Diploma in VAT (Sale Tax)

Course Overview

The Diploma in VAT and Sales Tax Management (DVSTM) equips students with skills to manage VAT and sales tax efficiently. Covering tax laws, compliance, and reporting, the course prepares professionals for roles in finance, accounting, and taxation. Ideal for those seeking expertise in indirect taxation.

Duration:

1 year (2 semesters)

Syllabus:

The syllabus for the Diploma in VAT (Sales Tax) is typically structured across two semesters. Below is a sample outline:

Semester 1:

  1. Introduction to Indirect Taxes:

    • Overview of indirect taxes: VAT, Sales Tax, Service Tax, and Excise Duty

    • Evolution of VAT and its comparison with Sales Tax

    • Concepts of VAT in the Indian context before the implementation of GST

  2. VAT Laws and Procedures:

    • Understanding VAT laws as per the state legislation

    • VAT registration, compliance requirements, and procedures

    • Calculation of VAT: Input tax credit, output tax, and net VAT payable

  3. Sales Tax:

    • Sales tax structure: Local sales tax, Central Sales Tax (CST)

    • Sales tax filing, payments, and compliance

    • Differences between Sales Tax and VAT

  4. Tax Accounting and Documentation:

    • Accounting procedures for VAT and Sales Tax transactions

    • Maintenance of records, invoices, and documentation required under VAT and Sales Tax laws

    • Filing returns, refunds, and audits under VAT/Sales Tax

Semester 2:

  1. Transition from VAT/Sales Tax to GST:

    • Introduction to GST (Goods and Services Tax) and its impact on VAT/Sales Tax

    • Transitional provisions under GST for businesses previously under VAT/Sales Tax

    • Comparative analysis between GST and VAT/Sales Tax systems

  2. VAT Assessment and Audits:

    • Procedure for VAT assessment and audit by tax authorities

    • Preparation for VAT audits, notices, and compliance reviews

    • Resolving disputes and appeals related to VAT assessments

  3. VAT/Sales Tax Planning and Optimization:

    • Strategies for tax planning and VAT/Sales Tax optimization

    • Handling tax exemptions, deductions, and deferrals

    • Avoiding penalties and interest through proper compliance

  4. Project Work/Internship:

    • Practical experience through internships in tax consultancies or corporate tax departments

    • Project work involving VAT and Sales Tax calculations, return filings, and audit preparations

    • Preparation of reports and presentations on VAT and Sales Tax management topics

Average Fees:

  • ₹20,000 to ₹75,000 (varies by institution)

Exams to Attend:

  1. Internal Assessments:

    • Regular assessments through assignments, case studies, and practical exercises on VAT/Sales Tax compliance, tax calculations, and audits.

  2. Final Semester Examinations:

    • End-of-semester exams testing theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to VAT and Sales Tax laws and procedures.

  3. Professional Certifications (Optional):

    • Certified VAT Professional (CVP): Certification for expertise in VAT and Sales Tax compliance.

    • Certified Indirect Tax Professional (CITP): Specialization in VAT, GST, and other indirect taxes.

  4. Competitive Exams (Optional):

    • Entrance exams for further studies such as CA (Chartered Accountant), CS (Company Secretary), or LLB with a focus on tax law.

Top 10 Institutions in India:

  1. Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), New Delhi

  2. Indian School of Taxation, Mumbai

  3. Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, Pune

  4. National Institute of Financial Management (NIFM), Faridabad

  5. Indian Institute of Taxation, Mumbai

  6. Amity University, Noida

  7. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai

  8. Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad

  9. Christ University, Bangalore

  10. ICFAI University, Hyderabad

Top 10 Institutions in Kerala:

  1. Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi

  2. Farook College, Kozhikode

  3. St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam

  4. Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), Thrissur

  5. Sacred Heart College, Kochi

  6. MES College, Marampally

  7. Amrita School of Arts and Sciences, Kochi

  8. Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam

  9. Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram

  10. St. Joseph’s College, Devagiri, Kozhikode