If you are a small business owner tired of complex GST compliance, the Composition Scheme under Section 10 of the CGST Act might be the right fit.

WHO CAN OPT IN
The scheme is available to businesses whose aggregate turnover in the preceding financial year did not exceed Rs 1.5 crore. For businesses in North-Eastern states, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the threshold is Rs 75 lakh. Service providers can opt in if their turnover does not exceed Rs 50 lakh.

However, the following cannot register under the scheme:
- Manufacturers of ice cream, pan masala, or tobacco products
- Businesses making inter-state outward supplies
- Suppliers operating through e-commerce operators
- Casual or non-resident taxable persons

TAX RATES
Manufacturers and traders: 1% (0.5% CGST + 0.5% SGST)
Restaurants (not serving alcohol): 5% (2.5% CGST + 2.5% SGST)
Other service providers: 6% (3% CGST + 3% SGST)

These rates apply on turnover, not on individual invoices. You issue a Bill of Supply instead of a tax invoice.

KEY RESTRICTIONS
Input Tax Credit (ITC) is not available. You cannot claim credit for GST paid on your purchases. You also cannot collect tax from your customers. Every signboard and Bill of Supply must carry the words Composition Taxable Person, not eligible to collect tax on supplies.

FILING REQUIREMENTS
CMP-08: Quarterly statement-cum-challan, due by the 18th of the month following each quarter.
GSTR-4: Annual return, due by 30th April of the following financial year.

That is just one form per quarter and one annual return — far simpler than monthly GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B filings.

PRACTICAL TIP
Before opting in, calculate whether the ITC you would lose exceeds the compliance savings. If your purchases carry heavy GST (say 18% on raw materials), regular registration might actually save you more money despite the paperwork.