Why This Change Is Important
From January 2026 onward, the GST system introduced an important improvement in how Input Tax Credit (ITC) can be used to pay tax liability. This change affects every taxpayer who files GSTR-3B and uses ITC to set off tax.
Earlier, the utilisation of ITC followed a stricter system sequence, and many taxpayers faced situations where some credit remained unused while cash payment was still required. Now, after fully using IGST ITC, taxpayers have more flexibility in using CGST and SGST ITC to pay remaining IGST liability.
This change helps reduce blocked credit, improves cash flow, and simplifies tax payment.
2. The Core Rule — What Exactly Changed
The fundamental rule still remains:
IGST ITC must be used first.
But the new flexibility begins after IGST ITC becomes zero.
Once IGST ITC is fully utilised:
- You can use CGST ITC and SGST ITC in any order to pay the remaining IGST liability.
- You are no longer restricted by a rigid sequence between CGST and SGST.
This gives taxpayers better control over credit utilisation and helps reduce unnecessary cash payments.
3. Where You Will See This in GSTR-3B
This change applies during tax payment and ITC set-off in GSTR-3B (Table 6.1) when you offset tax liability using available ITC.
While filing, the system will still suggest utilisation, but now you have flexibility after IGST ITC is exhausted.
4. Why This Change Matters in Real Life
This rule is very helpful in common situations such as:
- You have more CGST ITC but less SGST ITC
- You have SGST ITC but no CGST ITC
- IGST liability exists but IGST ITC is insufficient
- You want to minimise cash payment
Earlier, such mismatched credit balances often forced taxpayers to pay tax in cash. Now, the system allows smarter credit utilisation.
5. Step-by-Step Professional Method to Use ITC Set-Off
Step 1 — Reconcile ITC Before Filing
Always match:
- Purchase register vs GSTR-2B
- Remove ineligible ITC
- Separate blocked credits (such as personal use, motor vehicles, etc.)
- Ensure credit reflects correctly in portal
Why important: Wrong ITC leads to incorrect tax and interest.
Step 2 — Confirm Tax Liability
Check:
- Outward liability based on GSTR-1
- Amendments and credit/debit notes
- No duplicate or missing invoices
Why important: Liability flows automatically into GSTR-3B.
Step 3 — Start ITC Utilisation
Follow this order:
- Use IGST ITC fully
- If IGST liability still remains → now use CGST and SGST ITC in any order
You can:
- Use only CGST
- Use only SGST
- Use both in any combination
This is the key benefit of the 2026 change.
Step 4 — Verify Final Tax Payable
Before filing:
- Check utilisation summary
- Confirm no ITC mismatch
- Verify remaining liability
- Ensure required cash payment is correct
6. Practical Real-World Examples
Example 1 — Flexible Utilisation
IGST Liability = 1,00,000
IGST ITC = 60,000
CGST ITC = 50,000
SGST ITC = 40,000
Step 1: Use IGST ITC → Remaining IGST = 40,000
Step 2: Now you may choose:
- CGST 40,000 only
- SGST 40,000 only
- CGST 20,000 + SGST 20,000
Earlier, flexibility was limited. Now, you choose based on your credit balance.
Example 2 — Only CGST Credit Available
Remaining IGST liability = 30,000
CGST ITC = 80,000
SGST ITC = 0
You can now use CGST ITC fully to clear IGST liability after IGST ITC is exhausted. This avoids unnecessary cash payment.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many taxpayers still make these errors:
- Trying to use CGST/SGST before exhausting IGST ITC
- Filing without reconciling GSTR-2B
- Using ineligible ITC
- Ignoring portal utilisation summary
- Confusing ITC eligibility with utilisation rules
- Rushing tax payment without verification
Avoiding these mistakes ensures smooth compliance.
8. Monthly Practical Compliance Routine
Before Filing
- Reconcile ITC vs GSTR-2B
- Remove blocked/ineligible ITC
- Verify GSTR-1 liability
- Check amendments and credit notes
During Filing
- Use IGST ITC fully first
- Use CGST/SGST strategically
- Verify utilisation summary
- Check tax payable and cash requirement
After Filing
- Save reconciliation working
- Track unused ITC
- Monitor mismatch early
- Prepare corrections if needed
9. How This Change Helps Honest Taxpayers
This improvement:
- Reduces unnecessary cash payment
- Minimises blocked credit
- Improves credit utilisation
- Makes tax payment smoother
- Improves financial planning
- Reduces reconciliation stress
Taxpayers with proper discipline benefit the most.
10. Deep Knowledge — Important Technical Points
- This rule applies only after IGST ITC is fully exhausted
- It applies during GSTR-3B ITC set-off
- It does not change ITC eligibility rules
- It only improves utilisation flexibility
- Proper reconciliation is still mandatory
- Portal suggestions should always be verified
11. Final Professional Conclusion
The 2026 ITC set-off improvement is a positive step toward smarter GST compliance. It allows better use of available credit, reduces cash burden, and improves tax efficiency.
However, this benefit works only when:
- ITC is correctly reconciled
- Liability is accurate
- Filing is disciplined
- Utilisation is verified before submission
The simple rule for smooth GST compliance remains:
Correct ITC + Correct Liability + Smart Utilisation = Smooth Filing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the new ITC set-off rule?
After IGST ITC is fully used, you can use CGST and SGST ITC in any order to pay remaining IGST liability.
2. From when is this rule applicable?
It applies from the January 2026 tax period onward.
3. Can CGST/SGST be used before IGST ITC is exhausted?
No. IGST ITC must be fully used first.
4. Does this reduce cash payment?
Yes, especially when CGST or SGST credit is available but IGST ITC is insufficient.
5. Does this change ITC eligibility rules?
No. It only changes utilisation flexibility.
6. Where is this applied in GST return?
During ITC set-off in GSTR-3B while paying tax.
7. What if portal utilisation looks different?
Always verify with your reconciliation before proceeding.
8. What is the best practice before filing?
Reconcile ITC, verify liability, check utilisation summary, then file.
9. Who benefits most from this change?
Businesses with uneven CGST and SGST credit balances.
10. What is the key to smooth GST compliance?
Clean ITC, accurate liability, and correct utilisation.