transactions, say players. Most fund houses are registered in Maharashtra. Earlier, the impression was that distributors with less than Rs 20 lakh annual income and registered in the state were exempt from GST. However, if distributors operate outside the state, there would be no exemption, say experts. That would mean an impact on distributors, particularly IFAs. Nifty Trading Tips