GST RETURNS: Types and Due Dates

What are GST Returns? 

In India, businesses and taxpayers must file GST returns to inform the government about the GST tax they owe on their sales and purchases. This must be done either monthly, bi-monthly, or annually, depending on the return type. Failure to do so may result in a penalty.  

The purpose of filing GST returns is to give the government information about the taxpayer's business and to ensure the timely payment of taxes owed. The GST return provides details about the taxpayer's sales, purchases, tax collected on sales, and tax paid on purchases. After filing, the taxpayer must pay any tax owed.

GST is a tax designed to make tax collection more manageable for the government and avoid the cascading effect of taxes. 

Busy is a robust GST Accounting Software that can help you easily file your GST Returns on time. 

Types of GST Returns 

 

The types of GST returns: 

Monthly Returns: 

1.  GSTR-1: Outward Supplies return.

2.  GSTR-2: Inward Supplies return.

3.  GSTR-3: Monthly return.

4.  GSTR-3B: Monthly return for input tax credit.

5.  GSTR-7: Return for authorities deducting TDS.

6.  GSTR-8: Return for e-commerce operators.

Quarterly Returns: 

1.  GSTR-4: Quarterly return for composition taxpayers.

Annual Returns: 

1.  GSTR-9: Annual return.

2.  GSTR-9A: Annual return for composition taxpayers.

3.  GSTR-9C: Annual GST Compliance and Transparency Statement.

Other Returns: 

1.  GSTR-5: Return for Non-Resident Foreign Taxpayers.

2.  GSTR-6: Return for Input Service Distributor.

3.  GSTR-10: Final Return.

4.  GSTR-11: Return for UIN holders.

 

Monthly Returns 

GSTR-1: Return of Outward Supplies 

Who should file? 

GSTR-1 is a report that must be submitted monthly or quarterly by all registered GST taxpayers, except for a limited number of exceptions. The report contains information about all the sales made by the taxpayer and has 13 separate sections. 

Due date

Businesses with annual revenue exceeding five crores must submit the GSTR-1 by the 11th of the following month. Those with annual income less than five crores must file the GSTR-1 quarterly. The deadlines are January 13 for the October to December period of the previous year and April 13 for the January to March period of the current year. 

GSTR-2: Return of Inward Supplies 

Who should file?

GSTR-2 is a monthly tax return that records the purchases made during that month. The information about assets from registered vendors can be accessed in the GSTN portal as GSTR-2A and used in the GSTR-2 report. 

Due Date

As per the law, businesses must submit their GSTR-2 by the 15th of the following month. A 5-day window is available for making corrections between the submission of GSTR-1 and GSTR-2. However, there has been no official statement regarding the deadline for businesses that file quarterly returns. 

GSTR-3: Monthly return 

Who needs to file?

The GSTR-3 is a document that displays the details of a business's transactions for a particular month, including sales, purchases, and the movement of goods between states. This report is generated automatically based on the information in the previously filed GSTR-1 and GSTR-2 reports for the same tax period. The GSTR-3 will indicate the amount of GST liability owed for the month, and the taxpayer must pay the tax and file the report. All registered businesses have to file GSTR-3, even if they had no transactions that month, with some exceptions such as Input Service Distributors, Composition Dealers, Non-resident taxable persons, and others as specified in the IGST Act. 

Due Date

According to the GST act, all regular taxpayers must file their GSTR-3 by the 20th of every month. The taxpayer must file this return through the GST Common Portal after filing the GSTR-1 and GSTR-2 returns for the same month. It is important to note that the filing of GSTR-2 is dependent on the filing of GSTR-1. So, regular taxpayers must ensure that they file their GST regularly returns every month, starting with GSTR-1, followed by GSTR-2 and finally, GSTR-3. 

GSTR-3B: Monthly return for input tax credit. 

Who needs to file? 

GSTR-3B is a monthly (or quarterly for the QRMP scheme) GST return that requires taxpayers to provide a summary of their sales, input tax credit claimed, and net tax owed. Each GSTIN must have its own separate GSTR-3B filing. Paying the tax liability before the filing date or on the filing date, whichever comes first." Once filed, GSTR-3B cannot be revised and must be filed even with zero liability. All registered GST taxpayers must file GSTR-3B, except those registered under the Composition Scheme, input service distributors, non-resident suppliers of OIDAR services, and non-resident taxable persons. 

Due Date 

The due date for filing GSTR-3B has changed over time: up to December 2019, it was the 20th of the subsequent month, and starting from January 2020 it was staggered. For taxpayers who opted for the QRMP scheme from January 2021, the due date is either the 22nd or 24th of the month following every quarter, depending on the State/UT of the taxpayer's principal place of business. It is important to remember that taxpayers must file GSTR-3B and pay taxes within the deadline; otherwise, they will face late fees and interest at 18% per annum. This applies even if the tax had to be paid within the due date, but the GSTR-3B was filed past the deadline. Taxpayers who file quarterly GSTR-1 returns must still pay tax and file GSTR-3B every month, regardless of whether they have opted for the QRMP Scheme. 

GSTR-7: Return for authorities deducting TDS. 

Who Should file? 

GSTR-7 is a monthly tax return filed by individuals responsible for deducting tax from the source, also known as TDS, under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. You must submit the return by the 10th of the following month, including information on TDS deducted, TDS payable, TDS refund, etc. 

Individuals who deduct TDS under GST must file GSTR-7, which provides details of the TDS they have removed, their TDS liability, the TDS they have paid, and any TDS refund they have claimed. 

Due Date 

Individuals who deduct TDS under GST must file the GSTR 7 return monthly by the 10th day of the following month. For instance, if the return for September 2022 is to be submitted, the deadline would be October 10, 2022. The government may extend the due date for filing the GSTR 7 returns for some specific months, so it's crucial to stay updated and ensure to file the return within the extended deadline. 

GSTR-8: Return for e-commerce operators. 

Who Should file? 

GSTR-8 is a monthly return filed by online retailers, digital merchants, or Internet merchants who collect tax at source or TCS under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) laws. This return includes information regarding the supplies made through their e-commerce platform and the amount of TCS collected on those supplies. 

Due date 

File the GSTR-8 by the 10th of the following month. For instance, the deadline for filing GSTR-8 for October would be November 10. 

Quarterly Returns 

GSTR-4: Quarterly return for composition taxpayers. 

Who should file? 

Composition vendors, registered taxpayers who have opted for the composition scheme, must file their GSTR-4 return quarterly. The return contains information on the total value of sales and supplies made, the tax paid at the compounding rate, and the invoice-level details of purchases made by other registered taxpayers during the tax period. Before filing the return, composition vendors can review the information from the sales returns of registered vendors (GSTR-1), which is available in the GSTN portal as GSTR-4A, make any necessary changes, and add any missing details. 

Due Date 

Composition dealers must file GSTR-4 once annually, with a due date being April 30 of the next financial year. 

Annual Returns 

GSTR-9: Annual return. 

Who should file? 

GSTR-9 is an annual return submitted once per financial year by registered taxpayers who were regular and by SEZ units and developers. These taxpayers must provide information regarding their purchases, sales, input tax credit, claimed refunds, and any demand created. 

Due Date 

The deadline for filing GSTR-9 for a financial year is December 31, the year following the financial year in question. For instance, the due date for GSTR-9 for the financial year 2020-21 is December 31, 2021. However, for the financial year 2020-21, the deadline has been extended to February 28, 2022, due to a Central Tax notification 40/2021 issued on December 29, 2021. 

If a taxpayer misses the deadline to file their GSTR-9, they will incur a late fee of Rs 100 per day, per act. This means there will be a separate late fee of Rs 100 under CGST and Rs 100 under SGST if the taxpayer delays the filing. This results in a total liability of Rs 200 per day of default and a maximum 0.25% turnover of the taxpayer in the relevant area. Currently, there is no late fee on IGST. 

GSTR-9A: Annual return for composition taxpayers. 

Who should file? 

GSTR-9A is an annual return that was required to be filed once a year by taxpayers registered under the GST composition scheme for a given financial year up until the financial year 2018-19. This annual return contains all the details provided in the quarterly returns submitted by the composition taxpayers during that specific financial year. 

Due Date 

The deadline for filing GSTR-9A for a financial year was December 31 of the following year. For instance, the annual return for the financial year 2017-2018 needed to be filed by December 31, 2022. 

GSTR-9C: Annual GST Compliance and Transparency Statement. 

Who should file? 

The GSTR-9C is an annual reconciliation statement that businesses registered under GST in India must file as part of their GST return (GSTR-9). This statement certifies the reconciliation between the data declared in the annual return (GSTR-9) and the company's books of accounts. 

A business with a turnover exceeding INR 2 crores in the financial year must file GSTR-9C by completing the reconciliation statement and obtaining certification from a professional accountant. Failing to file the statement may incur penalties. The annual filing of the GSTR-9 return and the GSTR-9C reconciliation statement, certified by a Chartered Accountant or Cost Accountant, is mandatory. 

Due date 

The annual filings of GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C must be submitted by December 31 following the relevant financial year. For example, the deadline for the financial year 2021-22 is December 31, 2022. 

Other Returns 

GSTR-5: Return for Non-Resident Foreign Taxpayers. 

Who should file? 

Non-resident taxpayers who do business in India must file a document called the Goods and Services Tax Return 5 (GSTR-5). They can file it online or at a tax centre. The GSTR-5 has information about their sales and purchases in India. The buyers will use the data from GSTR-5 in their tax returns (GSTR-2). 

Due Date 

After a given tax period, the deadline to file the GSTR-5 form is the 20th of the following month. 

GSTR-6: Return for Input Service Distributor 

Who should file? 

GSTR-6 is a monthly return form that input service distributors must file. It shows the input tax credit received and distributed. There are 11 sections in this return, and it must be filed by every input service distributor, even if it is a nil return. 

Due Date 

The deadline for filing GSTR 6 is the 13th day of the following month. The late fee is set at Rs. 50 per day for each day of delay. However, there is no reduction in the fee for filing a nil return. 

GSTR-10: Final Return.

Who should file?

GSTR-10 is a final return form that needs to be filed by people whose GST registration has been cancelled or surrendered. Regular registered individuals do not need to file this form. This form does not apply to Input Service Distributors, Composition taxable persons, Non-resident taxable persons, and people who need to deduct TDS or collect TCS. 

Due Date 

Individuals who have had their GST registration cancelled must file GSTR-10 within three months from either the date of cancellation or the date the cancellation order was received, whichever is later. For instance, if the cancellation took place on April 1, 2022, and the cancellation order was received on April 13, 2022, the filing deadline for GSTR-10 would be July 13, 2022. 

GSTR-11: Return for UIN holders. 

Who Should File? 

Under the GST system in India, individuals who have been assigned a Unique Identity Number (UIN) are required to file GSTR-11, the designated return form, to apply for a refund of goods and services they bought. 

Due Date 

After receiving the inward supply, the UIN holder must file the GSTR-11 return by the 28th of the month. For example, if the US embassy paid GST of Rs 45,000 for food, hotel, etc., during their stay in India in August 2017, they must file the GSTR-11 return by September 28, 2017, to claim a refund of those taxes paid. 

Return Name Description Due Date GSTR -1 When a registered taxpayer under GST undertakes returns of outward supplies. The due date is the 11th of the following month. Previously, the due date for GST return filing was the 10th of the following month. GSTR -2 Returns inward supplies of goods and services per the recipient's requests. 15th of next month. GSTR -3 Filing of inward and outward monthly GST returns for suppliers of goods and services. 20th of next month. GSTR -3B Returns of outgoing supplies and input tax credits are disclosed, and the taxpayer's tax payment is affected. 22nd or 24th of the month following every quarter, GSTR -4 Following Section 10 of the CGST Act (Supplier of Goods) and CGST (Rate) Notification No. 02/2019, taxpayers registered under the composition scheme must file their GST returns. The due date is the 30th of the month, succeeding a financial year. GSTR -5 Return for a foreign taxpayer who is not a resident. 20th of next month. GSTR -6 The monthly returns that an input service distributor submits. It contains all the details of the invoices that an ISD has issued and for which credit has been granted. 13th of next month. GSTR -7 The deductors obligated to deduct TDS under GST must submit a monthly report. 10th of next month. GSTR -8 Returns for an electronic commerce business operator are required to deduct GST Tax Collected at the Source. 10th of next month. GSTR -9 Annual return for a regular taxpayer. 31st December of next financial year. GSTR -9A The registered taxpayer for the composition levy must submit an annual return at any time during the year. 31st December of next financial year. GSTR -9C Certified reconciliation statement  31st December of next financial year. GSTR -10 A final return must be submitted to guarantee that the taxpayer pays off any remaining liabilities. either the date of cancellation or the date the cancellation order was received, whichever is later. GSTR -11  Those requesting a refund and providing inward supplies must have a UIN. 28th of the month following the month for a statement was filed.

Summary of Keypoints 

 

• GST Returns are a way for businesses and taxpayers in India to report the GST tax they owe on their sales and purchases to the government.

• The purpose of filing GST returns is to keep track of the taxpayer's business and to ensure compliance with the government.

• Types of GST returns include Monthly Returns (GSTR-1, GSTR-2, GSTR-3, GSTR-3B, GSTR-7, and GSTR-8), Quarterly Returns (GSTR-4), Annual Returns (GSTR-9, GSTR-9A, and GSTR-9C), and Other Returns (GSTR-5, GSTR-6, GSTR-10, and GSTR-11).

• GSTR-1 is a monthly or quarterly report filed by all registered GST taxpayers, except for a few exceptions, containing information about the taxpayer's sales. The due date for businesses with a yearly income of more than five crores is the 11th of the following month, while companies with an annual income of less than five crores file GSTR-1 quarterly.

• GSTR-2 is a monthly tax return recording the purchases made during that month. The due date is the 15th of the following month.

• GSTR-3 is a monthly report that lists all the information regarding a business's transactions, including purchases, sales, and inventory transfer across different states in India, under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. It must be filed by regular taxpayers on the 20th of every month and is generated based on information from GSTR-1 and GSTR-2.

• The GSTR-3B is a summary Goods and Services Tax (GST) return that must be submitted monthly (quarterly for those enrolled in the QRMP scheme) detailing the total sales made, Input Tax Credit claimed, and the net tax owed. It is a self-reported document. A separate return must be filed for every GSTIN.

• Penalties may be imposed if failed to file GST returns on time or for incorrect information. Businesses and taxpayers must be familiar with the types of GST returns and their due dates to avoid penalties and maintain government compliance.