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Microlesson · 5-min read

Composition Scheme - Marginal Services Limit u/s 10(1) & 10(2)

# Composition Scheme: Limit on Marginal Services

## The Core Rule

A composition supplier under Section 10(1) and 10(2) is primarily meant to deal in goods (and restaurant services). However, the law gives a small leeway to provide other services ('marginal services').

A person becomes INELIGIBLE for composition u/s 10(1) & 10(2) if marginal services [services other than restaurant service] in the preceding financial year exceed:

> Higher of:

> - 10% of Turnover in State/UT in preceding FY, OR

> - ₹ 5,00,000

## Important Carve-outs

### 1. Interest income is excluded

While interest on loans, deposits and advances is technically an 'exempt supply' of services, it is NOT counted while computing:

  • The value of marginal services, AND
  • The turnover used in the 10% formula

### 2. First year of business

In the first year of business, the preceding FY turnover is NIL → 10% × NIL = NIL.

So, the higher figure becomes ₹ 5 lakhs, which is the maximum marginal services that can be provided in year 1.

### 3. Restaurant services have no marginal cap

Restaurant services are specifically permitted under composition (no limit) — only subject to the overall aggregate turnover threshold (₹ 1.5 cr / ₹ 75 lakhs).

## How to apply (step-by-step)

1. Find preceding FY turnover in State/UT (exclude interest).

2. Compute 10% of that turnover.

3. Compare with ₹ 5,00,000 → pick the higher.

4. That is the cap on non-restaurant services for the current year.

5. Restaurant services are unlimited (subject only to ₹1.5 cr / ₹75 lakh aggregate cap).

Worked example

### Example 1

Example – Mr. Ram (Footwear Manufacturer)

Facts: Last year's turnover = ₹145 lakhs (includes ₹25 lakhs interest from FD). Wants to opt composition this year and provide footwear cleaning services + restaurant services.

Solution:

  • Turnover excluding interest = ₹145 − ₹25 = ₹120 lakhs
  • Maximum marginal services (non-restaurant) = Higher of:
  • 10% × ₹120 lakhs = ₹12 lakhs
  • ₹5 lakhs
  • = ₹12 lakhs
  • Restaurant services = no separate cap (but aggregate turnover must stay ≤ ₹150 lakhs).

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Including interest income while computing 10% of turnover (interest is excluded though it is exempt).
  • Applying the ₹5 lakh cap on restaurant services — restaurant services are unrestricted under composition (no marginal cap).
  • Taking 'lower of' instead of 'higher of' between 10% and ₹5 lakhs.
  • Forgetting that in the first year of business, only ₹5 lakh marginal services are allowed (since 10% of nil is nil).
Bare-Act text Section 10(1) and 10(2) read with proviso · CGST Act, 2017 · click to expand
A person shall not be eligible to opt for composition scheme u/s 10(1) and 10(2), if he makes supply of services other than restaurant service exceeding 10% of Turnover in State/UT in preceding FY OR ₹5,00,000, whichever is higher.
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