Kerala Flood Cess

Introduction: Kerala Flood Cess is levied to raise the fund required for re-construction of State after the devastating flood occurred in the State during August 2018.

Applicability date: Kerala Flood Cess is applicable from the 1st August, 2019 onwards as per notification No. S.R.O. 436/2019 dated 29/06/2019 for a period of two years.

Kerala Flood Cess is levied under Section 14 of Kerala Finance Act, 2019. The Kerala Flood Cess Rules published vide Notification SRO. No.359/2019 published as G.O.(P) No.80/2019/TD dated 25-05-2019 & it was approved in 32nd meeting of GST Council.

Chargeability Rate: Kerala Flood Cess will be in force for a period two years from the date of commencement. Kerala Flood Cess is imposed @ 1% on the value of supply of goods or services or both coming under Schedule II, III & IV of SRO.No.360/2017 Dt.30.06.2017. But in the case of goods coming under Fifth Schedule of SRO.No.360/2017 (gold, diamond etc.), the Kerala Flood Cess is applicable at the rate of 0.25%. It can be collected from customers by showing separately in the invoices.

Kerala Flood Cess is applicable to goods and services or both as per Section 14 (2) of Kerala Finance Act, 2019 & Kerala Flood Cess is applicable only for intra-state supply.

Is Separate Registration required? No, GSTIN will be treated as Registration Number for Kerala Flood Cess. The tax payer has to login the official website “www.keralataxes.gov.in” to generate user ID and password. While entering GSTIN number, one time password (OTP) will be sent to the mobile number of authorized representative for creating used ID and password. After login to the system, tax payers shall furnish the details of turnover applicable for Kerala Flood Cess and make e-Payment of Kerala Flood Cess. Detailed procedure for the filing of return will be released separately.

Exempted Goods for Kerala Flood Cess:

Kerala Flood Cess is not applicable for supply of exempted goods or services.

The goods or services or both leviable to Kerala Flood Cess are described in Sec.14(2) of Kerala Finance Act, 2019. All goods or services or both not covered in the above Section shall be exempted from levy of Kerala Flood Cess.

Interest on Delayed Payment: The provision of Kerala Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 and Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 and Rules made there under including those relating to definitions, authorities, assessments, audit, non-levy, short levy, interest, appeal, recovery, offenses and penalties shall apply in relation of levy of collection of Kerala Flood Cess. Interest @ 18% will be applicable for delayed payment of Cess.