What is GST Return? Who should file, Types and Step to File GST Returns Online

Learn about the step-by-step process to file your GST returns online.
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2 min read
24 September 2023

Implementing the goods and service tax on July 1, 2017 has led to one of India’s greatest tax reforms of all time. GST is a comprehensive tax levied on the supply of goods and services. It replaced all other indirect taxes such as central excise duty, state VAT, central sales tax, purchase tax, etc. So, whether you are a trader, manufacturer or service provider, you need to register under GST to file returns.

If you are wondering how to file GST returns or how many returns in GST you have to file, you can visit the GST login portal to find answers to all your queries and file GST online. First, you should know how to register for GST and how to get your GST number.

What is the GST return?

A GST return is a document that mentions all GST invoices, payments, and receipts for a specific period. A taxpayer is liable to declare all transactions related to the business’s revenue. Basis that the authorities will calculate the amount of tax the company has to pay.

Business owners can file GST online on the official portal provided by the Goods and Services Tax network (GSTN).

While filing GST returns, the registered dealer requires the following details for the concerned period.

  • Total sales
  • Total purchases
  • Output GST (GST paid by customers)
  • Input tax credit (ITC), GST paid by the business for purchases.

Once filed, a registered dealer can check GST return filing status online and comply with requirements accordingly.

Additional Read: How to calculate GST

In addition, you also need to understand and choose the correct form before you initiate the GST return filing procedure. There are 11 types of returns applicable under the GST regime, and each form has a different purpose and due date. For example, you will have to file GSTR-1 by the 10th of every month if you are filing details of outward supplies of taxable goods. Once you have this information and know your GST number, choose the appropriate GST form and file GST online by the due date.

Who should file GST return?

Under the GST Act, any individual or entity supplying goods or services with an annual turnover exceeding the threshold must file GST returns. This includes businesses, traders, manufacturers, service providers, and e-commerce operators. Entities registered under the GST composition scheme also need to file returns.

Even if no transactions occur during a tax period, registered entities must file a nil return. Non-compliance can lead to penalties.

GST returns must be filed electronically through the GST portal by the due dates. Timely filing ensures compliance and smooth business operations.

The GST network stores information on registered sellers and buyers. If you own a business in the supply of goods and services, you must file three monthly returns and one annual return using a simple spreadsheet template.

Types of GST returns (GSTR)

The types of GST return filed by regular taxpayers include the following.

S. No.

Return

Particulars

1.

GSTR 1

Contains details of taxable goods or services, or both and that of outward supplies.

2.

GSTR 2

Carries details of inward supplies related to taxable goods and/ or services, along with ITC claims.

3.

GSTR 3

Includes information on monthly returns based on finalised details related to inward and outward supplies. It also contains details of the total tax payable.

4.

GSTR 4

Carries details related to quarterly return filing, specifically for compounded tax liabilities of specific individuals.

5.

GSTR 5

It includes details of GST return filing for non-resident foreign individuals.

6.

GSTR 6

The form for input service distributors to file returns.

7.

GSTR 7

The form that facilitates return filing for authorities initiating TDS.

8.

GSTR 8

Carries supply details for e-commerce operators along with the tax amount collected as per sub-section 52.

9.

GSTR 9

Form to file annual returns.

10.

GSTR 9A

Includes details to file annual returns relative to compounding taxable individuals registered u/ s 10.


Ten steps to file a GST return online

Before you begin the GST return filing, ensure that you have a 15-digit GST identification number with you based on your state code and PAN. In case you do not have this number, first register online to get it.

  1. Visit the Official GST portal.
  2. Click on the ‘services’ button.
  3. Click on ‘returns dashboard’ and then, from the drop-down menu, fill in the financial year and the return filing period.
  4. Now select the return that you want to file and click on ‘prepare online’.
  5. Enter all the required values, including the amount and late fee, if applicable.
  6. Once you have filled in all the details, click on ‘save’ and see a success message displayed on your screen.
  7. Now click on ‘submit’ at the bottom of the page to file the return.
  8. Once the status of your return changes to ‘submitted’, scroll down and click on the ‘payment of tax’ tile.
  9. Then, click on ‘check balance’ to view cash and credit balance. Make sure you know these details before paying tax for respective minor heads. Next, to clear your liabilities, you need to mention the amount of credit you want to use from the available credit. Then click on ‘offset liability’ to make the payment. When confirmation is displayed, click on ‘ok’.
  10. Lastly, check the box against the declaration and select an authorised signatory from the drop-down list. Now click on ‘file form with DSC’ or ‘file form with EVC’ and click on ‘proceed’. Make the payment in the next step for your respective GST.

Documents Required For GST Return Filing

1. GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number)

  • Customer’s GSTIN for B2B invoices.

2. Invoices

  • Complete list of all issued invoices, categorized into B2B and B2C.
  • Detailed information required for B2B invoices, including:
    • Type of Invoice
    • Place of Supply
    • Invoice Number and Date
    • Taxable Value
    • Applicable GST Rates (IGST, CGST, SGST)
    • GST Cess, if applicable
    • Indication of Reverse Charge applicability, if relevant

3. B2C Invoices

For invoices exceeding ₹2.5 lakhs:

  • Invoice Number, Date, and Total Value
  • Taxable Value and Applicable GST Rates
  • Place of Supply
  • Summary of intra-state and inter-state sales categorized by GST rates

4. Export Invoices

  • Customer’s GSTIN
  • Invoice and Shipping Bill Details (Number and Date)
  • Port Code
  • Taxable Value and applicable GST amounts

5. HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) Summary

  • HSN Code, Description, UQC (Unit Quantity Code)
  • Total Quantity and Values, along with applicable GST amounts

6. Additional Summaries

  • Overview of credit and debit notes, advance receipts, and any amendments made during the tax period.
  • Consolidated lists for both inter-state and intra-state sales, organized by GST rates and e-commerce transactions.

Due dates to file GST return

Return form

Due date

Filing frequency

GSTR-1

11th of the next month

Monthly

GSTR-2A

Not Applicable

Auto-drafted

GSTR-3B

20th of the next month

Monthly

GSTR-4

18th of the month succeeding the quarter

Quarterly

GSTR-5

20th of the next month

Monthly

GSTR-6

13th of the next month

Monthly

GSTR-7

10th of the next month

Monthly

GSTR-8

10th of the next month

Monthly

GSTR-9

31st December of the next financial year

Annually

GSTR-9C

31st December of the next financial year

Annually

GSTR-10

Within 3 months of the cancellation date or order, whichever is later

Once

GSTR-11

28th of the next month

Monthly

 

Penalty for Delayed GST Return Filing: Interest and Late Fees

1. Obligation of Timely Filing: Filing GST returns within specified deadlines is crucial to avoid penalties.

2. Interest Charges:

  • Applicable at 18% per annum.
  • Calculated on the outstanding tax amount.
  • Interest accrues from the day after the filing deadline until payment is made.

3. Late Fees Structure:

  • Rate: Rs.100 per day per Act (CGST and SGST).
  • Total Late Fee: Rs.200 per day.
  • Maximum Cap: Rs.5,000.

4. Revised Maximum Late Fees (from June 2021):

  • Nil Central Tax Payable: Capped at Rs.250*.
  • Turnover up to Rs.1.5 Crore: Capped at Rs.1,000*.
  • Turnover between Rs.1.5 Crore and Rs.5 Crore: Capped at Rs.2,500*.

*An equal late fee applies under SGST, with no late fees applicable under IGST.

Additional Read: What is the GSTIN number?

Additional Read: GST Calculator

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Frequently asked questions

What is GST return due date?

The GST return due date depends on the type of return and the frequency of filing. Here are some of the common GST return due dates:

  • GSTR-1: The due date for filing GSTR-1 is the 11th of the next month for monthly filers and the 31st of the next quarter for quarterly filers.
  • GSTR-3B: The due date for filing GSTR-3B is the 20th of the next month for monthly filers and the 22nd or 24th of the month following the quarter for quarterly filers, depending on the state or UT.
  • GSTR-4: The due date for filing GSTR-4 is the 30th of April of the next financial year for composition taxpayers.
  • GSTR-9: The due date for filing GSTR-9 is the 31st of December of the next financial year for regular taxpayers.

Note that these due dates are subject to change based on notifications issued by the CBIC from time to time.

Is GST filing monthly or quarterly?

GST filing can be either monthly or quarterly, depending on the type of taxpayer and the turnover. Here are some of the criteria for choosing between monthly or quarterly GST filing:

  • If your turnover is more than Rs. 5 crore in the previous financial year, you have to file monthly returns.
  • If your turnover is up to Rs. 5 crore in the previous financial year, you can opt for quarterly returns under the QRMP scheme.
  • If you are a non-resident taxpayer, an input service distributor, a TDS deductor, a TCS collector, or a person with UIN, you have to file monthly returns.
  • If you are a composition taxpayer, you have to file quarterly returns.
Is it necessary to file GST return every month?

It depends on the type of GST registration and turnover of the taxpayer. Taxpayers with a turnover of less than Rs. 5 crore can opt to file GST return on a quarterly basis, while taxpayers with a turnover of more than Rs. 5 crore have to file GST returns on a monthly basis.

Who is eligible for GST return?

Eligibility for GST return extends to individuals or entities engaged in goods or services supply, exceeding the annual turnover threshold as per the GST Act.

What is the limit of GSTR filing?

The GSTR filing limit varies based on the annual turnover, with entities surpassing the threshold mandated to file returns under the GST Act.

What is annual return in GST?

Annual return in GST refers to a comprehensive summary of a taxpayer's financial activities for the fiscal year, submitted to tax authorities in compliance with the GST Act.

When to file GST return monthly?

File your monthly GST return by the 20th of the next month. This includes forms like GSTR-3B for regular taxpayers and GSTR-1 for those reporting outward supplies.

How do I file my first return under GST?

To file your first GST return, log into the GST portal, navigate to the return section, and fill out the required forms such as GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B with accurate details of your transactions.

Can I file my GST return myself?

Yes, you can file your GST return yourself through the GST portal. Ensure you have accurate transaction details and follow the step-by-step process provided on the portal.

What is the turnover limit for GST return?

The turnover limit for mandatory GST return filing is Rs. 20 lakhs for most states and Rs. 10 lakhs for special category states. For the composition scheme, the limit is Rs. 1.5 crores.

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