Table of Contents
1. What is GST Returns?
A GST return is a crucial document that encompasses detailed information regarding the income/sales and expenses/purchases of a GST- registered taxpayer. It is a mandatory filing requirement with the tax administrative authorities, allowing them to calculate the taxpayer’s net tax liability.
1.1. Key Components of GST Returns:
- Purchases: This section of the GST return entails the details of all purchases made by the taxpayer during a specific period. It includes supplier names, invoice numbers, and purchase amounts.
- Sales: The sales section of the GST return captures the particulars of all sales made by the taxpayer in the given period. It involves recording customer details, invoice numbers, and the value of sales transactions.
- Output GST: This component accounts for the tax amount levied on the sales made by the taxpayer. It involves calculating and reporting the output tax liability based on the applicable GST rates.
- Input Tax Credit: Input tax credit refers to the GST paid on purchases that can be offset against the output tax liability. In this section, taxpayers report the eligible input tax credit they can claim based on their purchases.
2. Who is Required to File GST Returns
Under the GST regime, filing GST returns is mandatory for businesses meeting certain criteria. The filing requirements vary based on the annual aggregate turnover of the taxpayer and the chosen scheme. Let’s explore who needs to file GST returns:
2.1. Businesses with Annual Aggregate Turnover above Rs. 5 Crore:
- Regular businesses with an annual aggregate turnover exceeding Rs. 5 crores must file two monthly returns (GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B) and one annual return. This means a total of 25 returns need to be filed each year.
2.2. Businesses with Annual Aggregate Turnover up to Rs. 5 Crore:
- Taxpayers with an annual aggregate turnover of up to Rs. 5 crores can file returns under the QRMP (Quarterly Return Monthly Payment) scheme.
- QRMP filers are required to file returns every quarter but need to make monthly tax payments.
- The filing frequency for QRMP filers is nine returns each year, consisting of four GSTR-1 returns, four GSTR-3B returns, and one annual return (GSTR-9/9C).
2.3. Special Cases:
- Composition dealers, who have opted for the composition scheme, have different filing requirements.
- Composition dealers must file five returns yearly, including four statement-cum-challans (CMP-08) and one annual return (GSTR-4).
3. Types of GST returns
Under India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, there are various types of GST returns that taxpayers are required to file based on their registration type, turnover, and other factors. Here are the most common types of GST returns:
3.1. GSTR-1:
GSTR-1 is a monthly or quarterly return registered taxpayers file in India under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. It is a statement of all outward supplies of goods or services made by the taxpayer to other registered taxpayers, including invoice-wise details, tax amounts, and place of supply.
The GSTR-1 return must be filed by the 11th of the subsequent month for monthly filers and by the 13th of the following month for quarterly filers. The information furnished in the GSTR-1 return is used by the tax authorities to verify the details provided by the recipient in their GSTR-2A return and determine the taxpayer’s tax liability. It is an essential return for ensuring compliance with the GST regulations and avoiding any penalties or legal issues.
3.2. GSTR-2A:
GSTR-2A is an auto-generated return under India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. It is a read-only document generated electronically for each registered taxpayer based on the information submitted by their suppliers in their GSTR-1 return. GSTR-2A contains details of all the inward supplies of goods or services received by the taxpayer during a particular tax period, including invoice-level information, taxes paid on such supplies, and the supplier’s name.
It helps the recipient verify whether the details furnished by their supplier in their GSTR-1 return match the recipient’s records. Taxpayers need to reconcile their GSTR-2A return with their purchase records to accurately claim Input Tax Credit (ITC). GSTR-2A is not a return that taxpayers must file separately, but it is an important document to keep track of for GST compliance purposes.
3.3. GSTR-2B:
GSTR-2B is an auto-generated return under India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, similar to GSTR-2A. However, it provides a summary of the input tax credit (ITC) available to the recipient based on the details submitted by their suppliers in their GSTR-1 return. GSTR-2B is generated monthly for all registered taxpayers. It includes details such as the taxpayer’s GSTIN, the month the return is generated, and the summary of eligible ITC.
It also contains the details of ITCs ineligible for credit, such as tax paid under the composition scheme, inward supplies attracting reverse charge, and non-GST supplies. GSTR-2B is a helpful document for registered taxpayers to verify their ITC claims and to ensure compliance with the GST regulations. It also helps reconcile the ITC claims made in the GSTR-3B return filed by the taxpayers.
3.4. GSTR-3A:
GSTR-3A is an intimation notice sent by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) department to a registered taxpayer if they fail to file their GSTR-3 return. Under GST, every registered taxpayer must file a monthly GSTR-3 return by the 20th of the succeeding month. If a taxpayer fails to file their GSTR-3 return by the due date, the GST department sends an intimation in the form of GSTR-3A. This intimation reminds the taxpayer to file their pending return as soon as possible to avoid any penalties or legal issues.
The GSTR-3A notice also allows the taxpayer to rectify any discrepancies or errors in their filed returns before the GST department takes any action against them. Therefore, registered taxpayers must file their GSTR-3 return on time to avoid receiving a GSTR-3A notice.
3.5. GSTR-3B:
GSTR-3B is a simplified summary return that taxpayers registered under India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) system must file monthly. It is a self-declaration form where taxpayers report the summary of their outward and inward supplies, Input Tax Credit (ITC), and GST liability for the given tax period.
GSTR-3B is a consolidated return that allows taxpayers to file returns quickly without entering invoice details. It is filed by the 20th of the following month, and all registered taxpayers must fill it, regardless of their turnover.
GSTR-3B provides a provisional mechanism for taxpayers to pay taxes until the filing of GSTR-1 and GSTR-2 returns contains detailed invoice-level information. Once the GSTR-1 and GSTR-2 returns are filed, any differences between the provisional tax payment made in GSTR-3B and the actual tax liability ascertained in GSTR-1 and GSTR-2 returns are reconciled and adjusted in the subsequent tax period. In summary, GSTR-3B serves as an interim return that helps taxpayers comply with their tax obligations while awaiting the filing of the detailed GST returns.
3.6. GSTR-4:
GSTR-4 is a quarterly return required to be filed by taxpayers registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) composition scheme. The composition scheme is a tax scheme designed for small taxpayers with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 1.5 crores. The GSTR-4 return contains information about the taxpayer’s outward supplies, inward supplies, taxes paid, and input tax credit claimed for the previous quarter. It also includes details of purchases from unregistered dealers and transactions attracting reverse charges.
Unlike regular taxpayers who must file monthly returns, taxpayers registered under the composition scheme must file quarterly returns in GSTR-4 by the 18th of the month following the relevant quarter. The GSTR-4 return is a summary of all transactions undertaken during the quarter, and there is no requirement to provide details of individual invoices. In summary, GSTR-4 is a simplified return designed for small taxpayers registered under the composition scheme, and it provides a convenient mechanism for them to comply with their GST obligations.
3.7. GSTR-4A:
GSTR-4A is an auto-drafted form generated by the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) for taxpayers registered under the GST composition scheme. It is a read-only document that contains details of inward supplies received by the taxpayer from various suppliers during a quarter for which the GSTR-4 return needs to be filed. The details in GSTR-4A are auto-populated based on the data uploaded by the suppliers in their GSTR-1 returns. The taxpayer needs to review these details and use them to file their GSTR-4 return.
GSTR-4A is generated by the 15th of the month following the relevant quarter, and taxpayers can access it on the GST portal. Since GSTR-4A is an auto-generated document, it is not required to file it separately. However, it is recommended that taxpayers check GSTR-4A for accuracy and completeness before using the data to file their GSTR-4 return. In summary, GSTR-4A is an auto-generated read-only document that summarizes inward supplies received by taxpayers registered under the GST composition scheme. It serves as a reference for taxpayers to file their GSTR-4 return accurately and efficiently.
3.8. GSTR-5:
GSTR-5 is a monthly return that must be filed by non-resident taxpayers registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system in India. Non-resident taxpayers are those who do not have a fixed place of business in India and make supplies in the country. The GSTR-5 return contains details of the non-resident taxpayer’s outward supplies, imports, and input tax credit claimed, along with the tax liability for the relevant tax period. It also includes details of any amendments made to previous returns and any tax paid in advance tax or self-assessment tax.
Non-resident taxpayers must file GSTR-5 on or before the 20th of the following month. They must file the return electronically through the GST portal using a valid digital signature certificate (DSC) or an electronic verification code (EVC). In summary, GSTR-5 is a monthly return that non-resident taxpayers registered under the GST system in India need to be filed. It is an essential compliance requirement for such taxpayers, and failure to file the return can attract penalties and other consequences under the GST law.
3.9. GSTR-6:
GSTR-6 is a monthly return that must be filed by input service distributors (ISDs) registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system in India. ISDs are business entities that receive invoices or bills for input services and distribute the input tax credit to their branch offices or other units within the same state or across different states.
- The GSTR-6 return contains details of the input tax credit received by the ISD and the distribution to the recipient units. It also includes any amendments to the previous returns and any tax paid as advance tax or self-assessment tax.
- ISDs must file GSTR-6 on or before the 13th of the following month. They must file the return electronically through the GST portal using a valid digital signature certificate (DSC) or an electronic verification code (EVC).
In summary, GSTR-6 is a monthly return that needs to be filed by input service distributors who are registered under the GST system in India. It is an essential compliance requirement for such taxpayers, and failure to file the return can attract penalties and other consequences under the GST law.
3.10. GSTR-7:
GSTR-7 is a monthly return filed by registered taxpayers who must deduct tax at source (TDS) under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system in India. These taxpayers are known as the deductors, and they are required to deduct TDS from the payments made to their suppliers and remit the same to the government.
The GSTR-7 return contains details of the TDS deducted and deposited with the government, along with the details of the suppliers from whom the TDS has been removed. It also includes any amendments to the previous returns and any tax paid as advance tax or self-assessment tax.
Deductors must file GSTR-7 on or before the 10th of the following month. They must file the return electronically through the GST portal using a valid digital signature certificate (DSC) or an electronic verification code (EVC). In summary, GSTR-7 is a monthly return filed by registered taxpayers who must deduct TDS under the GST system in India. It is an essential compliance requirement for such taxpayers, and failure to file the return or incorrect filing can attract penalties and other consequences under the GST law.
3.11. GSTR8:
GSTR-8 is a monthly return that must be filed by e-commerce operators registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system in India. E-commerce operators are business entities that operate digital or electronic platforms to facilitate the supply of goods or services between suppliers and customers.
The GSTR-8 return contains details of the supplies made through the e-commerce platform, along with the details of the suppliers and the customers. It also includes the tax collected at source (TCS) by the e-commerce operator from the suppliers and deposited with the government.
E-commerce operators must file GSTR-8 on or before the 10th of the following month. They must file the return electronically through the GST portal using a valid digital signature certificate (DSC) or an electronic verification code (EVC). In summary, GSTR-8 is a monthly return that must be filed by e-commerce operators registered under the GST system in India. It is an essential compliance requirement for such taxpayers, and failure to file the return or incorrect filing can attract penalties and other consequences under the GST law.
4. Types of GST Returns and Due Dates
| Return Form | Description | Frequency | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GSTR-1 | Details of outward supplies of taxable goods and/or services affected. | Monthly | 11th of the next month. |
| GSTR-1 | Details of outward supplies of taxable goods and/or services affected. | Monthly (for the first two months of the quarter) | 13th of the next month. |
| IFF (Optional by taxpayers under the QRMP scheme) | Details of B2B supplies of taxable goods and/or services affected. | Monthly (for the first two months of the quarter) | 13th of the next month. |
| GSTR-3B | Summary return of outward supplies and input tax credit claimed, along with payment of tax by the taxpayer. | Monthly | 20th of the next month. |
| GSTR-3B | Summary return of outward supplies and input tax credit claimed, along with payment of tax by the taxpayer. | Quarterly (For taxpayers under the QRMP scheme) | 22nd or 24th of the month succeeding the quarter*** |
| CMP-08 | Statement-cum-challan to make a tax payment by a taxpayer registered under the composition scheme under Section 10 of the CGST Act. | Quarterly | 18th of the month succeeding the quarter. |
| GSTR-4 | Return for a taxpayer registered under the composition scheme under Section 10 of the CGST Act. | Annually | 30th of the month succeeding a financial year. |
| GSTR-5 | Return to be filed by a non-resident taxable person. | Monthly | 20th of the next month. (Amended to 13th by Budget 2022; yet to be notified by CBIC.) |
| GSTR-5A | Return to be filed by non-resident OIDAR service providers. | Monthly | 20th of the next month. |
| GSTR-6 | Return for an input service distributor to distribute the eligible input tax credit to its branches. | Monthly | 13th of the next month. |
| GSTR-7 | Return to be filed by registered persons deducting tax at source (TDS). | Monthly | 10th of the next month. |
| GSTR-8 | Return to be filed by e-commerce operators containing details of supplies effected and the amount of tax collected at source by them. | Monthly | 10th of the next month. |
| GSTR-9 | Annual return by a regular taxpayer. | Annually | 31st December of the next financial year. |
| GSTR-9C | Self-certified reconciliation statement. | Annually | 31st December of the next financial year. |
| GSTR-10 | Final return to be filed by a taxpayer whose GST registration is cancelled. | Once, when the GST registration is cancelled or surrendered. | Within three months of the date of cancellation or date of cancellation order, whichever is later. |
| GSTR-11 | Details of inward supplies to be furnished by a person having UIN and claiming a refund | Monthly | 28th of the month following the month for which statement is filed. |
| ITC-04 | Statement to be filed by a principal/job-worker about details of goods sent to/received from a job-worker | Annually (for AATO up to Rs.5 crore) | 25th April where AATO is up to Rs.5 crore. |
| ITC-04 | Statement to be filed by a principal/job-worker about details of goods sent to/received from a job-worker | Half-yearly (for AATO > Rs.5 crore) | 25th October and 25th April where AATO exceeds Rs.5 crore. (AATO = Annual aggregate turnover) |