Guide to GSTR-1
Quick Summary
- GSTR1 is a form that registered taxpayers must file to report sales details, which affects the recipient's Input Tax Credit.
- Taxpayers with a turnover above ₹5 crore file GSTR1 monthly, while those with up to ₹5 crore use the quarterly QRMP scheme.
- Late filing of GSTR1 incurs a fee and may block eWay Bill generation, with deadlines on the 11th for monthly and 13th for quarterly filings.
- GSTR1A allowed sellers to update GSTR1 forms based on buyer corrections, but now changes are directly reflected in GSTR2A.
- Common GSTR1 filing errors include incorrect GSTINs and duplicate invoice numbers, which can be avoided with proper validation and GST software.
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What is GSTR-1?
GSTR-1 is a monthly or quarterly return under GST that captures details of all outward supplies (sales) made by a registered taxpayer. It includes invoices issued, debit and credit notes, exports, and other sales data.
This form is crucial because:
- It determines the recipient’s Input Tax Credit (ITC) via GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B.
- It helps in tax reconciliation and accurate tax payment through GSTR-3B.
Who Should File GSTR-1?
All registered taxpayers under GST are required to file GSTR-1, except:
- Composition scheme dealers
- Non-resident taxable persons
- Input Service Distributors (ISD)
- Taxpayers with nil outward supplies (in specific exemptions)
Regular taxpayers must file GSTR-1 either monthly or quarterly based on their turnover:
- Monthly: Turnover above ₹5 crore
- Quarterly (QRMP): Turnover up to ₹5 crore
Due Dates for Filing GSTR-1
| Filing Frequency | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Monthly | 11th of the next month |
| Quarterly (QRMP scheme) | 13th of the month after the quarter |
Late filing results in:
- Late fee: ₹50/day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST)
- Interest on tax payable
- Possible blocking of e-Way Bill generation
Format and Structure of GSTR-1
GSTR-1 consists of 13 tables capturing outward supply details:
- B2B Invoices – Business-to-Business transactions
- B2C (Large) – Interstate B2C invoices above ₹2.5 lakh
- B2C (Small) – Other B2C supplies
- Export Invoices
- Credit/Debit Notes (Registered & Unregistered)
- Nil Rated, Exempt, and Non-GST Supplies
- Amendments to earlier returns
- Advance Receipts
- HSN-wise Summary
- Document Issued Summary
The format supports both summary and invoice-level reporting, making accuracy essential.
What is GSTR-1A?
GSTR-1A is the form used by sellers and suppliers to make any changes or updates to their form GSTR-1. Basically, if any updates need to be made to the transactions shown in GSTR-1 (refunds, cancellations etc), then this information is passed by filing GSTR-1A.
Difference Between GSTR-1 and GSTR-1A
GSTR-1 is a return that includes all sales details. The seller taxpayer completes and files it. The GSTR-1 information of an individual is available in his buyer’s GSTR-2, where he can make changes. However, both GSTR-2 and GSTR-3 have also been suspended. As a result, currently the data from GSTR-1 reflects directly in the relevant buyers’ GSTR-2A.
When is GSTR-1A to be Filed?
While it was still in use, sellers were required to file GSTR-1A as an amendment to their monthly sales return if they decided to accept the adjustments made by their customer. Let’s use an example to illustrate this.
Let’s say a seller filed their GSTR-1 return for a particular month. The B2C and B2B sales information will be included in this return (along with the GSTIN of customers registered under GST). The details from your sales return are available to your customers on form GSTR-2A ; they can use it to submit their purchase return ( GSTR-2 ).
The due dates for purchase returns fall after the due dates for sales returns. So, in case the seller’s customer demands a refund or cancels their order, the customer will need to adjust the invoices or credit notes in their purchase return. This will cause a discrepancy between their purchase returns and the seller’s sales returns. In such a scenario, the seller will be notified of the discrepancy by the GSTN portal. They may check the modifications and either accept or reject them. As mentioned above, if they accept the modifications, then they need to file GSTR-1A .
The due date for GSTR-1A of a particular month was between the 10th and 17th of the following month.
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Step-by-Step Process to File GSTR-1 on Portal
- Login to the GST portal: www.gst.gov.in
- Go to Returns Dashboard → Select Return Period
- Click on Prepare Online under GSTR-1
- Fill details in respective sections:
- B2B invoices, B2C, Exports, Credit/Debit notes, etc.
- Validate entries and click Generate Summary
- Preview draft and confirm accuracy
- Click Submit, then File with DSC or EVC
- Download the acknowledgment receipt
For bulk uploads, use offline utility or GST-compliant software like BUSY for auto-filing.
How to Edit or Amend GSTR-1 Data
Once submitted, GSTR-1 cannot be revised, but amendments can be made in the next period’s return:
- Use relevant amendment tables (e.g., 9A for B2B, 9B for Credit Notes)
- Correct invoice numbers, taxable value, GSTINs, or tax amounts
- Mention original invoice date and number while amending
- Make sure the amendment is done in the return immediately following the discovery of the error.
Format of GSTR-1A
The Government has specified five headings in GSTR-1A. The following information is included in the GSTR-1A:
- GSTIN – A GSTIN, or Goods and Services Taxpayer Identification Number, is given to every taxpayer. This 15-digit PAN number is state-specific.
- Name of the Taxpayer, Month, and Year – This section contains the taxpayer’s legal and business names. This heading also includes the month and applicable year for which the GSTR 1A is being filed.
- Outward Supplies made to a registered person (including reverse charge )
- Zero-rated supplies made to SEZ and deemed exports
- Debit notes and credit notes that are issued within the current period. This heading will include any modifications buyers make to debit notes or credit notes issued by the seller.
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What Will Happen to Modifications Made After Filing GSTR-3?
A GSTR-1A cannot be used to update any data that needs to be changed after the 20th of the following month (after filing a GSTR-3). All changes need to be made in GSTR-1 return heads 9, 10, and 11. GSTR-3, however, is no longer in use. Consequently, GSTR-3B , a summary return, must be submitted each month following the submission of GSTR-1.
Common Errors While Filing GSTR-1 and How to Avoid Them
1. Incorrect GSTINs
Avoid by: Verifying GSTINs using the GST portal before entry.
2. Duplicate Invoice Numbers
Avoid by: Maintaining a proper invoice series in software.
3. Mismatched Invoice Dates
Avoid by: Ensuring invoice dates fall within the current return period.
4. HSN Code Errors
Avoid by: Referring to the correct HSN code list for each product/service.
5. Missing Exports or Advances
Avoid by: Keeping a checklist of all supply types before filing.
Using GST software like BUSY helps prevent these errors through real-time validation, pre-filled fields, and automated summaries.
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Conclusion
The GSTR-1 was a GST Return that sellers were able to use to modify and update the information furnished when filing GSTR-1. However, since the suspension of GSTR-1A and GSTR-2, data entered in the GSTR-1 of the seller reflects directly in the buyer’s GSTR-2A. If a buyer makes any corrections, the seller can accept or reject the same. If they accept the change, their GSTR-1 gets modified and updated automatically. Hence, there is no need to file an amendment to GSTR-1 anymore, which used to be the purpose of GSTR-1A.File your GSTR-1 correctly and easily by creating GST compliant invoices using BUSY, the Best GST Software in India .
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