GST Return Filing
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applicable in India from 1st July 2017. Under the new GST regime, nearly 1.4 crore businesses in India have obtained GST registration. All entities having GST registration are required to file GST returns every month. GST return filing is mandatory for all entities having GST registration, irrespective of business activity or sales or profitability during the return filing period. Hence, even a dormant business that obtained GST registration must file GST return.
GST Registration
Persons or entities in India involved in the supply of goods or services must obtain GST registration when the threshold limit for registration is crossed. In most states, GST registration is mandatory when a person supplies services or goods over Rs.20 lakhs per year. In addition to the turnover limit, GST registration is compulsory for all persons undertaking eCommerce sales.
Whose should file GST Return?
GST registration holders are required to file GSTR-3B return every month providing details of sales and purchases made in a month to the Government. GSTR-3B return is due on the 20th of each month.
In addition to GSTR-3B return, businesses registered under GST must file GSTR-1 return. GSTR-1 return must be filed every month by businesses having annual revenue of over Rs.1.5 crores. In case a business has a yearly revenue of less than Rs.1.5 crores, GST return should be filed every quarter.
Annual GST return must be filed by all GST entities having GST registration. The due date for filing GST annual return for FY 2017-18 is 31st December 2019. The due date for filing GST annual return for FY2018-19 is 31st March 2020.
GST Return Due Dates
The following are upcoming GST return due dates:
- November GSTR-3B will be due on 20th of December 2019.
- November GSTR-1 return for persons having annual revenue of more than Rs.1.5 crores will be due on 11th December 2019.
- October - December GSTR-1 return for persons having annual revenue of less than Rs.1.5 crores will be due on 31st January 2020.
Keep watching this page for the latest updates to GST return due dates.
Penalty for Late Filing GST Return
Failure to file GST returns on time to can lead to penalties and cancellation of GST registration. If GST return is continuously not submitted for six months, then the GST registration would be cancelled, and the person would not be able to obtain another GST registration - unless all the late filing penalty is paid.
The penalty for late filing GST return is different for persons having NIL return and persons having turnover. In case a person has no business, NIL GST return must be filed. Failure to file NIL GST return can lead to a penalty of Rs.20 per day for each of the GSTR-3B return and GSTR-1 return. So, failure to file NIL GST return can result in a penalty of Rs.40 per day or Rs.1200 per month.
In case a person has business activity during the period for which GST return is late-filed, then a penalty of Rs.50 per day will be applicable for late GSTR-3B return and Rs.50 per for GSTR-1 return. Hence, a penalty of more than Rs.3000 per month would be applicable.
In addition to the above late filing fees, the person would also have to pay interest at the rate of 18% on GST payment remitted late to the Government.
Composition Scheme Return Filing
All persons registered under the Composition Scheme are required to file FORM GSTR-4A every quarter through the GST Common Portal or through a GST Facilitation Centre. GST return for those enrolled under Composition Scheme is due on the 18th of the month, succeeding a quarter. Hence, GST return for composition scheme would be due on April 18th, July 18th, October 18th and January 18th. The GST return filed by a Composition Scheme supplier must include details of:
- Invoice wise inter-State and intra-State inward supplies received from registered and unregistered persons
- Consolidated details of outward supplies made
Also, if a registered person opted to pay tax under composition scheme from the beginning of a financial year, then the taxpayer must file monthly GST returns on the 10th, 15th and 20th of each month and monthly returns till the due date of furnishing the return for the month of September of the succeeding financial year or furnishing of annual return of the preceding financial year, whichever is earlier. Hence, even if a taxable person under GST opted for composition scheme from April onwards, the taxpayer must continue filing monthly GST returns until September.
Know more about due dates for filing of GST returns.
Composition Scheme – GST Payment Due Date
While filing the GST composition return, the taxpayer is also required to discharge liability towards tax, interest, penalty, fees or any other amount payable under GST by debiting the electronic cash ledger. GST composition is levied at the following rates:
- Manufacturers, other than manufacturers of such goods as may be notified by the Government – 1%.
- Suppliers making supplies – 2.5%
- Any other supplier eligible for composition levy – 0.5%
Its important to note that any taxpayer who has opted for the GST composition scheme will not be eligible to avail input tax credit on receipt of invoices or debit notes from the supplier for the period prior to opting for the composition scheme.
Process for GST Return Filing by IndiaFilings GST Expert
IndiaFilings is the leading business services platform in India, offering end to end GST services from registration to return filing. IndiaFilings helps tens of thousands of business owners file their GST returns every month, and we can help you file GST returns for your business.
When GST Return Filing is outsourced to IndiaFilings, a dedicated GST Advisor will be assigned to your business. The dedicated Advisor would contact you each month, collect the necessary information, prepare the GST return and help you file the same. Some of the advantages of outsourcing your GST return filing to IndiaFiligns are:
- Dedicated GST Advisor
- Reminders each month to file GST return
- Monthly GST Status reports
- GST returns prepared using LEDGERS GST Software
- GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B return filing
- Input Tax Credit Reconciliation
- Proper accounting and saving of records for future references
The average time taken to file a GST return is about 1 - 3 working days, subject to government portal availability and client document submission.
LEDGERS GST Software
In addition to the GST Advisor support, LEDGERS GST Software is provided to the client for GST invoicing, payments, GST returns filing and accounting. Some of the features of LEDGERS are:
- Customer Management
- Supplier Management
- GST Invoicing
- Estimate Issuance & Tracking
- Accounts Receivable Tracking
- Purchase Register
- Payments Tracking
- Payables Management
- Automated GST Return Filing (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B)
- Automatic Input Tax Credit Reconciliation
- GST eWay Bill Generation & Management
- ICICI Bank Integration for Banking
Get a free consultation on GST return filing by scheduling an appointment with an IndiaFilings Advisor.
LEDGERS GST Software
All your GST return filing will be completed through the cloud-based LEDGERS GST Software. We take care of storing, backing up and giving access to your data securely - anytime, anywhere.
Pay as you go grow pricing
Pricing for GST Software & Dedicated GST Accountant
Basic
₹2899
3 month GST return filing with Accountant support for uploading return and LEDGERS GST Software.
- Personalised GST Accountant
- LEDGERS Accounting Software
- GST eWay Bill Software
- Unlimited Estimates
- Unlimited Invoices
- Unlimited Purchase Invoices
- Unlimited Purchase Orders
- GSTR-3B Return Filing
- GSTR-1 Return Filing
- Input Tax Credit Reconciliation
- GSTN API Connect to File Directly
- Import or Export to Excel
- Import or Export to Tally
- Phone, Chat & Email Support
- GST Payment Support
Standard
₹4899
6 month GST return filing with Accountant support for uploading return and LEDGERS GST Software.
- Personalised GST Accountant
- LEDGERS Accounting Software
- GST eWay Bill Software
- Unlimited Estimates
- Unlimited Invoices
- Unlimited Purchase Invoices
- Unlimited Purchase Orders
- GSTR-3B Return Filing
- GSTR-1 Return Filing
- Input Tax Credit Reconciliation
- GSTN API Connect to File Directly
- Import or Export to Excel
- Import or Export to Tally
- Phone, Chat & Email Support
- GST Payment Support
Premium
₹8899
12 month GST return filing with Accountant support for uploading return and LEDGERS GST Software.
- Personalised GST Accountant
- LEDGERS Accounting Software
- GST eWay Bill Software
- Unlimited Estimates
- Unlimited Invoices
- Unlimited Purchase Invoices
- Unlimited Purchase Orders
- GSTR-3B Return Filing
- GSTR-1 Return Filing
- Input Tax Credit Reconciliation
- GSTN API Connect to File Directly
- Import or Export to Excel
- Import or Export to Tally
- Phone, Chat & Email Support
- GST Payment Support
- GST Refund Support
- 8 Years GST Data Storage on Clouds
- GST Registration
Outsource GST Compliance
Outsource your GST compliance to IndiaFilings to ease your compliance burden and focus your efforts on growing your business. With IndiaFilings, your GST compliance will be maintained on the LEDGERS GST platform, providing you access to live business data - anywhere, anytime. LEDGERS can also seamlessly sync and work with other online and offline applications you regularly use.
How will the service be delivered?
You will have a dedicated GST Accountant assigned to your business. Each month, the Accountant will collect all the information and file your GST returns.
How will the information or documents be collected?
You can send us the information through email in any platform or upload the information. We also accept soft copy of invoices and purchase data.
What returns will be filed?
We will file GSTR-3B return and GSTR-1 return for regular taxpayers registered under GST. For composition dealers we will assist in filing GSTR-4 return.
What will be my responsibility?
You will only be responsible for providing the information or documents required to prepare your GST return. Once we have prepared the filing, you can verify the calculation and confirm the filing.
Will you provide support for GST input tax credit?
Yes, we will provide you input tax credit reconciliation. You can use the same to verify the input tax credit receivable for your business.
Will you provide support for GST refund?
Yes, for clients who subscribe to our GST return filing annual package, we provide support for GST refund processing.
Will you provide support for GST payment?
Yes, for clients who subscribe to our GST return filing package, we provide support for GST payment challan generation.
GST Return Due Dates
Staggered Return of GSTR-3B (December 2019)
| Turnover | Deadline for Dec 2019 | Applicable to |
|---|---|---|
| More than 5 crores | 20th of January 2020 | All the states and UTs |
| Less than 5 crores | 22nd of January 2020 | Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Lakshadweep, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh |
| Less than 5 crores | 24th of January 2020 | Jammu and Kashmir, Laddakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha |
GSTR-1 Dec 19 (Monthly)
GSTR-1 return for the month of Dec 19 is due on 11th Jan 2020. Monthly GSTR 1 returns must be filed by taxpayers having a turnover of more than Rs.1.5 crores.
Due on 11th Jan 2020
GSTR-1 (Oct - Dec 19) (Quarterly)
GSTR-1 return for the Oct 19 to Dec 19 quarter is due on 31st Jan 2020. Quarterly GSTR 1 returns must be filed by taxpayers having a turnover of less than Rs.1.5 crores.
Due on 31st Jan 2020
CMP-08 (Sep - Dec 19) Quarterly-Composition Scheme
CMP-08 Statement cum challan for the Sep 19 to Dec 19 quarter is due on 18th Jan 2020. CMP-08 must be filed by taxpayers register under GST Composition Scheme having a turnover upto Rs.1 crores.
Due on 18th Jan 2020
GSTR-4 (Apr 19 - Mar 20) Annual-Composition Scheme
GSTR-4 return for the Apr 19 to Mar 20 is due on 30th Apr 20. Quarterly GSTR 4 returns must be filed by taxpayers register under GST Composition Scheme having a turnover upto Rs.1 crores.
Due on 30th Apr 20
GSTR-9
GSTR-9 Annual GST return filing for the financial year 2017-18 (1st Jul 2017 to 31st Mar 2018).
Due on 31st Jan 2020
GSTR-1 Return
GSTR 1 or return of outward supplies must be filed by all taxpayers having regular GST registration. The due date for filing GSTR 1 return is the 10th of every month. For July, September and October, the GST return due dates are different from the normal schedule.
GSTR-2 Return
GSTR2 or return of inward supplies must be filed by all taxpayers having regular GST registration. The due date for filing GSTR 2 return is the 15th of every month. For July, September and October, GSTR2 return due dates are different from the normal schedule.
GSTR-3 Return
GSTR3 or monthly GST return must be filed by a taxpayer after filing GSTR1 and GSTR2 return. GSTR3 is due on the 20th of every month. For July, September and October, GSTR2 return due dates are different from the normal schedule.
GSTR-4 Return
GSTR4 return must be filed by taxpayer registered under the GST composition scheme. GSTR4 is a quarterly return that is due on the 18th of October, January, April and July.
GSTR-5 Return
GSTR5 return must be filed by persons registered under GST as a non-resident taxable person. GSTR5 is due on the 20th of every month.
GSTR-6 Return
GSTR6 return must be filed by persons registered under GST as an input service distributor. GSTR6 return is due on the 13th of every month.
GSTR-7 Return
GSTR7 return must be filed by all taxpayers required to deduct tax at source (GST TDS). Under GST, only certain government agencies are required to deduct tax at source after obtaining registration. Hence, GSTR7 is due only for those entities having GST TDS registration. GSTR7 is due on the 10th of every month.
GSTR-8 Return
GSTR8 return must be filed by taxpayers required to collect tax at source. E-commerce operators are required to collect tax at source. Hence, any persons operating an e-commerce venture must register for TCS, collect tax at source and file GSTR8 return before the 10th of every month.
GSTR-9 Return
GSTR9 is GST annual return that must be filed by all regular taxpayers. Details submitted with GSTR9 must be audited if the entity has a turnover of more than Rs.2 crores. GSTR9 is due on or before the 31st of December.
GSTR-10 Return
GSTR10 return must be filed by any person whose GST registration has been cancelled or surrendered. GSTR10 must be filed within 3 months of the date of cancellation order or surrender.
GSTR-11 Return
GSTR11 must be filed by persons having Unique Identity Number. GST Unique Identity Number is allotted to Consulate, Embassies and UN Bodies for claiming refund on inward supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Open a new or link your existing ICICI bank current account with LEDGERS for seamless bank account reconciliation, account balance check and sending of payments through NEFT / RTGS / IMPS.
Open a new or link your existing DBS bank business account with LEDGERS for seamless bank account reconciliation, account balance check and sending of payments through NEFT / RTGS / IMPS.
Bank Account Opening
Opening a current account for a private limited company is easier when compared to opening of current account for a sole proprietorship firm as a company is a registered legal entity – recognized by law. Therefore, once a company is incorporated, a bank account can be opened in the name of a company with the incorporation certificate of the company and identity/address proof of the Directors.
Who should file GST Returns?
Under GST, every person or entity registered under GST would be required to file a GST return for the prescribed period. Even those entities having a GST registration but no activity would be required to file a GST Nil Return to stay compliant with GST regulations.
How often would I have to file GST Returns?
Regular taxpayers would have to file GSTR-1 (details of outward supplies), GSTR-2 (details of inward supplied) and GSTR-3 (monthly return). GSTR-1 would be due on the 10th of each month, GSTR-2 would be due on the 15th of each month and GSTR-3 would be due on the 20th of each month. Compounding taxpayers must file GSTR-4 every quarter, on 18th of the month next to the quarter.
In addition to the monthly or quarterly returns, an annual return must be filed by all persons or entities registered under GST. The due date for filing of annual GST return would be 31st of December following the end of financial year. In case of assesses having to complying with auditing requirements, the GST reconciliation statement must be duly certified by a Chartered Accountant.
How to file GST Returns?
GST Returns must be filed online. There would also be a facility to prepare the returns offline and upload the same into an online portal.
Can GST Return be Revised?
There would be no procedure or revision of a GST Return. All unreported invoices of the previous tax period must be included in the return for the current month and interest, if any would be applicable.
What is penalty for not filing GST Returns?
All GST Return non-filers will be tracked by the GST Department and a list of GST return defaulters will be provided to the respective GST authorities for followup and enforcement action. The GST law would also include an imposition of automatic late fee for GST Return non-filers and late filers.
Who should file GSTR1 return?
Under GST, all taxpayers, other than an input service distributor, a non-resident taxable person, casual taxable person and a person paying tax under the GST composition scheme are required to file GSTR1 return.
Know more about GSTR1 return filing.
How to file GSTR1 return?
GSTR1 return can be filed online in the GST portal. You can also file GSTR1 return using LEDGERS GST Software, to file GSTR1 return using LEDGERS, create an account, update details of sales made during a month and click on upload GST return to file.
What is the time limit for filing GSTR1 return?
The due date for filing GSTR1 return is usually the 10th of every month. However, for the month of July 2017, the due date for filing GSTR1 return is 10th of October. The due date for filing all other GSTR1 return is yet to be announced by the GST Council.
What information is required to be filed in GSTR1?
In GSTR1 return, the following information is filed by the taxpayer:
- Basic details of the taxpayer with GSTIN.
- Period to which the Return pertains.
- Invoice level information
- B2B invoices
- B2C invoices over Rs.2.5 lakhs in value
- B2C invoices less than Rs.2.5 lakhs in value
- Export invoices
- Summary of Documents Issued
- HSN Code wise summary of sales
What is the meaning “details of outward supplies”?
Under GST, the expression “details of outward supplies” means information pertaining to sales transaction in a month like invoices issued, debit notes, credit notes and revised invoices.
Can GSTR1 return be rectified?
Yes, any registered taxable person, who has filed GSTR1 return can rectify the return if there is a discovery of any error or omission. The rectification can be filed in the tax period in which such error or omission is noticed. In case there is any short payment of tax, the payment of tax and interest can also be made during the period of discovery of error or omission.
What is the time limit for filing GST return rectification?
GST return can be rectified by a taxpayer until the month of September following the end of the financial year to which the details pertain or furnishing of the relevant annual return, whichever is earlier.
What invoices should be uploaded to GST Portal?
For all B2B supplies (whether inter-State or intra-State), invoice level details like customer GSTIN, the item-wise value of supply, amount of tax applicable, place of supply, date of invoice and invoice number should be uploaded.
For all B2C supplies (including non-registered Government entities, Consumer/person dealing in exempted/NIL rated/non-GST goods or services), the suppliers should upload invoice level details similar to B2B invoices, when the value of supply is more than Rs.2.5 lakhs.
For invoices with a value of less than Rs.2.5 lakhs, State-wise summary of supply statement should be filed. The address of the buyer has to be mandatorily reflected in every invoice having a value of Rs.50,000/- or more.
How to mention HSN Code in Invoice?
HSN code (4-digit) for Goods and Services Accounting Codes (SAC) for Services must be compulsorily mentioned by all taxpayers with turnover in the preceding financial year above Rs. 5 Crore (For the first year of operations of GST, self-declaration of turnover of previous financial year will be taken as the basis as all India turnover data will not be available in the first year. From the 2nd year onwards, turnover of previous financial year under GST will be used for satisfying this condition.
For taxpayers with turnover between Rs. 1.5 Crores and Rs. 5 Crores in the preceding financial year, HSN codes may be specified only at 2-digit chapter level as an optional exercise to start with. From second year of GST operations, mentioning 2-digit chapter level HSN Code will be mandatory for all taxpayers with turnover in previous financial year between Rs. 1.5 Crores and Rs. 5.0 Crores.
All taxpayers, irrespective of his turnover, can use HSN code at 6-digit or 8-digit level if desired.
To start with, compounding dealers may not be required to specify HSN at 2 digit level also.
HSN Codes at 8-digit level and Accounting Codes for services will be mandatory in case of exports and imports.
The taxpayers who have turnover below the limit of Rs. 1.5 Crore will have to mention the description of goods/service, as the case may be, wherever applicable. In order to differentiate between the HSN code and the Service Accounting Code (SAC), goods will be denoted by G and services will be denoted by S.
Click here to find HSN code and GST rate for all goods and services.
