GST Return: Overview, Filing Requirements, and Types
A GST Return is a vital compliance document that every GST-registered business in India must file. It summarizes a business’s sales, purchases, tax collected on sales (output tax), and tax paid on purchases (input tax credit). Filing GST returns ensures the government tracks the tax liability and refunds accurately. These returns must be submitted electronically via the GST portal.
Who Needs to File GST Returns?
All businesses registered under GST, regardless of turnover or activity, are required to file returns regularly. Depending on the nature and scale of the business, the frequency and type of returns vary.
- Regular Taxpayers: Must file monthly returns (GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B) and one annual return (GSTR-9), totaling 25 returns per year.
- QRMP Scheme Taxpayers: Businesses with turnover up to ₹5 crore can opt for the Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme. They file GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B quarterly, with tax payments made monthly using PMT-06.
- Composition Scheme Dealers: Required to file quarterly statements in CMP-08 and one annual return in GSTR-4.
- Non-Resident Taxable Persons, E-commerce Operators, Input Service Distributors (ISDs), and TDS Deductors: File returns based on their specific category.
Key Components of a GST Return
- Outward Supplies (Sales): Details of sales made by the taxpayer.
- Inward Supplies (Purchases): Details of purchases including input tax credit.
- Output GST: GST collected from customers on sales.
- Input Tax Credit (ITC): GST paid on purchases that can be claimed to reduce output liability.
- Tax Liability: Net payable tax after adjusting ITC.
Types of GST Returns
Below is a detailed list of GST returns applicable to different categories of taxpayers:
- GSTR-1: Monthly or quarterly statement of outward supplies (sales).
- GSTR-2: Statement of inward supplies (currently suspended).
- GSTR-3: Monthly return with summary of sales and purchases (suspended).
- GSTR-3B: Monthly summary return for tax payment and claiming ITC.
- GSTR-4: Annual return for composition scheme taxpayers.
- GSTR-5: Return for non-resident taxable persons.
- GSTR-5A: Return for providers of OIDAR services (online information and database access).
- GSTR-6: Filed by Input Service Distributors (ISD) for input credit distribution.
- GSTR-7: Filed by TDS deductors.
- GSTR-8: Filed by e-commerce operators for tax collected at source (TCS).
- GSTR-9: Annual return summarizing all monthly/quarterly filings.
- GSTR-9C: Self-certified reconciliation statement for taxpayers above ₹5 crore turnover.
- GSTR-10: Final return filed when GST registration is cancelled.
- GSTR-11: Filed by Unique Identity Number (UIN) holders claiming GST refund.
Additional GST Filing Tools & Reports
- GSTR-2A: Auto-drafted dynamic statement of inward supplies available for ITC matching.
- GSTR-2B: Static monthly snapshot of ITC data available on the 14th of each month.
- Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF): Used by QRMP scheme taxpayers to submit B2B sales data for the first two months of the quarter.
- PMT-06: Challan for tax payment by QRMP taxpayers for the first and second month of a quarter.
Due Dates for Filing GST Returns
GST return due dates vary based on the type of return and taxpayer classification. Missing these deadlines can attract penalties and interest.
- GSTR-1: 11th of the following month (monthly) or 13th (quarterly).
- GSTR-3B: 20th of the following month for monthly filers; 22nd/24th for QRMP taxpayers (based on state).
- CMP-08: 18th of the month following the quarter.
- GSTR-9 & 9C: December 31st of the following financial year.
- GSTR-7, GSTR-8: 10th of the following month.
GST Return Filing Penalties
Failure to file GST returns on time may result in:
- Late fees of ₹50 per day (₹25 each for CGST and SGST), capped at ₹5,000.
- Interest at 18% per annum on outstanding tax liability.
- Blocked ITC for non-filers of GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B.
How to File GST Returns
You can file returns using any of the following methods:
- Log in to the GST portal.
- Choose the appropriate return form (e.g., GSTR-3B or GSTR-1).
- Fill in sales, purchases, ITC, and tax payment details.
- Verify with OTP or Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
- Submit the return and download the acknowledgment.
You can also use third-party GST software tools like ClearTax, Zoho Books, or Tally ERP for easier integration and auto-filing.
Conclusion
Filing GST Returns in India is a critical part of staying compliant under the Goods and Services Tax regime. Timely and accurate returns ensure seamless tax credit claims, avoid penalties, and reflect professional business practices. Whether you are a regular taxpayer, under QRMP, or a composition dealer, understanding the types, due dates, and procedures is essential.
If you’re looking for professional GST return filing support, our team is here to help you stay compliant with ease. Get in touch today!