In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-

(23). "net tax", in relation to any period, means-

(a) in case of a registered dealer, other than those referred to in sub-clause (c) and sub-clause (d), the amount of output tax in excess of the net tax credit, as referred to in sub-section (17) of section 22, claimed by such registered dealer in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder,

(b) in case of any dealer other than a registered dealer, the amount of output tax,

(c) in case of a registered dealer paying tax at a compounded rate under sub-section (3), sub-section (3A), or sub-section (3B) or sub-section (6), of section 16 or sub-section (4) of section 18, the amount of output tax,

(d) in case of a registered dealer, other than those referred to in sub-clause (a) and sub-clause (c), enjoying deferment of payment of tax, or tax holiday, or remission of tax under clause (a), clause (b), or clause (c) respectively of sub-section (1) of section 118, the amount of output tax;