Everything You Need to Know About GST Returns: Filing, Due Dates, and More
Navigating the world of GST returns can be challenging, but timely filing is essential for ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, understanding the types of GST returns, their due dates, and the filing process is crucial for managing your tax obligations effectively. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about GST return filing to stay compliant.
What is a GST Return?
A GST return is a formal document that registered businesses under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) must file with tax authorities. It contains details of sales, purchases, and taxes collected or paid within a specific period. Filing GST returns helps the government ensure proper tax collection and compliance.
Purpose of GST Returns
- Reporting tax liability, including output tax and input tax credit (ITC).
- Claiming eligible Input Tax Credit on business expenses.
- Ensuring accurate tax reporting for government records.
Different GST returns cater to various types of taxpayers, each with specific filing timelines.
Who Should File a GST Return?
GST return filing is mandatory for individuals and businesses registered under GST. Here’s a breakdown of who needs to file:
- Mandatory GST-Registered Businesses: Turnover above ₹40 lakhs in Trading & Manufacturing (₹20 lakhs for services).
- Composition Scheme Taxpayers: Small businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore can file quarterly CMP-08.
- E-Commerce Operators: File GSTR-8 for Tax Collected at Source (TCS).
- Non-Resident Taxable Persons: File GSTR-5 monthly.
- Input Service Distributors (ISDs): File GSTR-6 to distribute ITC.
- TDS/TCS Deductors: File GSTR-7 for TDS and GSTR-8 for TCS.
- Job Workers :- Form Filing by Manufacturer GST ITC-04
Types of GST Returns and Due Dates
Here’s a comprehensive list of GST returns that must be filed, along with their respective due dates:
| Return Form | Description | Frequency | Due Date |
| GSTR-1 | Outward supplies of taxable goods/services. | Monthly | 11th of the following month. Quarterly (if opted under QRMP scheme) |
| IFF (optional under QRMP) | B2B supplies of taxable goods/services. | Monthly (first two months of the quarter) | 13th of the following month. |
| GSTR-3B | Summary of outward supplies and input tax credit claimed, including tax payment. | Monthly | 20th of the following month. Quarterly (for QRMP taxpayers) |
| CMP-08 | Statement-cum-challan for tax payment under the composition scheme (Section 10 of CGST Act). | Quarterly | 18th of the following month. |
| GSTR-4 | Return for composition scheme taxpayers. | Annually | 30th of the month following the financial year (up to FY 23-24). 30th June following the financial year (FY 24-25 onwards). |
| GSTR-5 | Return for non-resident taxable persons. | Monthly | 20th of the following month. (Amended to 13th by Budget 2022; notification pending from CBIC.) |
| GSTR-5A | Return for non-resident OIDAR service providers. | Monthly | 20th of the following month. |
| GSTR-6 | Return for input service distributors to allocate eligible input tax credit. | Monthly | 13th of the following month. |
| GSTR-7 | Return for registered persons deducting tax at source (TDS). | Monthly | 10th of the following month. |
| GSTR-8 | Return for e-commerce operators detailing supplies and tax collected at source. | Monthly | 10th of the following month. |
| GSTR-9 | Annual return for regular taxpayers. (Mandatory Turnover greater than 2 Crore) | Annually | 31st December of the following financial year. |
| GSTR-9C | Self-certified reconciliation statement. (Mandatory Turnover greater than 5 Crore) | Annually | 31st December of the following financial year. |
| GSTR-10 | Final return for cancelled GST registration. | Once | Within three months of cancellation or cancellation order, whichever is later. |
| GSTR-11 | Details of inward supplies for persons with UIN claiming refunds. | Monthly | 28th of the following month. |
| ITC-04 | Statement from principal/job-worker regarding goods sent/received. | Annually (AATO up to Rs. 5 crore) Half-yearly (AATO > Rs. 5 crore) | 25th April for AATO up to Rs. 5 crore. 25th April and 25th October for AATO exceeding Rs. 5 crore. |
Note:
- AATO = Annual Aggregate Turnover
- For taxpayers with AATO ≤ Rs. 5 crore who opt for the QRMP scheme, the due dates are 22nd of the month following the quarter for Category X states/UTs and 24th for Category Y states/UTs.
Category X States/UTs: Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep.
Category Y States/UTs: Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Chandigarh, New Delhi.
How to File GST Returns
Filing a GST return involves the following steps:
- Login: Visit the GST portal and log in using your GSTIN.
- Select Form: Choose the applicable form (e.g., GSTR-1 for sales, GSTR-3B for tax summary).
- Enter Details: Provide details of sales, purchases, and taxes collected/paid.
- Reconcile Data: Match ITC with purchase invoices.
- Pay Tax: Pay any outstanding tax liability through online payment options.
- Submit and Save: Submit the return and save the ARN acknowledgment.
Consequences of Non-Filing of GST Returns
Failing to file GST returns on time can lead to:
- Interest Charges: 18% per annum on unpaid taxes.
- Late Fees: Up to ₹200 per day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST).
- Input Tax Credit Loss: ITC claims may be denied.
- Legal Penalties: Repeated non-compliance may lead to suspension or cancellation of GST registration.
- Operational Issues: Inability to issue valid invoices or claim refunds.
FAQs on GST Returns
Q1. What is the due date for filing GST returns?
The due date for filing GST returns depends on the type of return and the taxpayer’s turnover. For example, GSTR-1 (sales return) is due by the 11th of the following month, while GSTR-3B (tax summary) is due by the 20th of the following month.
Q2. Can I file GST returns quarterly?
Yes, businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 5 crore can opt for the Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme, allowing them to file returns quarterly while paying taxes monthly.
Q3. What happens if I miss the GST return filing deadline?
Missing the filing deadline can lead to late fees and interest charges. A penalty of Rs. 100 per day (CGST + SGST) is levied for delayed filing, with a cap of Rs. 5,000. Interest on any unpaid taxes is charged at 18% per annum.
Q4. How do I claim Input Tax Credit (ITC)?
ITC can be claimed on purchases made for business purposes, provided you have valid invoices and the supplier has filed their returns. It is important to reconcile the input tax credit claimed with your purchase details to avoid errors.
Q5. What documents are required to file GST returns?
You will need purchase and sales invoices, tax payment details, GSTIN, bank account details, and other documents depending on the type of return being filed.
Q6. What is the difference between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B?
GSTR-1 is a monthly or quarterly return for reporting sales, while GSTR-3B is a summary return that outlines the taxes owed (both output and input tax credit) for the period. GSTR-1 is filed for detailed sales information, while GSTR-3B is for tax calculation and payment.
Q7. What is the difference between GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B?
GSTR-2A is a dynamic form that updates in real-time as suppliers upload invoices, while GSTR-2B is a static statement available monthly for ITC reconciliation.
Q8. Are e-commerce operators required to file GST returns separately?
Yes, e-commerce operators must file GSTR-8 for TCS collection and GSTR-3B/GSTR-1 if they are GST-registered.
Q9. What should I do if I have no sales or purchases in a month?
A NIL return must still be filed to stay compliant and avoid penalties.
Q10. What should I do if my ITC does not match with GSTR-2B?
You will have to cross-check with your supplier to ensure correct filing of their GSTR-1. All the discrepancies must be resolved to claim the credit.
Conclusion
Filing GST returns is critical for maintaining compliance under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. By understanding the various types of GST returns, their due dates, and the filing process, businesses can avoid penalties, claim eligible ITC, and ensure seamless operations.
