A Guide to GSTR-2A
GSTR-2A is an essential GST Return for taxpayers in India to comply with GST regulations. It is an auto-populated form that reflects inward supplies or purchases made by a registered taxpayer.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the GSTR-2A form, including its features, filing requirements, and the process of reconciliation with GSTR-3B. We also discuss how taxpayers can view and download their GSTR-2A form, and how to rectify any discrepancies that may arise. By following the instructions and guidelines provided in this guide, taxpayers can ensure accurate and timely filing of their GST returns and maintain compliance with GST regulations.
What is GSTR-2A?
The GST portal will automatically produce a purchase-related dynamic tax return, or GSTR-2A, for each entity. The data is recorded in GSTR-2A when a seller files his GSTR-1. It uses the seller’s GSTR-1 to gather details about the goods and services purchased within a specific month. When filing GSTR-3B and GSTR-9 as a GST-registered buyer, you can resort to GSTR-2A for information on input tax credits. However, taxpayers must use GSTR-2B, a static version of GSTR-2A, for GSTR-3B preparation starting in August 2020.
In addition to the information on GSTR-1, self-generated information will be available for
- GSTR-5 (provided by a non-resident taxable person),
- GSTR-6 (filed by an ISD),
- GSTR-7 (TDS Deduction),
- and GSTR-8 (collected by TCS e-commerce operator).
How to File GSTR-2A?
GSTR-2A is a document that does not require to be filed since it is auto-populated based on other forms. However, businesses can accept, reject, modify, or defer its acceptance if any organisation finds any discrepancy in the invoice details that its seller submitted in GSTR-1.
Difference between GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B
Here are the key distinctions between these two important documents used for GST compliance in India.
| Comparison Parameters | GSTR-2A | GSTR-2B |
| Purpose of Statement | The recipients of delivered supplies receive data on input tax credits (ITC) from the automatically created statement. The alterations made later are also included. | The recipients of the delivered supplies are given information about input tax credits (ITCs) in the automatically generated statement. It is based on information provided by the supplier for each data period. |
| Nature of Statement | Dynamic in nature since daily developments are reflected therein. The information is based on the reported documentation from the provider. | GSTR-2B is static; it won’t alter based on what the provider does in the future. |
| Availability | Monthly | Monthly |
| Information Sources | GSTR-1 or IFF, GSTR-5, GSTR-6, GSTR-7, GSTR-8, ICES | GSTR-1 or IFF, GSTR-5, GSTR-6, ICES |
| ITC Claims – Advisory | Excludes information or advice about the steps a registered buyer must follow. | Does include a recommendation against each part, such as whether the ITC is valid, ineligible, or reversed; the taxpayer must act in accordance with his or her GSTR-3B. |
| When do the ITC entries get transferred from sources? | GSTR-1: Saved, filed, or submittedGSTR-6: SubmittedGSTR-7 and GSTR-8: Filed | GSTR-1, GSTR-5, or GSTR-6: Filed |
| Cut-Off date – To view the statement for a given tax period | Not applicable | The statement is generated on the 14th of the succeeding month |
| Maximum ITC entries that may view on the GST portal | 500 rows | 1,000 rows |
You can use Busy Accounting Software to file a reconciliation of GSTR 2A/2B. Refer to our video on how to reconcile GSTR 2A/2B using Busy here.
What Happens if the Seller Delays Filing GSTR-1 or Fails to Upload Invoices?
Input tax credits for those invoices that weren’t uploaded on time or weren’t uploaded at all won’t show up in GSTR-2A for the applicable tax period. It may be necessary for the buyer to inform his non-compliant vendors or suppliers of this for them to update any missing invoices promptly. As of August 2020, every buyer must use GSTR-2B rather than GSTR-2A to determine the amount of input tax credit he is eligible for during a given tax period.
According to CGST Rule 36(4), the buyer might have claimed an input tax credit on a provisional basis in his GSTR-3B up until December 31, 2021, to the extent of 5% of the eligible tax credit appearing in GSTR-2B toward the invoices not discovered in GSTR-3B.
However, due to the modification made to CGST Rule 36(4), it will not be possible to claim such a 5 per cent provisional or additional ITC starting from 1 January 2022. A buyer may claim only ITC showing in GSTR-2B under the CGST Act’s Section 16(2)(aa).
What are the Details Featured in GSTR-2A?
Under GSTR-2A, there are seven sections per the government’s mandate.
- GSTIN
- Name of the Taxpayer
Part A
- Inward supplies received from a registered person other than the supplies attracting reverse charge.
Most of the purchases made from sellers will have their information automatically filled in here from their GSTR-1 filings. Details, including the type, rate, and amount of GST, as well as the eligibility and amount of ITC, would be included. It won’t, however, include any purchases made through reverse charge.
- Inward supplies received from a registered person on which tax is to be paid on reverse charge
All purchases and supplies you receive (from both taxable and non-taxable persons) for which you must pay GST under reverse charge will be included in this.
- Debit / Credit notes (including amendments thereof) received during the current tax period.
This will capture the details of debit and credit notes issued by the sellers during the month. It will also reflect any modifications made by comparing the updated documents with the originals.
Part B
- ISD credit (including amendments thereof) received
When your head office files the GSTR-6 return for the month, the information in this area will automatically be filled in if you are a branch.
Part C
- TDS and TCS Credit (including amendments thereof) received
TDS Credit Received – You will only be subject to this section if you enter into specific agreements with certain parties (usually government bodies). A particular portion of the transaction value will be withheld by the receiver (the government) as tax deducted at the source. The GSTR-7 that the deductor filed will automatically populate this form with all the data.
TCS Credit Received – This heading only applies to online sellers with an active account with an e-commerce operator. When paying such merchants, e-commerce firms must collect tax at the source. Once more, this data will be automatically filled in from the e-commerce operators’ GSTR-8.
Conclusion
GSTR-2A is a GST Return showing purchase related information for the period for which it is being filed. It is an auto-populated Return created for every business that is registered under GST. The data in GSTR-2A is populated based on the data provided by suppliers while filing GSTR-1, or when suppliers issue credit or debit notes. The data populated in GSTR-2A is used mainly for informational purposes only. Thus, it cannot be edited.Filing GST Returns can be a complicated process. Make it simple and easy with a robust GST Accounting Software like BUSY.
