When is GSTR-3B required to be filed under GST Laws?

Ashish M. Shaji

09 Jun, 2022

GSTR-3B is a monthly self declaration form that has to be filed by a registered dealer. It is a simplified return to declare GST liabilities summary for a tax period. Continue reading this article to know more about this form.

Basic understanding of GST Returns

In this article, we will discuss the return filed in GSTR-3B, but first, we will try to understand what are the returns that are required to be filed in the general course of business. In the normal course of business, taxpayers who have applied for GST registration are required to file:

• For monthly filing- Forms GSTR-1, GSTR-2, GSTR-3, GSTR-5, GSTR-6, GSTR-7, GSTR-8, GSTR-11.
• For quarterly return filing, GSTR-4 is needed,
• For annual return filing Form GSTR-9 required and
• Form GSTR-10 is required to be filed as the final return in case of surrender or cancellation of registration.

To gain detailed insights about GST returns to be filed and their due dates, you can refer to our previous articles on GST Returns and their Due Dates on our website.

Unfamiliarity with GST Returns

As with anything new, GST will also have its share of issues and problems in the initial stages. And it would be difficult for the taxpayers to file timely returns that are required to be filed under GST, for the simple reason of unfamiliarity with the procedures. There are many other reasons which make it difficult for taxpayers to file timely compliance like these returns ask for GSTIN Number^[1] of the taxpayer, and many taxpayers are still not registered under the Act.

In order to ensure the smooth rollout of GST and after considering the recommendations of the key industry players, time limits for furnishing the Returns under GST are extended. After the Council meeting held on 18^th June 2017, Arun Jaitley announced that return filing timelines under GST are to be relaxed and extended up to September.

Relaxations and Extension Granted

Decisions are taken in this council meeting state that a simplified tax return is to be filed in Form GSTR-3B, containing the summary of Inward and Outward supplies, for the period starting from July 2017 to March 2018.

What is Form GSTR-3B?

As stated earlier it is a monthly self declaration form that has to be filed by a registered dealer. It should be filed with GSTR 1 and GSTR 2 forms. Sub-rule 5 of Rule 64 of CGST Rules specify the provisions relating to Form GSTR-3B. Section 37 and 38 specify the due dates for furnishing details in GSTR-1 and GSTR-2 respectively. These relevant dates are 10^th and 15^th of every month. This rule states that if the time limit for furnishing these details has been extended and circumstances so warrant, then return is to be filed in GSTR-3B in lieu of GSTR-3 (monthly return) as per the conditions as specified by the Commissioner.

After the extended period when GSTR-1, GSTR-2, and GSTR-3 will be filled, GSTR-3 will be auto-populated with the information furnished in the two previous forms. If there are any differences between the information filed in GSTR-3 and GSTR-3B, then such difference will be refunded or paid, as the case may be. However, the taxpayer won’t be liable to pay any interest, late fee or penalty for such excess amount.

Who is required to file GSTR-3B?

All tax payers including those with nil returns should file this form on a monthly basis.

However there are certain persons that are exempted from filing this return as per existing rules:

• Input service distributors;
• Composition dealers;
• Non-resident taxable person;
• Suppliers of online information database access and retrieval services.

Due date for filing GSTR-3B

The due date for submission of this form is the 20^th of the succeeding month. For example- Due date for the month of September would be 20^th October.

Procedure of filing GSTR-3B

The step by step procedure of online filing of this return is provided below:

• Login to GST portal;
• Key in your credentials;
• On dashboard select returns dashboard;
• Select the financial year as well as the return filing period;
• Then click on prepare online; read the message and click ok;
• Answer the questions displayed on your screen;
• Upon clicking next a GSTR 3B monthly return page shall be shown;
• Click on the first tile to start filing. Enter the details of different outward and inward supplies and click confirm;
• You would be redirected to return page;
• Enter details in all other pages of form;
• Thereafter proceed for payment;
• Once you file this form with EVC or DSC, successful filing message shall be displayed. Remember to note your ARN (Acknowledgement Reference Number).

Format of GSTR-3B

This form is divided into the following:

• Section 1– questionnaire related to business activities and tax liabilities
• Section 2- a box displaying GST return related info.;
• Section 3.1– a box for filing out details of tax on outward and inward supplies;
• Section 3.2– Interstate supplies;
• Section 4– details related to eligible Input Tax Credit;
• Section 5.1– Exempt, nil and non-GST inward supplies;
• Section 5.2– interest and late fee;
• Section 6.1– Payment of Tax.

Conclusion

Filing GSTR-3B is mandatory for all taxpayers, including those with no business in a specific period. Therefore never miss the due date for filing your returns on time else you would be liable to pay penalties. In case of any query related to GST Returns, contact Enterslice.

Read our article: Simplified and New GST Returns from April 2020