GST filing is the process of submitting tax returns under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. It involves reporting sales, purchases, and tax collected and paid. Timely and accurate GST filing is essential to avoid penalties and ensure compliance.
What is GSTR-10?
GSTR-10, also known as the final return, is a form that needs to be filed by taxpayers whose GST registration has been cancelled or surrendered. This form aims to ensure that the taxpayer clears all dues and liabilities that might have accumulated during the period of GST registration.
The GSTR-10 form contains details of inputs and capital goods held in stock at the time of closure of the business, inputs contained in semi-finished and finished goods, and tax paid under GST for such goods. It is a crucial document to ensure that there are no pending liabilities before the cancellation of GST registration. Filing GSTR-10 ensures compliance with GST laws and prevents any legal or financial complications that might arise from an incomplete or inaccurate return.
What is the GSTR-10 due date?
The due date for filing GSTR-10 is within three months from the date of cancellation or surrender of the GST registration or the date of the cancellation order, whichever is later. It is essential to adhere to this deadline to avoid penalties and ensure a smooth transition out of the GST system. Timely filing helps in closing the GST compliance requirements and avoids interest and late fee charges.
Who should file GSTR-10?
GSTR-10 must be filed by all taxpayers who have opted to cancel their GST registration or whose registration has been cancelled by the authorities. This includes regular taxpayers, composite taxpayers, and others who are registered under the GST Act.
- Regular taxpayers: These are businesses or individuals who have registered under the regular GST scheme and have opted to cancel their registration due to business closure, transfer, or any other reason.
- Composite taxpayers: Those registered under the composition scheme and decide to cancel their registration must file GSTR-10.
- Other registrants: This includes individuals registered under GST who may have voluntarily registered and now wish to cancel their registration.
Filing GSTR-10 is mandatory regardless of the reason for cancellation. Non-filing can lead to penalties and further legal actions. It ensures that all pending tax liabilities and input tax credits are adequately accounted for and settled. This final return helps the GST authorities maintain accurate records and ensures that the taxpayer does not have any outstanding dues, facilitating a smooth exit from the GST regime.
Details to be provided in GSTR-10
The GSTR-10 form requires the following details:
- GSTIN: GSTIN is the taxpayer's Goods and Services Tax Identification Number.
- Legal name of the registered person: As per the GST registration.
- Trade name, if any: The business name if it is different from the legal name.
- Address of principal place of business: The main business address registered under GST.
- Effective date of cancellation/surrender: The date from which the GST registration was cancelled or surrendered.
- Reference number of cancellation order: If the cancellation was initiated by the GST authorities, the order reference number.
- Date of cancellation order: The date on which the cancellation order was issued.
- Details of inputs held in stock: Information on raw materials, semi-finished goods, and finished goods held in stock on the date of cancellation.
- Details of capital goods/plant and machinery held in stock: Inventory details of capital assets and machinery.
- Tax payable on closing stock: The tax amount due on the closing stock as of the date of cancellation.
- Verification: The form must be verified and signed by the authorised signatory.
Format of GSTR-10
The format of GSTR-10 is designed to capture comprehensive details required for the final return under GST:
Part 1 - Basic details:
- GSTIN
- Legal name and trade name (if any)
- Address of principal place of business
- Date of application for cancellation
Part 2 - Details of closing stock:
- Inputs in stock
- Inputs in semi-finished goods
- Inputs in finished goods
- Capital goods
Part 3 - Tax payable on closing stock:
- Tax amount for inputs
- Tax amount for semi-finished goods
- Tax amount for finished goods
- Tax amount for capital goods
Part 4 - Verification:
- Declaration and signature by the authorised signatory
Step-by-step guide for filing GSTR-10 on the GST portal
Filing GSTR-10 on the GST portal involves several steps:
- Login: Access the GST portal and log in with your credentials.
- Navigate to GSTR-10: Under the 'Services' tab, select 'Returns' and then 'Final Return' (GSTR-10).
- Enter details: Fill in all required fields such as GSTIN, legal name, trade name, address, and details of the closing stock.
- Tax payable: Calculate and enter the tax payable on the closing stock, including inputs, semi-finished goods, finished goods, and capital goods.
- Upload documents: Attach any supporting documents, if required.
- Preview and verify: Review all the entered details to ensure accuracy.
- Submit: Submit the form by clicking on the 'Submit' button.
- E-signature: Verify the return using an electronic signature or Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
- Acknowledgement: After successful submission, an acknowledgement receipt will be generated.
Benefits of filing GSTR-10
Filing GSTR-10 offers several advantages for taxpayers whose GST registration has been cancelled or surrendered. Some of the benefits are listed below:
- Compliance: GSTR-10 is a mandatory requirement under GST law. Failure to file it on time can lead to late fees and legal consequences.
- Avoiding interest and penalties: Filing GSTR-10 within the due date helps taxpayers avoid interest and penalties. A delay in filing can result in a penalty of ₹100 per day or up to 0.25% of the turnover.
- Closure of registration: Submitting GSTR-10 ensures the proper closure of the GST registration, settling any outstanding liabilities before the cancellation or surrender.
- Input Tax Credit (ITC): It allows taxpayers to claim any unclaimed or unreversed input tax credit. Claiming the credit is mandatory before filing GSTR-10.
- Compliance rating: Timely filing of GSTR-10 helps maintain a positive compliance rating, which is important for the long-term credibility and operational success of the business.
What is the penalty for not filing GSTR 10?
Failing to file GSTR-10 can result in significant penalties. The GST authorities impose a late fee of Rs. 200 per day (Rs. 100 CGST + Rs. 100 SGST) until the return is filed, with a maximum cap of Rs. 5,000. Moreover, if the return is not filed even after the due date, the GST officer may issue a notice to the defaulter.
If the defaulter fails to respond to the notice, further legal action can be initiated, including the assessment of the tax liability based on available records. Additionally, the GST calculator used by businesses for tax planning and financial forecasting might show discrepancies, leading to further complications.
Therefore, timely filing of GSTR-10 is crucial to avoid these penalties and ensure compliance with GST regulations. Using tools like a GST calculator can help businesses keep track of their tax liabilities and ensure timely filing.
Difference between annual return and final return GSTR-10
GSTR-9 and GSTR-10 are two distinct returns under the GST system, each serving different purposes for taxpayers.
GSTR-9
This is an annual return filed by regular taxpayers to provide a comprehensive overview of the entire financial year’s transactions and tax payments. It helps the tax authorities understand the details of a taxpayer's GST activities throughout the year.
- Filed once a year by regular taxpayers
- Reports details of outward and inward supplies
- Includes information on input tax credit and taxes paid
- Provides a summary of the taxpayer’s annual GST activities
GSTR-10
On the other hand, GSTR-10 is filed by taxpayers who are undergoing the cancellation of their GST registration. This return ensures the closure of the taxpayer’s GST obligations and facilitates the recovery of any outstanding liabilities before the cancellation becomes effective.
- Filed when GST registration is being cancelled
- Ensures closure of all tax obligations and recovery of liabilities (GSTR-10 includes details such as the effective date of cancellation, closing stock, tax payable and paid, interest and late fees, and verification)
Conclusion
Understanding the requirements and procedures for filing GSTR-10 is crucial for businesses undergoing GST registration cancellation, as timely filing ensures compliance and avoids legal complications. Tools like a GST calculator can help with accurate tax calculations, while businesses looking for financial flexibility can consider options such as the Bajaj Finserv Business Loan, which offers instant disbursement, a simplified application process, high loan amounts up to Rs. 80 lakh, all this with no collateral requirements, making it ideal for businesses aiming to grow and manage their finances efficiently.