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How to File GST Quarterly Return & Check Status Online?

Updated on: 14 Oct, 2024 06:11 PM

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India is a broad-based indirect tax imposed on the supply of goods and services. It has replaced many previous taxes such as excise, service tax, VAT, etc. GST aims to simplify the tax system, reduce tax evasion, and increase revenue collection.

Quarterly return is a type of GST return filing option for small taxpayers whose aggregate turnover is up to ₹5 crore in the preceding financial year. Under this option, taxpayers can file their GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B returns on a quarterly basis, instead of monthly. This reduces the compliance burden and saves time and cost for the taxpayers. Read this guide to learn more about quarterly GST returns and how to file and check the status of filed GST returns.

What is GST Quarterly Return?

GST quarterly return is a document that contains the details of all the sales and purchases made by a GST-registered taxpayer in a quarter. It is filed along with the monthly tax payment through a challan. The GST quarterly return can be opted by taxpayers whose sum total turnover is up to ₹5 crore in the current or preceding financial year. The GST quarterly return consists of two forms: GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B. GSTR-1 reports the outward supplies of goods and services, while GSTR-3B reports the summary of the tax liability and input tax credit claimed. The GST quarterly return also has an optional feature called Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF), which allows taxpayers to declare their B2B invoices for the first two months of the quarter. This helps recipient taxpayers avail of the input tax credit in the same month.


Step-by-Step Guide to Filing GST Quarterly Returns

Follow the below steps to file GST Quarterly Returns:

Login into the GST portal

  • Visit the GST Portal and enter your username and password.
  • Click on 'Login' and then select 'Services' from the dashboard.
  • Under 'Services,' click on 'Returns' and then 'Returns Dashboard.'
  • Choose the fiscal (financial) year and the quarter for which you want to file the return and click on 'Search.'

Choose appropriate return form

  • Depending on your turnover and type of business, you need to choose the right return form for filing GST quarterly returns.
  • If your turnover is up to ₹5 crore and you have opted for the QRMP scheme, you need to file GSTR-3B on a quarterly basis and pay tax every month using PMT-06.
  • If your turnover is more than ₹5 crore or you have not opted for the QRMP scheme, you need to file GSTR-3B and GSTR-1 on a monthly basis.
  • You can also use the Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF) to report your B2B invoices on a monthly basis if you are under the QRMP scheme.
  • To choose the appropriate return form, click on the tile that shows the name and due date of the return form.

Fill in the necessary details

After choosing the return form, you need to fill out the necessary details in the various sections or tables of the form. The details may vary depending on the return form, but generally, you need to provide the following information:

  • Invoice details: You need to report the details of your outward supplies, such as invoice number, date, value, GST rate, taxable value, etc. You can also upload the details using JSON or Excel files.
  • Input tax credit details: You need to report the details of your inward supplies, such as GSTIN of the supplier, invoice number, date, value, GST rate, eligible ITC, etc. You can also claim ITC on imports, reverse charges, and other sources.
  • Other relevant information: You need to report the details of any amendments, advances, adjustments, or corrections in your supplies or ITC. You also need to report the details of any interest, late fee, or penalty payable or paid.

Verification and submission of the return

  • After filling out the details, you need to verify the accuracy and wholeness of the information provided in the return form.
  • You can use the 'Preview' option to download the draft summary of the return form in PDF format and check for any errors or discrepancies.
  • You can also use the 'Compute Liabilities' option to calculate the net tax liability or refund arising from the return form.
  • Once you are satisfied with the information, you need to submit the return form using the 'Submit' button. This will freeze the data, and no changes can be made after submission.
  • You also need to sign the return form using a DSC (digital signature certificate) or an Aadhaar-based electronic verification code (EVC).

Acknowledgment and confirmation

  • After signing the return form, you will receive a confirmation message on your email address and mobile number.
  • You will also receive an acknowledgment message on the GST portal with the ARN (Acknowledgment Reference Number) of the return form.
  • You can track the status of your return form using the ARN or the 'Track Return Status' option under 'Services.'
  • You can also download the summary of the return form in PDF format using the 'Download' option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q- I've saved Form GSTR-1 for this quarter, but the filing of Form GSTR-3B return is pending. Can I enroll in the QRMP scheme now?

No, enrollment in the QRMP scheme is not possible if you have saved details in Form GSTR-1 for that specific quarter. To opt for the scheme, you must delete the saved records in Form GSTR-1 and then proceed with enrollment.


Q- Currently, I file Form GSTR-1 quarterly and Form GSTR-3B monthly. Can I opt out of the QRMP scheme?

Starting from the quarter of January – March 2021, the GST System automatically assigns you to the QRMP scheme. You can opt out of the scheme, but in that case, you must file both Form GSTR-1 and Form GSTR-3B on a monthly basis. If not, you can choose to stay in the QRMP scheme and continue filing both forms quarterly.


Q- Can a GST Practitioner choose to enroll or opt out of the QRMP scheme on behalf of the taxpayer?

No, a GST Practitioner cannot enroll or opt out of the QRMP scheme on behalf of the taxpayer. Their role is limited to viewing details.


Q- What is the deadline for filing Form GSTR-3B?

For monthly filers, the due date for filing Form GSTR-3B is the 20th day of the month following the tax period. For quarterly filers, the due date varies by state/union territory and is either the 22nd or 24th day of the month following the quarter. The government may extend the deadline through notifications.


Q- Can I file a Nil GSTR-3B if the system auto-drafted interest in the previous period?

No, you cannot file a Nil Form GSTR-3B if the system has calculated interest for the current return period. The option for Nil filing will be disabled in such cases.


CA Abhishek Soni
CA Abhishek Soni

Abhishek Soni is a Chartered Accountant by profession & entrepreneur by passion. He is the co-founder & CEO of Tax2Win.in. Tax2win is amongst the top 25 emerging startups of Asia and authorized ERI by the Income Tax Department. In the past, he worked in EY and comes with wide industry experience from telecom, retail to manufacturing to entertainment where he has handled various national and international assignments.