GST Returns: Types and their Due dates

Ashish M. Shaji

01 Oct, 2020

GST return is a format where a taxpayer who is registered under GST law has to file for each registration separately. The number of GST returns that is to be filed would be based on the type of taxpayer that includes regular taxpayer, composition dealer, e-commerce operator, Input Service Distributor etc.

What is GST Return?

GST return is a document containing details of income which a taxpayer should file with the tax administrative authorities. It is used by the tax authorities to calculate tax liability.

Under GST, a registered dealer should file GST returns that include:

• Purchases;
• Sale;
• Output GST;
• Input Tax Credit.

Who Should File the GST Return?

All registered business has to file monthly, quarterly and or annual GST returns based on the type of business.

Under GST returns, the taxpayers running their firms and business in India, whether interstate or intrastate, are liable to file GST return as prescribed by the GST council. 

What are the Types of GST Returns and their due dates?

• GSTR 1- The registered taxable supplier is required to file Details of Outward Supplies of taxable goods and or services affected.  

Due date- 11 of the next month

• GSTR- 2 – The registered taxable recipient is required to file details of inward supplies of taxable goods and services claiming the input tax credit. (Currently filing facility is not available on the portal).

Due date- 15^th of the next month

• GSTR-3B- The registered taxable person is required to file monthly return on the basis of finalization of summarized details of outward supplies and inward supplies and payment of an amount of tax.

Due date- Staggered from the month of January 2020

• GSTR-4-(CMP-08) – Composition supplier is required to file the quarterly return for depositing the payment.

Due date- 18 of the month succeeding the quarter.

• GSTR- 5 –Return for a Non-Resident Foreign Taxpayer.

 Due date – 20^th of the next month.

• GSTR-6-Return for an Input Service Distributor.

Due date-13^th of the next month.

• GSTR-7 – Return for authorities carrying out tax deduction at source.

Due date– 10^th of the next month.

• GSTR-8 – E-commerce operator or tax collector is required to file details of supplies effected and the amount of tax collected.

Due Date– 10^th of the next month.

• GSTR-9- Annual return for a normal tax payer.

Due date– 31^st December of the next financial year.

• GSTR–9A- The composition traders are required to file an annual return.

Due date– 31^st December of the next financial year.

• GSTR 9C- It is a reconciliation statement that must be filed by all taxpayers registered under GST whose turnover exceeds 2 crores in a financial year.

Due date- 31^st December of the next financial year.

• GSTR 10- The taxable person whose GST registration has been cancelled should file the final return.

Due date- Within 3 months of date of cancellation or date of cancellation order, whichever is later.

• GSTR 11- The person having Unique Identity Number claiming the refund is required to file details of inward supplies.

Due date- 28 of the month following the month for which statement is filed.

How to File GST Returns Online?

The process of filing GST return online is as follows:

• Visit the GST portal;
• A 15 digit GST identification number shall be issued depending upon your state code and PAN number;
• Upload invoices on the GST portal. An invoice reference number would be issued against each invoice;
• After Uploading invoices, outward return, inward return and cumulative monthly return have to be filed online.
• File the outward supply returns in Form GSTR-1^[1] through the information section at the GST common portal on or before the 10^th day of the following month;

Conclusion

Return filing is mandatory under GST. Late filing of GST return shall have a cascading effect leading to heavy fines and penalty.

Read our article:Govt. Allows Taxpayers to File GSTR-3B Returns in a Staggered Manner