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GST Return Filing

GST returns are documents that registered taxpayers must file with the GST authorities, reporting their income, expenses, and tax liability. This includes details of sales (outward supplies), purchases (inward supplies), and input tax credit (ITC) claimed.

Key Types of GST Returns and Due Dates (for Regular Taxpayers)
The most common returns for regular taxpayers are GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B.

  1. GSTR-1 (Statement of Outward Supplies):

    • Purpose: To declare details of all outward supplies (sales) of goods or services made during the tax period. This includes B2B (Business to Business), B2C (Business to Consumer) sales, exports, credit notes, debit notes, etc.

    • Frequency & Due Date:

      • Monthly Filers: 11th of the succeeding month (for businesses with aggregate turnover exceeding INR 5 crore in the preceding financial year or those who haven't opted for QRMP scheme).

      • Quarterly Filers (under QRMP Scheme): 13th of the month succeeding the quarter.

    • Importance: The data from GSTR-1 is crucial as it auto-populates the GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B of the recipients, enabling them to claim ITC.

  2. GSTR-3B (Summary Return for Tax Liability and ITC):

    • Purpose: A summary self-declaration return for outward supplies, inward supplies, input tax credit claimed, tax liability, and taxes paid. This is where the actual payment of GST is made.

    • Frequency & Due Date:

      • Monthly Filers: 20th of the succeeding month.

      • Quarterly Filers (under QRMP Scheme):

        • 22nd of the month succeeding the quarter (for specific Category X states/UTs).

        • 24th of the month succeeding the quarter (for specific Category Y states/UTs).

  3. GSTR-2B (Auto-drafted ITC Statement):

    • Purpose: A static, auto-generated statement available on the 14th of the succeeding month, providing details of inward supplies and eligible ITC. It is crucial for reconciling ITC claims before filing GSTR-3B. (GSTR-2 is suspended).

  4. GSTR-9 (Annual Return):

    • Purpose: To furnish consolidated details of all outward supplies, inward supplies, ITC availed, and taxes paid during the entire financial year. It's a reconciliation of the monthly/quarterly returns.

    • Due Date: 31st December of the succeeding financial year.

    • Exemption: Optional for taxpayers with aggregate annual turnover up to INR 2 crore.

  5. GSTR-9C (Reconciliation Statement):

    • Purpose: A reconciliation statement between the annual return (GSTR-9) and the audited annual financial statements. Certified by a Chartered Accountant or Cost Accountant.

    • Due Date: Same as GSTR-9 (31st December of the succeeding financial year).

    • Applicability: For taxpayers with aggregate annual turnover exceeding INR 5 crore.

Other Important Returns:

  • CMP-08: Quarterly statement-cum-challan for composition scheme dealers to pay tax. Due date: 18th of the month succeeding the quarter.

  • GSTR-4: Annual return for composition scheme dealers. Due date: 30th April of the succeeding financial year.

  • GSTR-5: For Non-Resident Foreign Taxpayers. Monthly, by 20th of the succeeding month.

  • GSTR-6: For Input Service Distributors. Monthly, by 13th of the succeeding month.

  • GSTR-7: For Tax Deductors (TDS). Monthly, by 10th of the succeeding month.

  • GSTR-8: For E-commerce Operators (TCS). Monthly, by 10th of the succeeding month.

  • GSTR-10: Final return filed when GST registration is cancelled or surrendered. Due date: Within 3 months from the date of cancellation order or cancellation, whichever is later.

  • ITC-04: For job work. Quarterly/Half-yearly/Annually depending on turnover.


GST Return Filing Process (Online)

  1. Log in to GST Portal: Use your username and password.

  2. Navigate to Returns Dashboard: Go to Services > Returns > Returns Dashboard.

  3. Select Financial Year and Period: Choose the relevant financial year and return filing period.

  4. Prepare Return: Select the specific return form (e.g., GSTR-1, GSTR-3B) and choose "Prepare Online" or "Prepare Offline" (using offline utility).

  5. Enter Details: Fill in all required information accurately (outward supplies, inward supplies, ITC, etc.).

  6. Generate Summary/Preview: Review the entered data.

  7. Submit Return: Click "Submit" to freeze the data. Note that after submission, no modifications can be made to that particular return.

  8. Offset Liability (for GSTR-3B): If there's a tax liability, click on "Payment of Tax," check your electronic cash and credit ledger balances, and then "Offset Liability" to make the payment.

  9. File Return: Finally, file the return using DSC or EVC.

  10. Check Status: Ensure the status changes to "Filed."


Penalties for Late Filing
Late filing of GST returns attracts both late fees and interest.

  • Late Fee (GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B):

    • Nil Return: INR 20 per day (INR 10 CGST + INR 10 SGST), capped at INR 500 (INR 250 CGST + INR 250 SGST).

    • Other than Nil Return: INR 50 per day (INR 25 CGST + INR 25 SGST), capped at INR 10,000 (INR 5,000 CGST + INR 5,000 SGST).

    • Note: These caps and daily fees can be subject to changes announced by the GST Council through notifications.

  • Interest on Late Tax Payment:

    • Rate: 18% per annum on the outstanding tax amount.

    • Calculation: From the day after the due date till the actual date of payment.

    • Impact: If GSTR-3B is not filed for a period, subsequent returns cannot be filed, leading to a cascading effect of penalties.

  • Penalty for Non-payment or Short Payment of Tax:

    • 10% of the tax amount due, subject to a minimum of INR 10,000.

    • In cases of fraud or tax evasion, the penalty can be 100% of the tax evaded, plus prosecution and potential imprisonment.

Timely and accurate GST return filing is crucial for maintaining compliance, avoiding penalties, and ensuring smooth business operations.

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