GST return filing

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Procedure for GST Return

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About GST Return Filing

GST Return Filing is the process of submitting periodic reports to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) authorities, detailing the sales, purchases, tax collected, and tax paid. This process is crucial for ensuring compliance with GST laws and helps the government assess and collect tax revenue.Here’s a detailed overview of the GST return filing process:

Type of GST Return

Return FormDescriptionDue DateApplicability
GSTR-1Details of outward supplies (sales) of goods/services11th of the next monthRegular taxpayers
GSTR-2AAuto-populated details of inward supplies (purchases)No due date (read-only)View only; based on supplier's GSTR-1
GSTR-3B Monthly summary return of outward supplies and tax paid 20th of the next month Regular taxpayers
GSTR-4 Quarterly return for Composition Scheme taxpayers 18th of the month following the quarter Composition Scheme taxpayers
GSTR-5 Return for Input Service Distributors (ISD) 13th of the next month Input Service Distributors
GSTR-7 Return for Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) 10th of the next month Authorities deducting tax at source
GSTR-8 Return for Tax Collected at Source (TCS) 10th of the next month E-commerce operators
GSTR-9 Annual return for regular taxpayers 31st December of the following financial year Regular taxpayers (turnover above ₹2 crore)
GSTR-9C Reconciliation statement for taxpayers with turnover > ₹5 crore 31st December of the following financial year Audit and reconciliation return

Documents Required For GST Return

Registration Process for GST Return

Step 1: Log into the GST Portal

  • Go to the official GST portal.
  • Enter your GSTIN, username, and password to access your dashboard.

Step 2: Select the Applicable GST Return

  • Choose the relevant return form (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-4, etc.) based on the type of return you need to file.
  • For regular taxpayers, GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B are the most common.

Step 3: Enter the Required Details

  1. GSTR-1 (Sales):
    • Add details of outward supplies (sales) for the month, including B2B and B2C transactions.
    • Provide information about debit/credit notes if adjustments are required.
  2. GSTR-3B (Summary Return):
    • Enter total sales, purchases, input tax credit (ITC) claimed, and tax payable.
    • Calculate the total liability for the month and ensure that input credits are accurately claimed.

Step 4: Review Auto-Populated Data (GSTR-2A)

  • Check GSTR-2A, which contains purchase details auto-populated from suppliers’ GSTR-1 filings.
  • Reconcile purchases with GSTR-2A to avoid discrepancies and ensure correct ITC claims.

Step 5: Reconcile Input Tax Credit (ITC)

  • Compare the purchase invoices uploaded in GSTR-2A with your own purchase records.
  • Claim ITC for eligible purchases and ensure the supplier has filed their returns.

Step 6: Pay Tax Liability

  • Calculate your tax liability for CGST, SGST, and IGST based on sales and purchases.
  • Use your available ITC to offset the tax payable, and pay any remaining liability through the GST portal’s payment system.
  • Generate a Challan if you need to make a payment, and complete the payment using net banking, credit/debit cards, or NEFT/RTGS.

Step 7: Submit and File the Return

  • After entering all the necessary details and making payments, review the return for any errors or discrepancies.
  • Once satisfied, click Submit to lock the data.
  • File the return using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Electronic Verification Code (EVC).

Step 8: Download Acknowledgment (ARN)

After filing, you will receive an Application Reference Number (ARN) as proof that your return has been successfully submitted.

Advantages of a GST Return

1. Compliance with Tax Laws

  • Legal Obligation: Regular filing ensures that businesses adhere to the GST regulations and avoid legal issues or penalties for non-compliance.
  • Avoids Penalties: Timely and accurate filing helps avoid fines, late fees, and interest charges associated with delayed or incorrect submissions.

2. Input Tax Credit (ITC) Claims

  • Claim ITC: Regular filing ensures that businesses adhere to the GST regulations and avoid legal issues or penalties for non-compliance.
  • Reduce Costs: ITC can significantly lower the cost of goods and services by offsetting the GST paid on inputs against the tax collected on outputs.

3. Improved Financial Management

  • Better Planning: Regular filing helps businesses monitor their tax liabilities and financial health, aiding in better cash flow and financial planning.
  • Detailed Records: Filing returns creates a detailed record of all transactions, which is useful for financial analysis, auditing, and tax planning.

4. Streamlined Business Operations

  • Automated Processes: Many GST software solutions automate the filing process, reducing manual effort and minimizing errors.
  • Efficient Documentation: Regular returns ensure that all documents and records are up-to-date, making it easier to manage and retrieve information.

5. Enhances Credibility and Reputation

  • Builds Trust: Timely and accurate GST filings enhance a business’s credibility with suppliers, customers, and financial institutions.
  • Better Business Relationships: It ensures smooth dealings with suppliers and customers by maintaining compliance and avoiding disputes.

6. Facilitates Government Revenue Collection

  • Revenue Assurance: Regular filing ensures that the government receives the necessary revenue to fund public services and infrastructure.
  • Economic Stability: Efficient tax collection contributes to economic stability and growth.

7. Audit and Verification Readiness

  • Preparation for Audits: Regular and accurate filing prepares businesses for any potential audits or inspections by tax authorities.
  • Easier Reconciliation: E Consistent filing makes it easier to reconcile accounts and verify financial statements.

8. Access to Government Benefits

  • Eligibility for Refunds: Proper filing and compliance are required to claim any refunds or rebates from the government.
  • Government Schemes: Compliance with GST requirements may make businesses eligible for various government schemes or incentives.

9. Reduction of Legal Risks

  • Avoid Legal Issues: Filing returns on time reduces the risk of legal actions, such as penalties or notices from tax authorities.
  • Resolve Discrepancies: Timely filing helps in identifying and addressing any discrepancies in tax filings before they escalate.

10. Better Business Insights

  • Data Analysis: Filing returns provides valuable data on sales, purchases, and tax liabilities, which can be analyzed for business insights and strategic decision-making.
  • Market Trends: Regular reporting helps businesses track market trends and performance.

11. Facilitates E-Invoicing and E-Way Billing

  • Compliance with Modern Practices: Filing GST returns helps in complying with digital invoicing and e-way bill requirements, streamlining operations and reducing paperwork.

12. Supports Growth and Expansion

  • Easy Access to Finance: Compliance with GST requirements can facilitate access to financing from banks and investors.
  • Scalability: Proper management of tax obligations supports business growth and expansion by ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is GST return filing?

GST return filing is the process of submitting a taxpayer’s sales, purchases, tax collected, and tax paid information to the government at regular intervals. These returns are used by the authorities to calculate the tax liability of the taxpayer and verify input tax credits claimed.

 

2. Who is required to file GST returns?

All registered taxpayers under GST, including:

  • Regular taxpayers
  • Composition scheme taxpayers
  • Input Service Distributors (ISD)
  • Non-resident taxable persons
  • E-commerce operators
  • TDS and TCS deductors
3. How often should GST returns be filed?
  • Regular taxpayers: Monthly (GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B).
  • Composition scheme taxpayers: Quarterly (GSTR-4).
  • Annual return: Once a year (GSTR-9).
4. What is GSTR-3B?

GSTR-3B is a monthly summary return that captures the total sales, purchases, tax collected, and tax paid for the month. It is a self-declaration form and must be filed before the 20th of the following month.

5. What is Input Tax Credit (ITC) in GST?

Input Tax Credit (ITC) allows businesses to reduce the tax they have already paid on purchases from their total tax liability. Businesses can claim ITC only if the supplier has also filed their GST returns and paid the tax.

6. What happens if I fail to file GST returns on time?

Failing to file GST returns on time can lead to:

  • Late fees: ₹50 per day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST) for regular returns, and ₹20 per day for nil returns.
  • Interest: 18% per annum on the unpaid tax.
  • Legal penalties: Continued non-compliance may lead to further legal action or cancellation of GST registration.
7. Can I revise a GST return once it’s filed?

No, once a GST return is filed, it cannot be revised. Any errors must be rectified in subsequent returns.

8. What is GSTR-1?

GSTR-1 is a monthly or quarterly return that provides details of all outward supplies (sales) made by the business. It must be filed by the 11th of the next month for monthly filers or the 13th of the month following the quarter for quarterly filers.

9. What is GSTR-9?

GSTR-9 is an annual return that consolidates the taxpayer’s annual sales, purchases, and tax payments. It must be filed by the 31st of December following the financial year.

10. Can I file GST returns through software?

Yes, many businesses use GST software to automate the filing process. GST-compliant software helps in generating invoices, reconciling ITC, and filing returns with fewer errors.