Difference Between GSTR 2A and 2B with Examples

Know the difference between GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B including examples, benefits, due dates, and more.
Business Loan
3 min
21 January 2026

GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B show details of your monthly purchases. GSTR-2A is a dynamic statement that keeps updating whenever suppliers upload invoices. GSTR-2B, on the other hand, is a static statement that shows the input tax credit available for a specific return period. GSTR-2B helps you clearly identify which invoices are eligible for claiming input tax credit.

What is the GSTR-2A?

For example, if you buy raw materials from Vendor A on 5 July and they upload the invoice in their GSTR-1 on 10 July, it will appear in your GSTR-2A. If the vendor later makes a correction on 25 July, the changes will also be shown in your GSTR-2A.

In simple terms, GSTR-2A is a live statement that keeps updating.

What is the GSTR-2B?

If Vendor A files their GSTR-1 for June on or before 13 July, the invoice will appear in your GSTR-2B for June. However, if they file it late on 20 July, the invoice will be reflected in your GSTR-2B for the next month, that is July.

In simple terms, GSTR-2B is a fixed statement used for filing GST returns.

Difference between GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B

Feature GSTR-2A GSTR-2B
Nature Dynamic (changes based on supplier submissions) Static (fixed for a given period)
Frequency of updates Updated in real-time as suppliers file their returns Generated monthly on the 14th of the succeeding month
Purpose To provide details of inward supplies and ITC To provide a summary of eligible and ineligible ITC
Data sources GSTR-1, GSTR-5, GSTR-6 filed by suppliers GSTR-1, GSTR-5, GSTR-6, GSTR-7GSTR-8 filed by suppliers
Usability For real-time reconciliation of ITC For monthly reconciliation and filing accurate returns
Changes Changes if suppliers make amendments Does not change once generated
Accuracy May require frequent reviews for accuracy Provides a clear and accurate view of ITC for a period
Download availability Continuously available on the GST portal Available after the 14th of the succeeding month
Amendments Reflects real-time amendments made by suppliers No amendments after generation


Benefits of GSTR-2A

GSTR-2A provides numerous benefits to businesses in the GST regime. One of the primary advantages is its role in the reconciliation of Input Tax Credit (ITC). By offering a real-time, detailed view of the inward supplies, GSTR-2A helps businesses cross-verify the ITC claimed in their returns against the data provided by their suppliers. This reduces discrepancies and ensures accurate ITC claims.

Another significant benefit of GSTR-2A is enhanced transparency in transactions. Since it reflects the data filed by suppliers, businesses can easily identify any mismatches or errors in the reported details. This transparency fosters better accountability and trust between suppliers and recipients, thereby improving business relationships. It is also important to stay informed about the gst registration fees when registering for GST, ensuring that your business is fully compliant with all requirements.

Additionally, GSTR-2A assists in the timely identification of non-compliant suppliers. By regularly reviewing the form, businesses can monitor whether their suppliers are filing their returns correctly and on time. This proactive approach helps avoid potential ITC mismatches and ensures that businesses deal only with compliant suppliers.

GSTR-2A also aids in better financial planning and management. By providing a comprehensive view of the ITC available, businesses can plan their cash flows more effectively. This is particularly useful for maintaining liquidity and ensuring smooth business operations.

In summary, GSTR-2A is an invaluable tool for businesses under the GST system. It ensures accurate ITC claims, fosters transparency and accountability, helps identify non-compliant suppliers and aids in effective financial planning. Regular review and utilisation of GSTR-2A can significantly enhance a business's compliance and financial health.

Importance of GSTR 2A and GSTR 2B in ITC reconciliation

GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B act as reconciliation statements under India’s GST system. They help registered taxpayers match their input tax credit (ITC) with the tax details reported by their suppliers.

The main purpose of reconciling GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B with internal purchase records is to ensure that the ITC claimed is correct and matches the tax actually paid by suppliers.

To do this, taxpayers need to carefully compare the data in GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B with their own books of accounts. Any differences found must be corrected through adjustments in GSTR-3B (monthly summary return) or GSTR-1 (outward supply return).

This reconciliation process can be made easier by using advanced GST filing tools, which help match ITC claims with actual tax liabilities and ensure accurate and compliant GST filing.

Benefits of GSTR-2B

GSTR-2B offers significant benefits to businesses in the GST compliance process. One of its primary advantages is the accuracy it provides in ITC claims. As a static statement, GSTR-2B does not change once it is generated for a given period, offering a clear and definitive view of the available ITC. This static nature reduces the chances of discrepancies and mismatches in the ITC claims, thereby ensuring that businesses can claim their credits accurately.

Another key benefit of GSTR-2B is its role in simplifying the reconciliation process. Providing a monthly summary of eligible and ineligible ITC, helps businesses to easily reconcile their ITC claims with the data furnished by their suppliers. This simplifies the process of filing accurate GST returns and ensures compliance with GST regulations.

GSTR-2B also aids in better tax planning and management. By offering a detailed overview of the ITC for a specific period, businesses can plan their tax payments more efficiently. This is particularly useful for managing cash flows and ensuring timely tax payments, which are crucial for maintaining smooth business operations.

Moreover, GSTR-2B helps in identifying discrepancies between the taxpayer's records and the suppliers' data. This enables businesses to take corrective actions promptly and avoid potential penalties or compliance issues. By regularly reviewing GSTR-2B, businesses can ensure that their ITC claims are in line with the data filed by their suppliers, thereby enhancing their overall tax compliance.

GSTR-2B is an essential tool for businesses under the GST system. It provides accuracy in ITC claims, simplifies the reconciliation process, aids in tax planning and management, and helps identify discrepancies. Regular review and utilisation of GSTR-2B can significantly enhance a business's compliance and financial health.

Importance of GSTR 2A and GSTR 2B in ITC Reconciliation

GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B are important reconciliation tools under India’s GST framework, helping taxpayers match their input tax credit (ITC) with the tax reported by their suppliers.

The main aim of reconciliation is to ensure that the ITC claimed by a taxpayer truly corresponds to the tax liabilities declared by vendors.

To achieve this, businesses need to carefully check the information in GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B against their own purchase records. Any mismatch found must be corrected through GSTR-3B (monthly return) or GSTR-1 (outward supply return).

Many businesses use specialised GST filing software to carry out this reconciliation. Such tools simplify comparison, ensure accurate ITC claims, and help maintain compliance with GST rules.

Conclusion

The penalties for the late filing of GSTR-9A can be substantial and include both a late fee and interest on unpaid tax liabilities. Businesses should prioritise timely compliance to avoid these additional costs and ensure smooth tax operations. Understanding and adhering to GST deadlines is crucial for maintaining financial health and avoiding unnecessary penalties, which can also impact access to business loans due to potential compliance issues. To understand the features of GST better and how it applies to your business, explore detailed information from trusted resources.

Helpful resources and tips for business loan borrowers

Types of business loan

Business Loan Interest Rates

Business Loan Eligibility

Business Loan EMI Calculator

Unsecured Business Loan

How to Apply for Business Loan

Working Capital Loan

MSME Loan

Mudra Loan

Machinery Loan

Personal Loan for Self Employed

Commercial Loan

Bajaj Finserv app for all your financial needs and goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finserv App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.

You can use the Bajaj Finserv App to:

  • Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.
  • Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.
  • Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.
  • Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.
  • Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-qualified limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.
  • Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
  • Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators
  • Check your credit score, download loan statements and even get quick customer support—all on the app.

Download the Bajaj Finserv App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

Do more with the Bajaj Finserv App!

UPI, Wallet, Loans, Investments, Cards, Shopping and more

Disclaimer

1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page.

2. All other information, such as, the images, facts, statistics etc. (“information”) that are in addition to the details mentioned in the BFL’s product/ service document and which are being displayed on this page only depicts the summary of the information sourced from the public domain. The said information is neither owned by BFL nor it is to the exclusive knowledge of BFL. There may be inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors or delays in updating the said information. Hence, users are advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting experts, if any. Users shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.
For customer support, call Personal Loan IVR: 7757 000 000

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between GSTR-2A and 2B?
GSTR-2A is a dynamic form reflecting real-time details of inward supplies based on suppliers' submissions, continuously updating. In contrast, GSTR-2B is a static monthly statement that provides a fixed summary of eligible and ineligible Input Tax Credit (ITC) for a given period, aiding in accurate reconciliation and compliance.
What is GSTR-2A in simple words?
GSTR-2A is a read-only form that shows details of your purchases based on data uploaded by your suppliers. It helps you cross-check and verify the Input Tax Credit (ITC) you claim in your GST returns. This form is updated automatically and regularly to ensure accurate and transparent tax records.
Should we claim ITC as per 2A or 2B?
It is advisable to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) as per GSTR-2B. GSTR-2B provides a static and accurate summary of eligible and ineligible ITC for a specific period, ensuring better compliance and reducing discrepancies. Relying on GSTR-2B helps in accurate ITC claims and efficient tax management.
Show More Show Less