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GST Returns: Types, Forms, Due Dates & Penalties

Updated on: 15 Nov, 2024 04:15 PM

Returns under Goods and Services Tax (GST) can be defined as a document or form in which the details related to income and its sources are being reported. GST Returns are required by the tax authorities for calculation of tax liability pertaining to a business. This guided explores the different types of GST returns, due dates, and penalties applicable.

What are GST Returns?

A GST return is a document that outlines the income, sales, expenses, and purchases of a GST-registered taxpayer (each GSTIN). This document must be submitted to tax authorities, who use it to determine the taxpayer's net tax liability.

Under GST, a registered dealer must file returns that typically include:

  • Purchases
  • Sales
  • Output GST (on sales)
  • Input tax credit (GST paid on purchases)

Why Filing of GST returns is important?

The filing of GST Returns has manifold importance,such as

For Return Filer

  • Necessary to adhere the legal compliances
  • Helps in calculating the correct tax liability of self and others
  • A tool for claiming ITC

For Government

  • Source for collecting Financial Statistics of Organisations
  • Scrutinize the relevant cases effectively and efficiently
  • A basis for future policy making
  • Helps in making the future compliance procedures
  • Evasions can be better tracked
  • Effective mode of procuring information from the taxpayers

Are there any consequences of not Filing GST Returns?

Yes, non filing or delayed filing of GST Returns can attract you

  1. Late Fee and
  2. Penalty
  • Late Fee
    1. Any registered person who is liable to file Goods and Services Tax return under section 37,38,39 or section 45. Fails to do so by the due date, shall attract a late fees of Rs 100 per day, aggregating maximum upto Rs 5000 [Section 47(1)] of the CGST Act.
    2. Also, any person liable to furnish return under Section 44 i.e. annual return, if fails to furnish the same by due date then, late fee of Rs 100 per day aggregating maximum upto 0.25% of quarterly turnover in State or Union Territory. The same is governed by provisions mentioned under section 47(2) of the CGST Act.
    3. No late fees shall be attracted under IGST Act.
  • Interest In case tax payment is outstanding interest is 18% per annum shall be calculated on the Net tax liability from the next day of filing due date till the actual date of payment.

What are the various types of GST returns and who is required to file it?

GSTR-1

GSTR-1 is the return used to report details of all outward supplies of goods and services. It includes invoices and debit/credit notes related to sales transactions for a given tax period. All normal taxpayers registered under GST, including casual taxable persons, are required to file GSTR-1.

  • What are the details required to be furnished under GSTR 1?
    GSTR 1 contains the details of outward supplies made during the period of tax. This form is required to be submitted electronically on GST Portal with the following set of information:
    1. Details of invoices of supplies made to the registered persons including those having UIN;
    2. Details of Inter-State supplies of invoice having a value higher than Rs. 2,50,000 to unregistered persons or end user;
    3. Details of Credit/Debit Notes against invoices issued by the supplier;
    4. Details related to the export of goods or services or both including deemed exports (SEZ);
    5. Summary of state-level details of supplies to unregistered persons, i.e., consumers;
    6. Summary of Advances received in relation to the supply of goods on a future date;
    7. Nil-rated, exempted, and non-GST supplies; and
    8. HSN/SAC wise summary of outward supplies.
  • Is it mandatory to file GSTR 1?
    GSTR 1 return is mandatory to be filed even if there is no business activity in the tax period.
  • Who is required to file GSTR 1?
    GSTR 1 return is required to be furnished by:
    1. Every registered taxable person, including all regular and casual registered taxpayers, and
    2. Other than input service provider/ composition taxpayer/ person collecting or deducting tax at source.
  • What is the Due date of filing GSTR 1?
    GSTR 1 could be filed monthly or quarterly depending upon the taxpayer’s turnover.
    Turnover Limit (in a FY) GSTR 1 Periodicity
    Up to Rs. 1.5 crores Quarterly (by 13th of every month)
    Exceeding Rs 1.5 crores Monthly (by 11th of every month)

GSTR-2

GSTR-2 is a suspended GST return that was used by registered buyers to report inward supplies of goods and services, i.e., their purchases during a tax period. The details in GSTR-2 were auto-populated from GSTR-2A, but GSTR-2 could be edited, unlike GSTR-2A. This return was required to be filed by all normal taxpayers registered under GST. However, the filing of GSTR-2 has been suspended since September 2017.


GSTR-2A

What is GSTR 2A?

It is a read-only auto-generated statement of inward supplies formed using the details of GSTR-1/5, Form GSTR-6 (ISD), Form GSTR-7 (TDS), Form GSTR-8 (TCS).

Is it mandatory to file GSTR 2A?

This return is not required to be filed with CBIC; it is only to enable the recording of invoices received from the different suppliers.

Who is required to file GSTR 2A?

GSTR 2A is an auto-populated return, and no filing is required.


GSTR-2B

GSTR-2B is a view-only, static GST return that is important for recipients or buyers of goods and services. Available monthly starting from August 2020, it provides consistent ITC data for any given period.

The ITC details cover the period from the filing of GSTR-1 for the previous month (M-1) to the filing of GSTR-1 for the current month (M). The return is made available on the 12th of each month, providing enough time before filing GSTR-3B, where the ITC is declared.

GSTR-2B specifies the actions to be taken for each reported invoice, such as whether it should be reversed, is ineligible, subject to reverse charge, or linked to specific table numbers in GSTR-3B.


GSTR-3

GSTR-3 is a suspended GST return that was intended to provide a monthly summary of all outward supplies made, inward supplies received, and input tax credit claimed, along with details of tax liability and taxes paid.

This return would have been auto-generated based on the GSTR-1 and GSTR-2 returns filed. GSTR-3 was to be filed by all normal taxpayers registered under GST, but its filing has been suspended since September 2017.


GSTR-3B

What is GSTR 3B?

Form GSTR-3B is a monthly summary return to declare the GST liability for the tax period and to pay off such liability. Regular taxpayers need to file these return for every tax period.

What are the details required to be furnished under GSTR 3B?

GSTR 3B contains the details relating to

  1. Outward Supply (Sales)
  2. Inward Supply (Purchases)liable to reverse charge
  3. ITC eligible
  4. Tax details
  5. TDS / TCS credits available
  6. Inter-state Supply made

Is it mandatory to file GSTR 3B?

Yes, filing of GSTR 3B is mandatory even if there are no transactions, a nil return is required to be furnished.

Who is required to file GSTR 3B?

A registered regular taxpayer is required to file GSTR 3B periodically.

What is the Due date of filing GSTR 3B?

The due Date of filing Form GSTR-3B is the 20th of the following month for which the return is to be submitted.

Is it possible to file NIL GSTR 3B?

It can be filed as a nil return even when there are no transactions and tax liability for that particular tax period. GSTR-3B is to be filed electronically using the GST portal.


GSTR-4

What is GSTR 4?

This return is for those taxpayers who opted for paying tax under the composition scheme.

What are the details required to be furnished under GSTR 4?

This form consists of a summary of

  1. Outward supplies or sales,
  2. Tax payable thereon
  3. TDS / TCS credit available
  4. Refund Claimed etc

Is it mandatory to file GSTR 4?

Filing of GSTR 4 is mandatory.

Who is required to file GSTR 4?

Taxable persons who have opted for the composition scheme under GST and are liable to pay taxes are required to furnish GSTR 4 annually.

What is the Due date of filing GSTR 4?

GSTR-4 is required to be filled every quarter, and the due date for this is the 18th of the month succeeding the tax period. This return is to be filed electronically and cannot be revised just like any other return but can be adjusted in the return of the following tax period.
From the year 2019-20, this return will be filed annually, and there is a statement named CMP 08, filed quarterly, in which all the details for the composition dealer will be filled

Is it possible to file NIL GSTR 4?

Yes, it is possible to file a valid NIL GSTR 4 return.


GSTR-5

What is GSTR 5?

A registered NRTP is not required to file separately the statement of the outward supplies, statement of inward supplies, and return like a normal taxpayer. In place of the same, a simplified monthly tax return GSTR 5 has been prescribed.

What are the details required to be furnished under GSTR 5?

The details required to be furnished in GSTR 5 include

  1. Details of Outward Supply
  2. Details of Inward Supply
  3. Tax, interest, penalty, late fee payment details, etc.

Is it mandatory to file GSTR 5?

Yes, filing of GSTR 5 is mandatory.

Who is required to file GSTR 5?

GSTR 5 is required to be furnished by every registered non-resident taxable person.

What is the Due date of filing GSTR 5?

The due date to file GSTR-5 for NR for the period for which they get registration is within 7 days of the expiry of such period. If the period of registration is more than one month, the monthly return will be filed by the 20th of the following month of the tax period.
In simple words, it should be furnished within 20 days after the end of the calendar month or within 7 days after the last day of the validity period of the registration, whichever is earlier.

Is it possible to file NIL GSTR 5?

Yes, filing a NIL GSTR 5 is possible.


GSTR-5A

What is GSTR 5A?

It is a return required to be furnished by an Online Information and Database Access or Retrieval (OIDAR) services provider for the services provided from a place outside India to unregistered persons in India.

What are the details required to be furnished under GSTR 5A?

The information like details of taxable outward supplies or sales is made to non-taxable persons or consumers in India, changes in the details furnished in the preceding tax period and provide the details of any other amount to be paid by them, or interest to offset the liabilities, etc. is to be considered as part of taxpayers GSTR-5A.

Is it mandatory to file GSTR 5A?

Filing of this return is mandatory, and even if there is no business transaction a nil return is to be filed.

Who is required to file GSTR 5A?

The non-resident service provider of OIDAR needs to file the return.

What is the Due date of filing GSTR 5A?

A monthly return is to be filed by the 20th of the following month.

Is it possible to file NIL GSTR 5A?

NIL GSTR 5A is required to be furnished in case there are no pertaining transactions.


GSTR-6

What is GSTR 6?

GSTR 6 form is required to be filed by Input Service Distributors (ISD) for claiming the ITC.

The essentials for the filing of Form GSTR-6 are:

  1. The recipient should be registered as an Input Service Distributor,
  2. Should have an active GSTIN,
  3. Have a valid login User ID and password,
  4. Have non-expired/ unrevoked and valid Digital Signature Certificate for companies, LLPs, and FLLPs
  5. Have an active registered mobile number to GST Portal at the time of registration or changes for authentication through EVC.

Is it mandatory to file GSTR 6?

It is a mandatory monthly return that is required to be filed even when there is no transaction.

Who is required to file GSTR 6?

This return is to be submitted by the Input Service Distributor (ISD) for distribution of its credit among the different units.

What is the Due date of filing GSTR 6?

The due date to file GSTR-6 is the 13th of the following month of the tax period.

Is it possible to file NIL GSTR 6?

Yes, In case there are no transactions, a NIL GSTR 6 needs to be filed by the ISD (Input Service Distributor)


GSTR-7

What is GSTR 7?

It is a monthly return required to be filed by the person who deducts tax at the time of making payment to suppliers (TDS) under GST.

What are the details required to be furnished under GSTR 7?

Tax deductors are required to:

  1. Declare his total TDS liability for a given period (monthly) in this Form,
  2. Furnish information related to the TDS under three major heads, viz., Central tax, State/UT tax, and Integrated tax related to that return;
  3. File correct and complete return within the due date, given the fact that the TDS credit will be available to the counterparty supplier upon the filing of the TDS return in Form GSTR-7 by the Deductor (i.e., the person liable to deduct TDS).
  4. Issuance of TDS certificate to the deductee.

Is it mandatory to file GSTR 7?

Yes, GSTR 7 is required to be filed by TDS Deductors as specified under section 51 of the CGST Act.

Who is required to file GSTR 7?

The person deducting TDS under GST is required to furnish the return in form GSTR 7. Following are the deductors liable to deduct TDS as per section 51 of the CGST Act

  1. Department or establishment of central government or state government, or
  2. A local authority, or
  3. Governmental agencies, or
  4. An authority or a board or any other body
    - Set up by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature, or
    - Established by any government (with 51% or more participation by way of equity or control to carry out any function)
  5. A society established by the Central Government or State Government or Local Authority under the Societies Registration Act 1860.
  6. Public sector undertakings

What is the Due date of filing GSTR 7?

The due date to file this return is the 10th of the next month. And no need to file a return for a period in which no TDS is deducted.


GSTR-7

GSTR-7 is a monthly return that must be filed by individuals or entities required to deduct TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) under GST. This return includes details of TDS deducted, the TDS liability payable and paid, and any TDS refund claimed.

The due date for filing GSTR-7 is the 10th of every month.


GSTR-8

What is GSTR 8?

It is a statement of Tax Collected at Source (TCS) by E-Commerce Operators. It contains the details of taxable supplies, the amount collected by the operator related to the supplies, and the amount of TCS collected on such supplies.

What are the details required to be furnished under GSTR 8?

Below are some of the following details required to be furnished while filing GSTR 8

  1. Details of TCS and outward supply
  2. Tax and Interest paid
  3. Tax and Interest payable
  4. Details of Refund, etc

Is it mandatory to file GSTR 8?

Yes, GSTR 8 is mandatory to be filed for the prescribed E-Commerce Operators.

Who is required to file GSTR 8?

GSTR 8 is required to be filed by E-Commerce Operators.

What is the Due date of filing GSTR 8?

The due date for filing Form GSTR-8 is the 10th of the month following the tax period. Currently, there is no late fee for filing a return with the delay, but interest is levied on delay in discharging the liability of TCS.


GSTR-9

What is GSTR9?

GSTR-9 is the annual return which is required to be filed once in a financial year by regular taxpayers.

What are the details required to be furnished under GSTR 9?

GSTR 9 contains information such as purchases, sales, input tax credit or refund claimed, etc. Details required to be disclosed under the Form GSTR-9 for respective serial numbers are -

  1. Serial Number 4: Details of advances, inward and outward supplies made during the financial year on which tax is payable
  2. Serial Number 5: Details of Outward supplies made during the financial year on which tax is not payable
  3. Serial Number 6: Details of ITC availed during the financial year
  4. Serial Number 7: Details of ITC reversed and Ineligible ITC for the financial year
  5. Serial Number 8: Other ITC-related information
  6. Serial Number 9: Details of tax paid as declared in returns filed during the financial year
  7. Serial Number 10,11,12&13: Details of the previous Financial Year's transactions reported in the next Financial Year
  8. Serial Number 14: Differential tax paid on account of declaration in table no. 10 & 11
  9. Serial Number 15: Particulars of Demands and Refunds
  10. Serial Number 16: Supplies received from Composition taxpayers, deemed supply by job worker, and goods sent on an approval basis
  11. Serial Number 17: HSN-wise summary of Outward Supplies
  12. Serial Number 18: HSN-wise summary of Inward Supplies

Is it mandatory to file GSTR 9?

Now, GSTR 9 is optional for business turnover upto 2 crores for the financial year 2017-18 and 2018-19

Who is required to file GSTR 9?

This return is to be filed by a person who is registered as a regular taxpayer and a taxpayer who has withdrawn from the composition scheme to a regular taxpayers. For the assessee having turnover of more than Rs. 2 crores during the financial year, they are required to get their accounts audited by CA and CWA. And file a return in the form GSTR-9C.

What is the Due date of filing GSTR 9?

The due date for filing this return is 31st December of the subsequent financial year.

Is it possible to file NIL GSTR 9?

Assessee can file a Nil Return only if the following conditions are satisfied:

  1. Not made any outward supply or sale.
  2. Not received any inward supply of goods/services or purchases.
  3. No other liability for reporting.
  4. Not claiming any input tax credit.
  5. Not claiming any refund under the act.
  6. Not received any order creating demand for any liability for tax.
  7. There is no late fee due to delay in filing the return is to be paid, etc.

GSTR-9A

What is GSTR 9A?

It is also an annual return form available to the taxpayer who opted for the composition scheme.

What are the details required to be furnished under GSTR 9A?

In this form, the assessee is required to file the information related to

  1. Purchases (inward supply)
  2. Sales (outward supply)
  3. Taxes Paid
  4. Demands and Refunds
  5. Credit reversed or availed
  6. Late Fees payable or paid
  7. etc.

Is it mandatory to file GSTR 9A?

There is no need to file GSTR 9A for the financial year 2017-18 and 2018-19.It is completely waived off by the government due to hardships being faced by composition dealers.

Who is required to file GSTR 9A?

GSTR 9A is required to be filed by all taxpayers who opted for a composition scheme, for any period during the financial year, and includes:

  1. Taxpayers registered under the composition scheme from the start and never opted out in the subsequent year.
  2. Taxpayers who opted for composition scheme at any time during the financial year.
  3. Taxpayers who opted for composition scheme but opted out in the subsequent year.

What is the Due date of filing GSTR 9A?

Form GSTR-9A is to be filed within the due date as specified as 31st December of the next financial year.

Is it possible to file NIL GSTR 9A?

Assessees can file a nil return under GSTR-9A if they do not have any business transaction in the previous year.


GSTR-10

What is GSTR 10?

The taxpayer whose registration got canceled or surrendered has to file a return using GSTR-10. It is also called as a final return.

Who is required to file GSTR 10?

Form GSTR-10 is to be filed by every taxpayer, excluding the following:

  1. Input Service Distributor
  2. Non-resident taxable persons
  3. Persons deduct tax at source (TDS) under section 51
  4. Composition Taxpayer paying tax under section 10
  5. Persons collect tax at source (TCS) under section 52

What is the Due date of filing GSTR 10?

The time limit for filing this return is:

  1. Date of order of cancellation or
  2. Within 3 months from the date of cancellation, whichever is later.

GSTR-11

GSTR-11 is a return to be filed by individuals or entities with a Unique Identity Number (UIN) to claim a refund under GST for goods and services purchased in India. The UIN is issued to foreign diplomatic missions and embassies that are not liable to pay tax in India, allowing them to claim a tax refund.

GSTR-11 includes details of inward supplies received, and the refund claimed.


Late Filing of GST Returns

Filing returns under GST is mandatory, even if there are no transactions. In such cases, you must file a Nil return.

Key points to note:

  • You cannot file a return if you haven't filed the previous month's or quarter's return.
  • Late filing of GST returns causes a cascading effect, leading to heavy fines and penalties.
  • The late filing fee for GSTR-1 is added to the liability ledger of the GSTR-3B filed immediately after the delay.

Interest and Late Fees

  • Interest is charged at 18% per annum. It must be calculated on the outstanding tax amount and is based on the net tax liability identified in the ledger at the time of payment. The interest is calculated from the day after the due date until the actual payment date.
  • As per the CGST Act, the late fee is Rs. 100 per day for both CGST and SGST, totaling Rs. 200 per day. However, the maximum late fee is capped at Rs. 5,000 per Act. No separate late fee is prescribed under the IGST Act.
  • For GSTR-9/9C, the late fee is capped at 0.25% of the turnover in the state or Union Territory.

Understanding the various aspects and provisions of GST law can be complex, especially for non-experts. It’s advisable to consult a tax expert to address all your GST-related queries and assist you with filing your returns. Need help filing your GST return? Book a tax expert today!


Frequently Asked Questions

Q- What is monthly GST filing?

Monthly GST filing involves submitting returns like GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B every month.


Q- How do you determine which type of GST return to file?

The type of GST return to file depends on factors like your business turnover, the nature of your transactions, and the specific requirements of tax authorities.


Q- What are GST due dates?

The due dates for filing GST returns, such as GSTR-1, depend on the business's turnover.


Q- Are there other specialized GST returns apart from the common ones?

Yes, apart from common returns like GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B, there are specialized returns such as IFF and PMT-06, which can be filed quarterly.


Q- Do composition dealers follow the same GST return filing process as regular taxpayers?

No, composition dealers have a simplified GST return filing process compared to regular taxpayers.


Q- How to calculate GST?

GST is calculated by applying the GST rate to the taxable value of the goods or services sold.


Q- Is GSTR-1 monthly or quarterly?

Small taxpayers with an aggregate turnover of up to ₹5 crore can choose between monthly or quarterly filing of GSTR-1.


Q- What are the key differences between GSTR-3B and GSTR-1?

GSTR-3B is a summary return that details tax obligations and payments, while GSTR-1 is a detailed return that summarizes the sales made during the period.


Q- Can you explain the role of GSTR-11 for persons with a Unique Identification Number (UIN)?

People with a UIN file GSTR-11 to report supplies received from their suppliers in the tax period and claim a refund for the GST paid.


Q- What are the consequences of non-compliance with the filing of different types of GST returns?

Non-compliance with GST return filing can result in penalties, late fees, and impact your business's competitiveness and operational efficiency. It is important to ensure accurate and timely filing to avoid these consequences.


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.