GST Return Filing
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India. Every taxpayer registered under GST has to file GST returns. These returns are used to calculate the tax liability by the government. GST is an evolving system of taxation and the government keeps updating the rules and regulations around it. So, it is important to stay up-to-date to be able to file your returns correctly. Our GST return filing service helps taxpayers to get it done easily. Our professionals will take care of the filings so you don’t have to worry about keeping up with the due dates and staying GST compliant.
GST Filing Returns – Types and Due Dates
| GST Filing Returns | Purpose |
|---|---|
| GSTR1 | Tax returns for outward supplies are made using this form. It contains the details of the interstate as well as intrastate B2B and B2C sales including purchases under reverse charge and inter-state stock transfers made during the tax period. If Form GSTR-1 is filed late, the late fee will be collected in the next open return in Form GSTR-3B. From 1 January 2022, taxpayers will not be permitted to file Form GSTR-1 if they have not filed Form GSTR-3B in the preceding month. |
| GSTR1A | It is an amendment form used to correct the GSTR-1 document including any mismatches between the GSTR-1 of a taxpayer and the GSTR-2 of their customers. This can be filed between 15 and 17 of the following month. |
| GSTR2 | Monthly GST return for the received inward supplies are filed using this form. It contains taxpayer info, period of return and final invoice-level purchase information related to the tax period listed separately for goods and services. |
| GSTR2A | An auto-generated tax return for purchases and inward supplies made by a taxpayer is automatically compiled by the GSTN based on the information present within the GSTR-1 of their suppliers. |
| GSTR2B | GSTR-2B is an auto-generated document that acts as an Input Tax Credit (ITC) statement for taxpayers. The GST Council states that GSTR-2B will help in cutting down the time taken to file returns, minimise errors, ease reconciliation and simplify compliance. |
| GSTR3 | It is used to file consolidated monthly tax returns. It contains The taxpayer’s basic information (name, GSTIN, etc), period to which the return pertains, turnover details, final aggregate-level inward and outward supply details, tax liability under CGST, SGST, IGST, and additional tax (+1% tax), details about your ITC, cash, and liability ledgers, details of other payments such as interests, penalties, and fees. |
| GSTR3A | It is a tax notice issued by the tax authority to a defaulter who has failed to file monthly GST returns on time. |
| GSTR3B | Temporary consolidated summary GST returns of inward and outward supplies that the Government of India has introduced as relaxation for businesses that have recently registered to GST. |
| GSTR4 | It is the quarterly GST returns filed by compounding vendors. This contains the total value of supply made during the period covered by the return, along with the details of the tax paid at the compounding rate (not more than 1% of aggregate turnover) for the period along with invoice details for inward supplies if they are either imports or purchased from normal taxpayers. |
| GSTR4A | It is the Quarterly purchase-related tax return filed by composition dealers. It’s automatically generated by the GSTN portal based on the information furnished in the GSTR-1, GSTR-5, and GSTR-7 of your suppliers. |
| GSTR5 | Variable return for Non-resident foreign taxpayers (It contains the details of the taxpayer, period of return and invoice details of all goods and services sold and purchased. It also includes imports by the taxpayer on Indian soil for the registered period/month. |
| GSTR6 | This is the monthly GST return for ISDs. It contains the details of the taxpayer’s basic information (name, GSTIN, etc), period to which the return pertains, invoice-level supply details from the GSTR-1 of counter-parties, invoice details, including the GSTIN of the taxpayer receiving the credit, separate ISD ledger containing the opening ITC balance for the period, credit for ITC services received, debit for ITC reversed or distributed, and closing balance |
| GSTR7 | It is filed as a monthly return for TDS transactions. It contains the taxpayer’s basic information (name, GSTIN, etc), period to which the return pertains, supplier’s GSTIN, invoices against which the tax has been deducted. It is categorised under the major tax heads – SGST, CGST, and IGST. Details of any other payments such as interests and penalties are also included in the form. |
| GSTR8 | It is the monthly return for e-commerce operators. It contains the taxpayer’s basic information (name, GSTIN, etc), the period to which the return pertains, details of supplies made to customers through the e-commerce portal by both registered taxable persons and unregistered persons, customers’ basic information (whether or not they are registered taxpayers), the amount of tax collected at source, tax payable, and tax paid). |
| GSTR9 | This is an annual consolidated tax return It contains the taxpayer’s income and expenditure in detail. These are then regrouped according to the monthly GST returns filed by the taxpayer. |
| GSTR9A | It is an annual composition return form that has to be filed by every taxpayer who is enrolled in the composition scheme |
| GSTR9B | It is an annual return form that has to be filed by e-commerce operators who collect tax at the source |
| GSTR9C | This Audit form has to be filed by every taxpayer who is liable to get their annual reports audited when their aggregate turnover exceeds ₹2 crores in a financial year. |
| GSTR10 | Filing GST returns before canceling GST registration These final GST returns are to be filed when terminating business activities permanently/canceling GST registration. It will contain the details of all supplies, liabilities, tax collected, and tax payable. |
| GSTR11 | Variable tax return for taxpayers with UIN It contains the details of purchases made by foreign embassies and diplomatic missions for self-consumption during a particular month. |
GST Return Filing Process
The government has been making strides towards innovation and automation and has instituted facilities for the online filing of returns under GST on the government’s GST portal, through the Goods and Service Tax Network (GSTN).
- Step 1: Go to the GST portal – www.gst.gov.in
- Step 2: Obtain a 15-digit GST Identification Number (GSTIN), which is issued based on your state code and PAN
- Step 3: Upload the relevant invoices on the GST portal. An invoice reference number against each invoice will be allotted
- Step 4: Once all the invoices, inward returns, outward returns, and cumulative monthly GST filing returns are uploaded, verify all the data you have inputted and file your returns.
Fineopt is well-known for its user-friendly online platform with which you can avail of GST filing services from the comfort of your home. The dedicated representatives of Fineopt will be in constant touch with you right from the start. They will collect all the required documents and do the needful.
Types of GST Returns Application Status Tracking
The status of the Filing GST return application depends upon the performance of the obligation, and the status available would make the taxpayer aware of their filing.. Basically, there are four statuses and they are explained below.
- FILED-VALID: When the GST return Filing is being filed by the registered taxpayer and has fulfilled all the requirements
- FILED-INVALID: When the tax is partly or fully remains unremitted
- TO BE FILED: GST Returns is due but has not been filed
- SUBMITTED BUT NOT VALID: In cases where the return has been validated but the filing is pending.
How to Check GST Return Status?
There are three easy ways to track GST returns status online
Tracking Through ARN
When submitting the tax return, taxpayers are allotted a unique number called an ARN which helps in tracking the status of the tax return which is to be done every month. Steps to view the status through ARN are explained below:
- Step 1: Visit the official GST portal and log in to your user portal by filing down the required credentials or entering the valid details
- Step 2: Click of the Services > Returns > Track Return status
- Step 3: Enter the ARN number which has been sent to the registered email address of the taxpayer and click on the search key.
On clicking on the search option, there would be a full display of the return application status which will be having all the relevant details.
Tracking through GST Returns Filing Period
- Step 1: Visit the official GST portal and log in to your user portal by filing down the required credentials or entering the valid details
- Step 2: Click of the Services > Returns > Track Return status
- Step 3: Click on the GST Return Filing period and enter the dates with the help of the calendar available
- Step 4:On clicking on the search option all the relevant details would be displayed on the screen.
When Tracking Through the Status
- Step 1: Visit the official GST portal and select the search taxpayer option
- Step 2: You will see the GSTIN/UIN option, enter your GSTIN ID and fill in the exact captcha code and then click on the search command. Captcha Code will appear only when you enter your GSTIN ID
Once all of the information is submitted, the page will display all of the relevant information about the company, including the legal name, jurisdiction, date of registration, GSTIN/UIN status, and data from all recent GST returns filed under various sub-headings.
Steps to Download GST Returns Online
Here is a step by step guide on how to download the GST returns online:
- Step 1: Enter your login details and click on ‘Login’
- Step 2: Click on ‘File GST Returns’
- Step 3: Select year and month, then click on ‘Search’
- Step 4: Click on ‘View GSTR 1’
- Step 5: Next click on ‘Preview’
- Step 6: Save in folder and right-click to show in folder.
Benefits of GST Return Filing
GST Eliminates Cascading Effect
Earlier there were many instances where tax on tax was paid for a single transaction. As GST did away with several other taxes like central excise duty, service tax, customs duty, and state-level value-added tax, you no longer are subjected to paying tax on tax. This saves you money.
Higher Threshold
The threshold for GST is aggregate turnover exceeding 40 lakhs for sale of goods and aggregate turnover exceeding 20 lakhs for sale of services. This means small businesses falling below this threshold limit are not subject to GST Filing.
Easier for Startups and E-commerce Businesses
The GST system has made it easier for startups and e-commerce companies to manage their taxes. E-commerce particularly suffered from different tax laws across different states which are now eradicated by GST.
More Organized System
Before the GST tax return filing system was disorganized. Now, all taxes are paid online and major hassles that were a part of tax filing have been eliminated in the process of introducing GST.
Who Is Eligible for GST Return?
- Regular enterprises with an annual aggregate revenue of more than ₹5 crore
- Taxpayers who did not choose the QRMP plan are required to file two monthly returns and one yearly return under the GST system
- QRMP filers must submit nine GSTR files annually, which include four GSTR-1 and three GSTR-3B forms as well as an annual return. It should be noted that even if QRMP filers submit their returns on a quarterly basis, they must pay tax on a monthly basis
- Additionally, separate statements and returns must be filed in other circumstances, such as in the case of composition dealers, who must submit five GSTR files annually (4 statement-cum-challans in CMP-08 and 1 annual return GSTR-4).
Documents Required for GST Return Filing
- Invoices issued to persons with GSTIN or B2B invoices
- Invoices issued to persons without GSTIN or B2C invoices
- This needs to be submitted only when its total value is above ₹2.5 lakhs
- A consolidation of inter-state sales
- HSN-wise summary of all goods sold
- Any other debit or credit notes or advance receipts
Upcoming Due Dates to File GST Returns
It is crucial to complete the filing within the due date to file GST. This will help in avoiding late payment charges and interests. The due dates for filing GST returns can be extended as per the issuing order or through notifications. Vakilsearch has gathered a list of due dates to file GST for the financial year 2021- 2022 and 2022 – 2023.
What Is the GST Return
The GST return is a comprehensive record encompassing your sales, purchases, tax collected on sales (output tax), and tax paid on purchases (input tax). Upon filing the GST returns, you are required to settle the resulting tax liability, which represents the amount you owe to the government.
Penalty for Late Filing
| Type of Offence | Penalty | Type of Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late Filing: | – ₹100 per day during which the failure continues, up to a maximum of ₹5,000 | Late Filing: | – ₹100 per day during which the failure continues, up to a maximum of ₹5,000 |
| – ₹100 per day during which the failure continues, subject to a maximum of a quarter percent of the person’s turnover in the state where he is registered for annual return | – ₹100 per day during which the failure continues, subject to a maximum of quarter percent of the person’s turnover in the state where he is registered for annual return | ||
| Late Payment of Tax: | Interest on the tax due is calculated from the first day the tax was due to be paid | Late Payment of Tax: | Interest on the tax due is calculated from the first day the tax was due to be paid |
| Excess Claim of Input Tax Credit or Reduction: | Interest on the undue excess claim or undue reduction in output tax liability | Excess Claim of Input Tax Credit or Reduction: | Interest on the undue excess claim or undue reduction in output tax liability |
| Delayed Payment to Supplier: | Interest on the amount due added to the recipient’s liability | Delayed Payment to Supplier: | Interest on the amount due added to the recipient’s liability |
| Cancellation of Registration: | Registration may be canceled if: | Cancellation of Registration: | Registration may be canceled if: |
| – Regular dealer hasn’t furnished returns for 6 continuous months | – Regular dealer hasn’t furnished returns for 6 continuous months | ||
| – Composition dealer hasn’t furnished returns for 3 quarters | – Composition dealer hasn’t furnished returns for 3 quarters | ||
| – Voluntary registered person hasn’t commenced business within 6 months of registration | – Voluntary registered person hasn’t commenced business within 6 months of registration | ||
| – Registration obtained by fraud, wilful misstatement, or suppression of facts | – Registration obtained by fraud, wilful misstatement, or suppression of facts | ||
| Confiscation of Goods and/or Conveyances: | Confiscation of goods and/or conveyances and fine of ₹10,000 or an amount equal to the tax evaded | Confiscation of Goods and/or Conveyances: | Confiscation of goods and/or conveyances and fine of ₹10,000 or an amount equal to the tax evaded |
| Imprisonment and Fine: | Imprisonment and fine applicable for specific offenses | Imprisonment and Fine: | Imprisonment and fine applicable for specific offenses |
| Other Penalties: | – ₹10,000 or amount equivalent to the tax evaded for specified offenses | Other Penalties: | – ₹10,000 or amount equivalent to the tax evaded for specified offenses |
| – Penalty of up to ₹25,000 for aiding or abetting offenses listed above | – Penalty of up to ₹25,000 for aiding or abetting offenses listed above |
GST Return Filing under the Composition Scheme
Taxpayers registered under the Composition Scheme must pay taxes using CMP-08 every quarter and file GSTR-4 annually through the GST Common Portal or a GST Facilitation Centre. The due date for the GST return for Composition Scheme registrants is the 18th of the month following each quarter, namely 18 April, 18 July, 18 October, and 18 January. The GST return must contain details of:
- Details of supplies received from registered and unregistered persons, both intra-state and inter-state, should be provided on an invoice-wise basis.
- The GST return filed by a Composition Scheme supplier must also contain a summary of the supplies they have made to their customers.
If a person registered under GST has chosen to pay taxes under the Composition Scheme from the start of a financial year, they must file monthly GST returns on the 10th, 15th, and 20th of each month, and keep filing monthly returns until the due date of furnishing the return for September of the next financial year or the annual return of the preceding financial year, whichever comes first. Therefore, even if a taxpayer opts for the Composition Scheme from April onwards, they must continue filing monthly GST returns until September.