ITR Filing Deadline Missed?
Last Chance to Claim your Tax Refund

  • TrustedTrusted by 1 Million+ Users
  • User Rating4.9 Star User Rating
  • Secure2500 Cr. Taxes Saved Already
ITR Filing Deadline Missed?
linkedin
whatsapp

GSTR-4 Return Filing: Due Date, Late Fees, Turnover Limit & Applicability

Updated on: 22 Oct, 2024 01:28 PM

The Government of India offers two types of GST registration to taxpayers—Regular GST registration and Composition Scheme registration. Under the Composition Scheme, dealers can file their GST returns annually using Form GSTR-4.

What is GSTR 4 Annual Return?

GSTR-4 is the annual return form that captures details of inward and outward supplies for composition dealers. Introduced through the Third Amendment to the GST Rules, 2017, in 2019, taxpayers were initially required to file GSTR-4 quarterly until the financial year 2018-19. However, Form GST CMP-08 replaced the quarterly filing, and GSTR-4 became an annual return.

By choosing the Composition Scheme, taxpayers can file GSTR-4 once a year, unlike regular taxpayers who submit returns on a monthly or quarterly basis.


GSTR-4 Due Date

GSTR-4 is an annual return that must be filed by 30th April following the relevant financial year. For instance, the GSTR-4 for FY 2023-24 was due by 30th April 2024. Prior to FY 2018-19, the due date was the 18th of the month following the quarter's end.

However, the 53rd GST Council meeting brought a key update. From FY 2024-25 onwards, the deadline to file GSTR-4 has been extended to 30th June of the following financial year, as per CGST Notification 12/2024 dated 10th July 2024.


Who Needs to File GSTR-4?

A taxpayer who chooses the composition scheme must file GSTR-4. Therefore, there is no specific turnover limit for filing GSTR-4. This requirement also includes the special composition scheme for service providers, as notified in the CGST (Rate) Notification number 2/2019 dated 7th March 2020, effective from FY 2019-20.


How to File GSTR-4

You can easily file GSTR-4 online on the GST portal by following these steps:

  1. Log in to the GST portal.
  2. Navigate to Services > Return > Annual Return.
  3. Under the File Annual Return button on the dashboard, select the relevant financial year.
  4. Carefully read the instructions on the page, then choose the Prepare Online option.
  5. Fill in the relevant details in the various sections of GSTR-4.
  6. Once you've entered the details, review your updated GSTR-4 by clicking on either Download GSTR-4 Summary (PDF) or Download GSTR-4 (Excel).
  7. Select the declaration checkbox, choose the authorized signatory, and click the File GSTR-4 button.
  8. A warning message will appear. Select Yes, then choose either File with DSC or File with EVC.

After completing these steps, the return status will change to "Filed," and you will receive an Application Reference Number (ARN) along with a confirmation message via SMS or email registered on the GST portal.


GSTR-4 Late Fees and Penalty

According to the latest update, a late fee of ₹50 per day is now applicable, capping at a maximum of ₹2,000. If the tax liability is nil, the maximum late fee is reduced to ₹500. Previously, a late fee of ₹200 per day was imposed if GSTR-4 was not filed by the due date, with the maximum late fee not exceeding ₹5,000.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q- What are the late fees for filing GSTR-4?

If GSTR-4 is not filed within the due date, a late fee of Rs. 50 per day is charged, up to a maximum of Rs. 2,000. For nil returns, the maximum late fee is Rs. 500.


Q- Can GSTR-4 be revised after filing?

No, GSTR-4 cannot be revised once it has been filed on the GSTN Portal.


Q- What information needs to be furnished in GSTR-4?

GSTR-4 requires details of the taxpayer’s turnover, tax paid, and inward supplies. It also includes details of any advances received and adjustments made during the financial year.


Q- What is the turnover limit for opting into the Composition Scheme?

The turnover limit for opting into the Composition Scheme is INR 1.5 crores (INR 75 lakhs for North-Eastern states and Himachal Pradesh).


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.