Power Up Your Business Compliance with
GST Return Filing

Make your business compliant, trusted, and growth-ready! GST Return Filing in just a few clicks.
File your returns today and unlock smooth operations while building trust with authorities, clients, and partners!

GST Returns

Hey there! So, let’s break down this whole returns thing in a way that’s as chill as chatting over coffee. When it comes to GSR and GST returns, it’s basically about keeping things in check with taxes especially if you run a business or are involved in any transactions that involve goods and services. GSR, or Goods and Services Returns, typically involves reporting all your income related to the sales or services provided. This helps in ensuring everything’s transparent and on the books in case tax guys come knocking.

Now, GST Returns, which stands for Goods and Services Tax Returns, is part of the broader tax setup in places like India, Canada, Malaysia, and others where such taxes are applied. Filing these returns is super important because it keeps you compliant with the laws, helps you claim input tax credits, and avoids any unpleasant surprises like penalties later on for non-compliance. Plus, it’s kind of like taking care of hygiene – a bit of work upfront saves you a whole lot of trouble down the road! So, making sure you’re up to date with your returns also helps you keep your financial game strong and smooth-sailing.

Types of GST Returns and Due Dates for Filing GST Returns

GSTR-1

Quarterly filing of GSTR-1

(If your annual turnover is up to Rs.5 crore, you can choose to file quarterly)

Due date – 13th of the month succeeding the quarter

Note: If your annual turnover is less than Rs.5 crore, you can use the Invoice File Facility (IFF) to report your B2B sales in the first two months of each quarter, making your VAT returns more flexible and manageable. The deadline for this will be the 13th of the following month. However, GSTR-1 must still be filed quarterly, and invoices already reported in the IFF do not need to be reported again.

Monthly Filing of GSTR-1:

(If your annual turnover exceeds Rs.5 crore, you are required to file monthly)

Due Date – 11th of the next month.

GSTR-3B

Is a monthly summary return that all taxpayers must file, with the exception of those registered under the composition scheme.

Quarterly filing of GSTR-3B:

(Businesses with an annual turnover of ₹5 crore or less have the option to ease their compliance burden by choosing quarterly return filing instead of monthly submissions.)

The return must be filed by either the 22nd or 24th of the month following the quarter’s end, based on the taxpayer’s state of registration.

Monthly filing of GSTR-3B:

(If your annual turnover exceeds Rs.5 crore, you are required to file monthly)

Due Date – 20th of the next month.

CMP-08

A quarterly tax summary and payment form for businesses enrolled under the GST composition scheme, as outlined in Section 10 of the CGST Act.

The filing deadline falls on the 18th day of the month immediately after the close of each quarter.

GSTR-4

As resolved in the 53rd GST Council meeting, the deadline for filing returns from FY 2024–25 onward is fixed at 30th June of the next financial year, marking a standardized approach for future compliance. Accordingly, taxpayers under the composition scheme must submit GSTR-4 for the 2024–25 financial year by 30th June 2025, aligning with the revised annual compliance timeline.

GSTR-5

Provides details on sales tax and VAT refunds for non-resident companies in India, including compliance.

Due Date – 13th of the next month.

GSTR-5A

Summary of outward taxable supplies and the tax payable by a provider of Online Information and Database Access or Retrieval Services (OIDAR):

Due Date – 20th of the next month.

GSTR-6

Summary of outward taxable supplies and the tax payable by a provider of Online Information and Database Access or Retrieval Services (OIDAR):

Due Date – 20th of the next month.

GSTR-7

A concise GST report detailing the TDS collected and deposited by registered businesses as per government tax compliance rules.

Due Date – 10th of the next month.

GSTR-8

An overview of the tax amounts gathered at source by e-commerce platforms, as mandated under the GST framework.

Due Date – 10th of the next month.

GSTR-9

GSTR-9 serves as the comprehensive yearly declaration that registered taxpayers are obligated to file, capturing a consolidated view of their GST activities. The deadline for submitting GSTR-9 for the financial year 2023-24 is 31st December, 2024, while the due date for GSTR-9 for the financial year 2024-25 is 31st December, 2025.

GSTR-9 C

Businesses with an annual turnover of more than Rs 5 crore are required to file GSTR-9C – a form of annual self-certification that seeks to align financial statements with GST returns to ensure tax compliance. 5 crore must file. For the financial year 2024–25, the self-certified reconciliation statement in Form GSTR-9C must be filed no later than 31st December 2025, marking the close of the annual compliance cycle.

GSTR-10

A conclusive GST return must be filed by taxpayers whose registration has been revoked, with the deadline set at three months from either the effective cancellation date or the issuance of the cancellation order—whichever occurs later.

GSTR-11

Details of inward supplies must be provided by an individual with a UIN who is seeking a refund.

Due Date – 28th of the month after the month for which the statement is submitted.

Why GST Returns Important?

Tax Compliance – Filing GST Returns helps ensure that a business adheres to GST regulations.
Tax Collection and Payment – It enables businesses to accurately report their tax obligations and make timely payments.
Input Tax Credit (ITC) – GST Returns provide businesses the opportunity to claim input tax credits on qualifying purchases.

How to Check GST Returns Status?

You can monitor the progress of your GST return filings through these online tracking options, ensuring real-time visibility and compliance assurance.

Tracking through ARN

To check the status using the Application Reference Number (ARN), follow these steps:

Step 1: Access the official GST portal and sign in.
Step 2: Navigate to ‘Services’ > ‘Returns’ > ‘Track Returns Status’.
Step 3: Input your ARN number.
Step 4: Click on the search option to view the status of your GST Returns application.

Tracking through GST Returns Filing Period

To track your GST return status by filing period, do the following:

Step 1: Access the official GST portal to log in.
Step 2: Go to ‘Services’ > ‘Returns’ > ‘Track Return Status’.
Step 3: Select the GST Return Filing period and enter the relevant dates.
Step 4: Click ‘Search’ to check the status

When Tracking Through the Status

To track using the taxpayer search option, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the GST portal and select the search taxpayer option.
Step 2: Input your GSTIN under the designated GSTIN/UIN field, then verify your identity by solving the displayed captcha. Then click on search.

The Captcha Code will appear after you enter the GSTIN ID. Once you have filled in all the details and submitted them, you will see the necessary information, including the company name, registration date, and GSTIN/UIN status, displayed on the screen.

How to Download GST Returns Online

Here’s how you can easily access and download your GST return online through the official GST portal—step-by-step guidance for smooth compliance:

Step 1: Log in to access the GST Portal.
Step 2: Click on ‘File GST Returns’.
Step 3: Select the period, specifying the year and month, then click on the ‘Search’ option.
Step 4: Click on ‘View GSTR 1’.
Step 5: Finally, select the ‘Preview’ option.

Late Fees for Failing to File Your Return on Tim

Interest – Interest will be charge at the rate of 18% per annum.
Late fees – Late fees will be charge Rs.100 per day for each act with a cap of Rs.5,000.
Please be aware that starting from the month or quarter ending in June 2021,
The updated late fee limits have been structured as per the latest GST guidelines to ease the compliance burden for taxpayers.
Taxpayers whose total central tax payable amounts to zero. – Rs.250
Businesses that earned up to ₹1.5 crore in total turnover during the last financial year fall under this small taxpayer category for GST compliance. – Rs.1,000
Taxpayers whose total annual turnover was more than Rs.1.5 crore but not exceeding Rs.5 crore in the last financial year. – Rs.2,500.

Common Errors in GST Returns Filing

Mismatch in Invoice Details – Errors in sales or purchase invoices can lead to discrepancies between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B.
ITC Issues – Reporting Input Tax Credit incorrectly or claiming ITC on expenses that aren’t eligible.
Late Filing – Failing to submit returns by the due date.
Data Entry Mistakes – Incorrectly entering HSN/SAC codes, tax rates, or taxpayer information.

GST Refunds and Returns

GST Refund – You can claim a refund for any excess tax paid or for tax paid on exports.
Refund Process – To initiate a refund, submit a refund application, and it will be processed according to the returns you have filed.

FAQ

1. Can I submit multiple GST returns at once?

You can submit multiple returns one at a time for each month, but you cannot merge returns for different months into a single filing.

2. Can I file GST returns without using digital signatures?

Digital signatures (DSC) are mandatory for businesses that are registered as companies or LLPs. Other taxpayers can use OTP verification through Aadhaar as an alternative.

3. Is it mandatory for businesses with no turnover to file GST returns?

Businesses that have no turnover are still obligated to file GST returns, typically nil returns, in order to keep their GST registration active.

4. How can I make a payment for GST?

GST payments can be made via the GST portal using several methods, including net banking, debit or credit cards, NEFT/RTGS, or in-person payments at authorized banks.

5. What should you do if there is an error in the return filed?

If there is an error, the taxpayer can correct the details in future returns or, in some instances, submit a correction. GST laws permit the rectification of errors in the next filing cycle.

6. Can GST Returns be amended?

Yes, GST Returns can be amended in certain situations:
GSTR-1 : You can amend it to fix any errors or omissions before the end of the following month.
GSTR-3B : This can be revised in the next return, for instance, by using a credit note or debit note.
GSTR-9 : Corrections can be made in the annual return that is filed in the next financial year.

GST Return Filing is your key to tax compliance and business transparency.
Whether you’re running a small business or a large enterprise, filing your GST returns on time helps you:

✅ Stay compliant with GST laws and avoid penalties
✅ Claim eligible Input Tax Credit (ITC)
✅ Maintain accurate and organized financial records
✅ Build trust with customers and vendors
✅ Boost business credibility and growth opportunities