Introduction to GST Return Filing

GST Return Filing is a mandatory compliance for every business that is registered under the GST Act/regime.

Under GST (Goods and Services tax), filing the GST returns is a crucial activity that works as a link between the government and the taxpayer.

While filing the return, the taxpayer has to provide the information such as the details of the business activity, payment of taxes, declaration of tax liability, and other information as required by the government.

GST returns are supposed to be filed electronically, i.e. on the GST portal. However, there’s a facility where one can also file GST returns manually.

Such returns are prepared offline and then uploaded to GSTIN portal either through the taxpayer or a facilitation centre.

Who all are required to file GST Returns?

Every GST registration holder who is taxable under the GST Act, 2017 are required to file GST returns as based on the nature of their business.

Therefore, whether you are engaged in the selling of goods or render services to others, you must obtain GST registration and file the returns periodically.

Under GST, a registered dealer involved in the following activities needs to file GST return:

Sales
Purchase
Output GST (on Sales)
ITC (Input Tax Credit) with GST paid on purchase.

Who doesn’t require filing GST Returns?

If you are GST registration holder but your business turnover is below the threshold limit of Rs. 40 lakh, then you don’t require filing GST returns.

However, for those in the North-Eastern and hilly regions with the turnover below Rs. 20 lakhs, do not need to file GST returns.

GST Return Filing Types in India

There are various types of GST returns in India. The number of returns required to be filed depend on the nature of taxpayer:

Returns to be filed by a Normal Taxpayer

Returns	Particular	Due Date
GSTR-1	Particulars of Outward Supplies	10^th of the next month
GSTR-2	Particulars of Inward Supplies	15^th of the next month
GSTR-3	Monthly Return of tax payment	20^th of the next month
GSTR-4	Annual Return	31^st December of next financial year

Returns to be filed by a Composition Taxpayer

Returns	Particular	Due date
GSTR-4	Quarterly return	18th of month succeeding every quarter
GSTR-9	Annual return	31st December of next financial year

Additional Returns based on the Nature of the Business

Returns	Particular	Due date	Filed by
GSTR-5	Particulars of Inward and Outward Supplies. Tax liability computation	20^thof the next month. For the last month either 20^thof the next month or 7 days after expiration, whichever is earlier	Non-Resident Taxable Person
GSTR-6	Distribution of Input Tax credit	13^thof next month	Input Service Distributor
GSTR-7	TDS details or any related modifications	10^thof next month	Authorities deducting tax at source
GSTR-8	Details of supplies effected through them.	10^thof the next month	E-commerce Operator who collects tax at source

The above-stated returns are made compulsory by the Central Goods and Services Act (CGST) Act, 2017. However, the GST is altogether a new concept; therefore, it’s not that easy for the taxpayers to adjust the right way.

Hence, with a motto to make this transition to the new tax regime easy some relaxations have been introduced by the authorities.

Notifications issued by the GST Council in reference to the GST Return Filing

Filing of GSTR-2 and GSTR-3 are suspended until any further notice arrives on the same.
Only GSTR-1 needs to be filed.
GSTR-3B is supposed to be filed on the 20^th of next month. Such returns contain the details of inwards as well as outward supplies, tax liability computation, and tax payment. It must be filed whenever there is any delay in filing of the regular returns.
All the registered taxpayers with the expected business turnover of Rs. 1.5 crores or less are given an option to file quarterly returns instead of monthly returns.

Penalty for not Filing GST Returns on time

If GST returns aren’t filed within the prescribed time, then the taxpayers would have to pay interests as well as the late fee.

An interest of 18% per annum would be liable. The taxpayer can calculate the interest on the amount of outstanding tax to be paid. The time period must be from the next day of the return filing to the date of payment.

Late fee includes Rs. 100 per day per Act. Therefore, it is Rs. 100 under CGST & Rs. 100 under SGST (State Goods and Services Tax). In total, it amounts to Rs. 200 per day.

The maximum amount will result to Rs. 5000. However, there’s no late on the Integrated Goods and Services Act (IGST).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to file GSTR 11?

An individual who has been granted a Unique Identity Number (UIN) for the purpose of receiving a refund on his/her purchase in India needs to file GSTR 11. Only diplomatic bodies or foreign embassies holding UN can file GSTR 11.

How can one file GST returns online?

For filing GST returns online, the person needs to first visit the GST portal. Secondly, you have to login using your username and password. Once the person has logged-in with his username and password, he can access his profile, and head to the ‘Services’ section and click on the ‘Return’ tab. On choosing the period of return filing, the applicant can view the various forms present and the due date for filing each return. Select on ‘Prepare Online’ to proceed with filing GST returns.

Does e-commerce operator also need to file GST returns?

Yes, e-commerce operator needs to file GSTR-8 who collects tax at source. The main objective of filing GSTR-8 forms is to maintain a complete record of the transactions done on an e-commerce platform. GSTR-8 must be filed before the 10th of every month.

Who can file GSTR-10?

Any person who has surrendered his GST registration or it has been cancelled needs to file GSTR 10. It should be filed within three months of the date of surrender or cancellation of the license.

Who is eligible to file GSTR-6 return?

A person who is registered under GST as an input service distributor needs to file GSTR-6 return before 13th of every month.

What are the steps to file GST return?

• First of all to file GST Return you need to have a GST number.

• Login to the ‘GST portal’ using the GST registration number.

• Click on the ‘Services’ button.

• Click on Returns dashboard and then from the dropdown option fill in the financial year and the return filing period.

• Now select the return you want to file and click on ‘prepare online’.

Should I file my GST return monthly?

Yes, all assesses having GST registration should file GST returns on 10th, 15th and 20th of each month. In case, there was no business activity or transaction in any month, the taxpayer must still log in to the GST portal and file NIL GST return to avoid paying of penalty.

How many types of GST Returns are there?

There are thirteen types of GST Returns.

Who files monthly GST return?

•GSTR 1-Must be filed on 10^th of the subsequent month.

• GSTR 2-15^th of the subsequent month.

• GSTR 3- 20^th of the subsequent month.

• GSTR 5- 20^th of the subsequent month.

• GSTR 6-13^th of the subsequent month.

• GSTR 7- 10^thof the subsequent month.

What is GSTR 2?

GSTR-2 is a monthly return which summarises the details of inward purchases of taxable goods and services or both. Every registered taxable person needs to give details of Inward Supply, i.e., purchases for a tax period in GSTR-2.

Who should file GSTR 1 monthly?

Every registered person is required to file GSTR-1 every month. This return contains details of all the outward supplies made during the month. However, certain taxpayers with an annual turnover up to Rs. 1.5 crores can file the GSTR-1 once in every quarter.

Is there any late fee for GSTR 1?

Yes, there is late fee for Form GSTR 1. Late Fees for not filing GSTR-1 is Rs. 200 / day of delay (Rs. 100 as per CGST Act and Rs. 100 as per SGST Act). The late fees will be charged from the date after the due date. As per the Latest Update: The late fees have been reduced to Rs. 50 per day and Rs 20 per day in case of nil return.

Can we file GSTR 3B without filing GSTR 1?

No, GSTR 1 needs to be filed before filing GSTR 3B. GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B are matched as the return-filing system is integrated and a mismatch between the same could result in improper disclosure in the annual return.

Who can file GSTR 1 Quarterly?

Small taxpayers with annual turnover up to Rs. 1.5 crore in the previous financial year can file GSTR 1 on a quarterly basis.

Who can file GST quarterly return?

Taxpayers having an annual aggregate turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore in the previous financial year or anticipated in the current financial year can avail the option of filing quarterly returns.

Who can file GST quarterly return?

Taxpayers having an annual aggregate turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore in the previous financial year or anticipated in the current financial year can avail the option of filing quarterly returns.

Is GST returned monthly or quarterly?

Taxpayers have the option to opt for either monthly or quarterly returns.

What is GSTR 3B AND GSTR 1?

• GSTR 3B-It is a monthly summary return filed which is by a taxpayer by the 20th of subsequent month. GSTR-3B discloses all the supplies made during the month along with GST to be paid, input tax credit claimed, purchases on which reverse charge is applicable, etc., and also makes a provision for the payment of taxes, if any, for the relevant month.

• GSTR 1- It is a monthly or quarterly return usually filed by taxpayers to disclose details of their outward supplies for the month, along with their tax liability.