GST Return Filing in India: A Comprehensive Guide

Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an indirect tax that has replaced multiple indirect taxes in India. Businesses registered under GST are required to file periodic GST returns to report their sales, purchases, and tax payments. Filing GST returns is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

Types of GST Returns

The GST regime mandates different types of returns depending on the nature of business and registration type. Some of the key GST returns are:

1. GSTR-1 (Outward Supplies Return)

   • Filed by: Regular taxpayers

   • Due Date: 11th of the following month (monthly), or 13th of the month after the quarter (quarterly under QRMP scheme)

   • Purpose: Details of outward supplies (sales)

2. GSTR-2A (Auto-drafted Return)

   • Filed by: Auto-populated for recipients

   • Due Date: Not required to be filed

   • Purpose: Inward supplies (purchases) data auto-generated from suppliers' GSTR-1

3. GSTR-3B (Summary Return)

   • Filed by: Regular taxpayers

   • Due Date: 20th of the following month (monthly), or 22nd/24th of the month after the quarter (quarterly under QRMP scheme)

   • Purpose: Summary of outward and inward supplies and tax payment

4. GSTR-4 (For Composition Scheme Taxpayers)

   • Filed by: Composition scheme taxpayers

   • Due Date: 30th April of the following financial year

   • Purpose: Summary of quarterly sales and tax paid

5. GSTR-5 (For Non-Resident Taxpayers)

   • Filed by: Non-resident taxable persons

   • Due Date: 20th of the following month

   • Purpose: Details of outward supplies, inward supplies, and tax paid

6. GSTR-6 (For Input Service Distributors - ISD)

   • Filed by: Input Service Distributors

   • Due Date: 13th of the following month

   • Purpose: Distribution of input tax credit (ITC)

7. GSTR-7 (For Tax Deductors at Source - TDS)

   • Filed by: Entities deducting TDS under GST

   • Due Date: 10th of the following month

   • Purpose: Details of TDS deducted

8. GSTR-8 (For E-Commerce Operators)

   • Filed by: E-commerce operators

   • Due Date: 10th of the following month

   • Purpose: Details of TCS collected from suppliers

9. GSTR-9 (Annual Return)

   • Filed by: Regular taxpayers

   • Due Date: 31st December of the following financial year

   • Purpose: Consolidated summary of all GST returns filed

10. GSTR-10 (Final Return)

    • Filed by: Taxpayers whose GST registration is canceled

    • Due Date: Within 3 months of cancellation

    • Purpose: Final statement of tax liabilities

11. GSTR-11 (For UIN Holders)

    • Filed by: Entities with a Unique Identification Number (e.g., embassies, UN bodies)

    • Due Date: 28th of the following month

    • Purpose: Refund claims for inward supplies

Steps to File GST Returns

1. Login to the GST Portal: Visit www.gst.gov.in and log in using your credentials.

2. Select the Appropriate Return Form: Choose the correct GST return form based on your taxpayer category.

3. Fill in Required Details: Enter details of sales, purchases, input tax credit, and tax payable.

4. Verify and Submit: Review the details carefully before submission.

5. Pay the Tax Liability: Use the payment options available to clear the tax dues.

6. File the Return: Submit the return and download the acknowledgment.

Penalties for Late Filing

• Late Fee: Rs. 50 per day (Rs. 25 CGST + Rs. 25 SGST) for regular returns; Rs. 20 per day for NIL returns.

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

• Compliance Rating Impact: Affects business credibility and compliance rating.

Conclusion

Filing GST returns on time is essential to ensure compliance and avoid legal consequences. Businesses should stay updated with GST regulations and use automated tools or professional assistance for accurate and timely filing.