As per the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regulations, all GST-registered businesses in India must file monthly, quarterly, and annual GST returns based on their business type and turnover. These filings are done electronically through the GST portal, helping the government track every GST-registered taxpayer's income, expenses, sales, and purchases to calculate their net tax liability.
What is a GST Return?
A GST return is a document that contains details of a business’s income, sales, and purchases, along with information about the taxes paid on these transactions. The tax authorities use these returns to determine the taxpayer’s net tax liability, ensuring that businesses adhere to GST regulations.
Who Needs to File GST Returns?
Regular Businesses: Businesses with an annual aggregate turnover of more than ₹5 crore must file two monthly returns (GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B) and one annual return (GSTR-9), totaling 25 returns annually.
Small Businesses (Turnover up to ₹5 crore): Taxpayers under the Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme can file 9 returns yearly, including 4 GSTR-1 and 4 GSTR-3B quarterly returns, and one annual return.
Composition Dealers: Composition taxpayers file 5 returns annually, which includes 4 CMP-08 forms (quarterly statement-cum-challan) and 1 annual GSTR-4 return.
Special cases like non-resident taxpayers, e-commerce operators, and input service distributors also have specific returns to file.
Types of GST Returns and Their Due Dates
Here is a breakdown of key GST return forms, their purpose, and deadlines:
Return Form | Description | Frequency | Due Date |
GSTR-1 | Outward supplies of taxable goods/services | Monthly/Quarterly (QRMP) | 11th of next month / 13th of succeeding quarter |
GSTR-3B | Summary of outward supplies, input tax credit, and tax payments | Monthly/Quarterly (QRMP) | 20th of next month / 22nd or 24th of succeeding quarter |
CMP-08 | Statement-cum-challan for tax payment (composition scheme) | Quarterly | 18th of next month after the quarter |
GSTR-4 | Annual return for composition dealers | Annually | 30th June (for FY 2024-25 onwards) |
GSTR-5 | Return for non-resident taxable persons | Monthly | 13th of the next month |
GSTR-5A | Return for OIDAR service providers | Monthly | 20th of next month |
GSTR-6 | Return for Input Service Distributors | Monthly | 13th of next month |
GSTR-7 | Return for TDS deduction under GST | Monthly | 10th of next month |
GSTR-8 | Return for TCS collection by e-commerce operators | Monthly | 10th of next month |
GSTR-9 | Annual return for regular taxpayers | Annually | 31st December of the next financial year |
GSTR-9C | Self-certified reconciliation statement for turnover exceeding ₹5 crore | Annually | 31st December of the next financial year |
GSTR-10 | Final return upon cancellation of GST registration | Once | Within 3 months of cancellation |
GSTR-11 | Inward supplies for UIN holders claiming a refund | Monthly | 28th of next month |
ITC-04 | Statement for goods sent/received by job workers | Annually/Half-yearly | 25th April/25th October (depending on turnover) |
Late Fees and Penalties for GST Non-Filing
Failure to file returns on time results in the following penalties:
Interest: 18% per annum on the outstanding tax.
Late Fees: ₹100 per day under both CGST and SGST, subject to a maximum of ₹5,000. For Nil returns, the late fee is capped at ₹250.
GST Return Filing for Different Taxpayers
Regular Taxpayers: Monthly returns (GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B) along with the annual GSTR-9 return.
QRMP Scheme: Quarterly returns with the option to use the Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF) for the first two months of each quarter, while taxes are still paid monthly through PMT-06.
Composition Taxpayers: Quarterly CMP-08 for payment and an annual GSTR-4 return.
Simplify GST Return Filing with GST Mitra
Filing GST returns can be complex, especially with multiple forms and deadlines. GST Mitra provides easy-to-use tools for error-free GST filing, offering seamless data integration with ERP systems like Tally and Busy. Our services ensure timely and accurate filing, reducing the risk of penalties.
With GST Mitra, you get expert support, hyper-automation, and personalised assistance for all your GST compliance needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on GST Returns
What is a GST Return?
A GST return is a document that a taxpayer registered under GST must file to provide details of sales, purchases, tax collected on sales (output tax), and tax paid on purchases (input tax credit). It is essential for the government to calculate the tax liability of businesses.
Who is required to file GST returns?
All businesses registered under the GST regime, including regular taxpayers, composition dealers, non-resident taxpayers, e-commerce operators, and Input Service Distributors (ISD), are required to file GST returns based on their type of registration.
How many types of GST returns are there?
There are several types of GST returns, including GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-4, GSTR-5, GSTR-9, etc., each catering to different types of taxpayers, such as regular taxpayers, composition dealers, and non-resident taxpayers.
What is GSTR-1 and who should file it?
GSTR-1 is a return containing details of outward supplies (sales) made by a taxpayer. It is filed by all regular taxpayers and can be filed either monthly or quarterly (under the QRMP scheme).
What is the due date for filing GSTR-1?
Monthly filers: GSTR-1 is due by the 11th of the following month.
Quarterly filers (QRMP Scheme): GSTR-1 is due by the 13th of the month following the quarter.
What is GSTR-3B and how often should it be filed?
GSTR-3B is a monthly summary return where taxpayers declare details of outward supplies, input tax credit (ITC), and payment of taxes. It is to be filed:
Monthly: By the 20th of the following month.
Quarterly (QRMP Scheme): By the 22nd or 24th of the month after the quarter, depending on the taxpayer’s location.
What is the QRMP scheme?
The Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme allows taxpayers with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 5 crore to file GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B on a quarterly basis while paying tax monthly.
What is the Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF)?
IFF is an optional facility under the QRMP scheme where taxpayers can upload B2B sales invoices for the first two months of the quarter. It helps recipients claim input tax credit in the same month, and the IFF should be filed by the 13th of the next month.
What is GSTR-4 and who needs to file it?
GSTR-4 is the annual return for composition scheme taxpayers. It must be filed by the 30th of April (or June starting FY 2024-25) of the following financial year.
What is GSTR-9 and when is it due?
GSTR-9 is the annual return that regular taxpayers must file. It includes a comprehensive summary of all transactions for the financial year and is due by the 31st of December of the following financial year.
What happens if I don’t file GST returns on time?
Failure to file GST returns on time can result in penalties, late fees, and interest on the outstanding tax liability. Moreover, it can lead to suspension or cancellation of GST registration.
What is GSTR-9C, and who needs to file it?
GSTR-9C is a reconciliation statement that taxpayers with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 5 crore must self-certify and file. It reconciles the data between GSTR-9 and the taxpayer’s audited financial statements.
What is CMP-08 and who needs to file it?
CMP-08 is a quarterly statement-cum-challan that composition scheme taxpayers file to declare and pay tax. It is due by the 18th of the month following the quarter.
What is the final return (GSTR-10)?
GSTR-10 is the final return that a taxpayer whose GST registration has been cancelled or surrendered must file. It is due within three months from the cancellation date or the date of the cancellation order.
What are GSTR-7 and GSTR-8?
GSTR-7: Filed by persons deducting tax at source (TDS) under GST.
GSTR-8: Filed by e-commerce operators who collect tax at source (TCS) from suppliers on their platform.
What is the purpose of ITC-04?
ITC-04 is a return filed by principal manufacturers regarding goods sent to or received from job workers. The due date depends on the taxpayer’s turnover:
For turnover above Rs. 5 crore, it is filed twice a year.
For turnover up to Rs. 5 crore, it is filed annually.
Can I revise a GST return after filing it?
No, GST returns cannot be revised once filed. Any errors or omissions can be corrected in the subsequent returns, except for the final return (GSTR-10).
How can I track the status of my GST return?
You can track the status of your GST returns by logging into the GST portal and navigating to the 'Returns Dashboard.'
What should I do if I missed the return filing deadline?
If you missed the deadline, file your return as soon as possible to avoid accumulating penalties. The GST portal calculates late fees and interest automatically.
Where can I get assistance with filing my GST returns?
If you're unsure or need assistance with filing your GST returns, you can seek help from GST service providers like GSTMitra, who specialise in GST compliance for businesses.
These FAQs aim to help you understand the key aspects of filing GST returns and ensure timely and accurate compliance with GST regulations.