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Every business registered under the GST regime has to file either a monthly or a quarterly return, depending on the overall turnover of the business and the type of the business. These GST return filings should be done online on the GST portal. Along with this, taxpayers are also required to file an annual return. This article will help you understand the different types of GST returns, their due dates etc.
A GST return is a comprehensive document that consists of all the details of a GST-registered taxpayer, including income and expenses. Every GSTIN holder is required to furnish a GST return to the tax authorities. This document helps the tax authorities compute the taxpayer’s net tax liability accurately.
A GST return consists of the following -
Businesses with an annual aggregate turnover of more than Rs. 5 crore (and taxpayers not opting for the QRMP scheme) must file two monthly returns and one annual return, totaling 25 returns each year.
Taxpayers with a turnover of up to Rs. 5 crore can choose to file returns under the QRMP scheme. QRMP filers are required to file upto 9 returns every year, which include 4 GSTR-1 returns, 4 GSTR-3B returns, and one annual return. QRMP filers have to pay tax every month, even if they are filing returns quarterly.
Additionally, special cases like composition dealers have different filing requirements. They need to submit five returns every year and one annual return.
There are 13 returns in total under the GST regime. These are GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-4, GSTR-5, GSTR-5B, GSTR-6, GSTR-7, GSTR-8, GSTR-9, GSTR-10, GSTR-11, GSTR-08, ITC-04. Besides the GST returns, there are input tax credit statements available to taxpayers, i.e., GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B. Small taxpayers registered under the QRMP scheme also have an Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF) available.
Businesses are required to report the details of outward supplies of goods and services. This includes debit credit notes and invoices issued for sales transactions during a period. All normal taxpayers, including casual taxable persons registered under GST, have to file GSTR-1.
Monthly returns should be filed by the 11th of every month for businesses having an annual aggregate turnover exceeding Rs.5 crores or those not opting for the QRMP scheme. Quarterly returns should be filed by the 13th of the month following each quarter for businesses registered under the QRMP scheme.
It is a dynamic view-only return designed for buyers and recipients of goods and services. It contains the details of all inward supplies (purchases) from the GST-registered supplies from GST-registered suppliers. The data in GSTR-2A gets auto-populated on the basis of GSTR-1 returns filed by the suppliers and data from (Invoice Furnishing Facility) IFF for QRMP taxpayers.
It is a static view-only return that offers the input tax credit data from GSTR-1 filings for the previous month. It helps the buyers reconcile their ITC claims for every tax period. GSTR-2B provides guidance on actions required to be taken on each invoice, such as ineligibility, reversal, and subject to reverse charge.
This return allows editing and is currently a suspended GST return that helps registered buyers report their inward supplies of goods and services.
Another suspended GST return, GSTR-3, was a monthly summary return for regular taxpayers. It included a summary of outward supplies, inward supplies, input tax credits claimed, tax liabilities, and taxes paid. GSTR-3 was auto-generated based on the details provided in GSTR-1 and GSTR-2 returns but has been suspended since September 2017.
It is a monthly self-declaration return for normal taxpayers. It summarizes the details of outward supplies, tax liability, and input tax credit claimed. It is essential to reconcile the input tax credit details with GSTR-1 and GSTR-2B before filing GSTR-3B.
The monthly return should be filed by the 20th of the following month for taxpayers having an annual turnover exceeding Rs.5 crores. Quarterly returns need to be filed on the 22nd of the month following the quarter for ‘X’ category states and the 24th of the month following the quarter for ‘Y’ category states for taxpayers having turnover equal to or below Rs.5 crores.
It is an annual return for taxpayers registered under the composition scheme. It has to be filed by 30th April of the year following the relevant financial year. This return replaced the quarterly filing requirement. Taxpayers can now file a challan in Form CMP-08 by the 18th of the month succeeding each quarter.
The Composition Scheme allows businesses dealing in goods with a turnover of up to Rs. 1.5 crore to pay taxes at a fixed rate based on their declared turnover. Service providers can also opt for a similar scheme if their turnover is up to Rs. 50 lakh.
This return has to be filed by non-resident foreign taxpayers registered under GST who engage in business transactions in India. This return consists of details of outward supplies, inward supplies, tax liability, taxes paid, and credit/debit notes. This ITR becomes due by the 20th of every month.
It is a summary return of OIDAR services. In other words, it consists of the summary of Online Information and Database Access or Retrieval Service (OIDAR) providers under GST. This GSTR also becomes due on the 20th of every month.
It is a monthly return that is required to be filed by Input Service Distributors (ISD) to report the Input Tax Credit received and distributed. It includes details of documents issued for ITC distribution. The due date for filing monthly GSTR-6 is the 13th of every month.
This return needs to be filed on a monthly basis by entities that are required to deduct Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) under GST. It consists of the details of tax deducted, TDS refund claimed, and TDS liability. The due date for filing GSTR 7 is the 10th of every month.
It is a monthly return filed by e-commerce operators who are registered under GST and are required to collect TCS. It consists of details of supplies made through e-commerce platforms. 10th of every month is the due date of GSTR-8.
It is an annual return required to be filed by every GST-registered person. This return is due by 31st December of the year following the relevant FY. It consists of the details of all outward supplies, inward supplies, taxes payable under different tax heads, and taxes paid.
Taxpayers who are exempt from filing GSTR-9 include those under the composition scheme, casual taxable persons, input service distributors, non-resident taxable persons, and individuals paying TDS under Section 51 of the CGST Act.
GSTR-9C is a self-certified reconciliation statement that every registered GST taxpayer must file with a turnover exceeding Rs. 5 crore in a financial year. The deadline for filing GSTR-9C is the same as for GSTR-9, which is December 31st of the year following the relevant financial year. Multiple GSTR-9C forms can be submitted under one PAN, as each form is filed for each GSTIN.
GSTR-10, also known as the final return, must be filed by a taxable person whose GST registration has been canceled or surrendered. This return must be submitted within three months from the date of cancellation or the date of the cancellation order, whichever comes first.
GSTR-11 is the return filed by individuals who have been issued a Unique Identity Number (UIN) to claim refunds on goods and services purchased in India. UINs are given to foreign diplomatic missions and embassies that are not subject to tax in India. GSTR-11 includes details of the inward supplies received, and the refunds claimed.
Given below are the due dates for filing different types of GST returns -
| GST Return | Type of Taxpayer | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| GSTR-1 | Regular Taxpayer |
|
| GSTR-2A (Auto-generated) | All Taxpayers | Auto-generated, used for reconciliation |
| GSTR-3B | Regular Taxpayer | Monthly: 20th of the following month |
| GSTR-4 | Composition Scheme Dealer | Quarterly: 18th of the month following the end of the quarter |
| GSTR-5 | Non-Resident Foreign Taxpayer | 20th of the month following the tax period |
| GSTR-6 | Input Service Distributor | 13th of the following month |
| GSTR-7 | Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) | 10th of the following month |
| GSTR-8 | E-commerce Operator | 10th of the following month |
| GSTR-9 | Regular Taxpayer (Annual) | 31st December of the next financial year |
| GSTR-9C | Regular Taxpayer (Annual) | Same as GSTR-9, along with GSTR-9 |
Small taxpayers with an aggregate turnover of up to Rs.5 crore can opt to file GSTR-1 either monthly or quarterly.
In India, the GST registration threshold is ₹40 lakh for normal category states and ₹20 lakh for special category states. Proper GST registration is essential for the smooth operation of online businesses.
Monthly GST filing involves submitting returns like GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B every month.
The type of GST return you need to file typically depends on several factors, including your business's turnover, the nature of your transactions, and the specific terms and conditions set by tax authorities.
GSTR-3B is a summary tax return that taxpayers use to report their tax liabilities and payment details. GSTR-1, on the other hand, is a detailed tax return where taxpayers provide a summary of the sales made, and it is self-assessed.
Non-compliance with GST return submissions can lead to penalties and late fees, impacting your competitiveness and operational efficiency. To avoid these consequences, ensure accurate and timely filing of your GST returns.
