GSTR-4: Complete Guide for Composition Scheme Taxpayers
Quick Summary
- GSTR-4 is the annual GST return filed by taxpayers registered under the Composition Scheme - covering the full financial year in one consolidated return.
- Due date: check the latest GST portal due date / notification before filing. The 53rd GST Council recommended changing the due date from 30 April to 30 June of the following financial year, but the due date should be verified from the currently effective legal / portal position for the relevant year.
- Two separate compliance obligations exist: quarterly CMP-08 (tax payment statement, due by 18th of the month after each quarter) and annual GSTR-4. Both are mandatory - one does not replace the other.
- Late fee: ₹50 per day, maximum ₹2,000 in non-nil cases; ₹20 per day, maximum ₹500 in nil cases.
- Interest: 18% per annum on unpaid / short paid tax.
- GSTR-4 cannot be revised after submission - accuracy before filing is critical.
- It cannot be furnished after 3 years from the due date.
- No ITC (Input Tax Credit) is available to composition taxpayers.
What Is GSTR-4?
GSTR-4 is the annual GST return filed by taxpayers registered under the GST Composition Scheme. It consolidates outward supplies made, inward supplies received, tax paid through CMP-08, and the annual tax liability into a single year-end return.
GSTR-4 replaced the earlier quarterly GSTR-4 filing system that applied up to FY 2018-19. From FY 2019-20 onward, composition taxpayers file quarterly CMP-08 statements for tax payment during the year and one annual GSTR-4 at year-end.
This guide is for small business owners, traders, manufacturers, restaurant operators, service providers under the eligible composition framework, and the CAs and accountants who manage their compliance.
Book A Demo
What Is the GST Composition Scheme?
The GST Composition Scheme is a simplified tax payment mechanism designed for small businesses. Instead of filing multiple monthly or quarterly returns and computing GST at regular rates on each outward supply, composition taxpayers:
- Pay GST at a fixed percentage of turnover
- File quarterly CMP-08 statements and one annual GSTR-4
- Are exempt from regular invoice-level return filing such as GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B
- Cannot collect tax from customers
- Cannot issue tax invoices
- Cannot claim Input Tax Credit
The trade-off is clear: the scheme significantly reduces compliance burden, but it restricts ITC and certain types of business operations.
Composition Scheme Tax Rates - FY 2025-26
| Business Category | GST Rate on Turnover | CGST | SGST/UTGST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturers and Traders (goods) | 1% | 0.5% | 0.5% |
| Restaurants not serving alcohol | 5% | 2.5% | 2.5% |
| Eligible Service Providers under section 10(2A) read with Notification No. 2/2019-Central Tax (Rate) | 6% | 3% | 3% |
Key Rate Rules
- Rates are applied on turnover under the composition framework and not as regular GST invoice-wise tax.
- Composition taxpayers cannot collect tax from customers - the tax is borne out of their turnover.
A person under the standard composition scheme cannot make inter-State outward supplies ; such supplies make the person ineligible for that scheme.
Turnover Limits by Category
| Category | Turnover Limit (Regular States) | Turnover Limit (Special Category States) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturers and Traders | ₹1.5 crore | ₹75 lakh |
| Service Providers under the 6% composition framework | ₹50 lakh | ₹50 lakh |
| Restaurants covered under composition | ₹1.5 crore | ₹75 lakh |
Special Category States with ₹75 Lakh Limit
Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, and Uttarakhand.
The turnover limit is checked on the basis of aggregate turnover of the preceding financial year. If the preceding year's turnover is within the applicable threshold, the taxpayer may opt for the composition scheme subject to all other conditions.
Who Is Eligible to File GSTR-4?
GSTR-4 is to be filed by taxpayers who were under the composition scheme during the financial year, including eligible persons paying tax under the relevant composition framework.
Typical categories include:
| Category | Eligible to File GSTR-4? |
|---|---|
| Manufacturers of eligible goods | Yes |
| Traders / retailers dealing in eligible goods | Yes |
| Restaurants eligible under composition | Yes |
| Eligible taxpayers under the notified 6% service composition framework | Yes |
| Persons who were in composition for part of the year and then shifted out, for the relevant period | Yes, subject to portal / legal treatment for that year |
Eligibility to file GSTR-4 follows from being under composition for the relevant period. Eligibility to opt into composition should always be checked separately under the applicable legal conditions.
Who CANNOT Opt for the Composition Scheme?
The following categories cannot opt for the standard composition scheme:
| Excluded Category | Reason |
|---|---|
| Manufacturers of notified goods such as ice cream, pan masala, and tobacco products | Specifically excluded |
| Non-resident taxable persons | Not eligible |
| Casual taxable persons | Not eligible |
| Businesses making inter-State outward supplies under the standard composition scheme | Not permitted |
| Certain e-commerce related suppliers where the law disallows composition eligibility | Outside permitted scope |
| Input Service Distributors | Not compatible with the scheme structure |
A taxpayer already registered as a regular GST taxpayer may opt for the composition scheme if eligible, but cannot simultaneously continue under both regular and composition treatment for the same registration.
In practice, if a taxpayer becomes ineligible for composition, the person must shift to the regular scheme from the date of ineligibility and start complying with the return structure applicable to regular taxpayers.
GSTR-4 Due Date - FY 2025-26 and 2026-27
The due date position must be checked carefully before publishing a fixed year-specific deadline. The 53rd GST Council recommended changing the due date of GSTR-4 from 30 April to 30 June following the end of the financial year.
Historical Due Date Position
| Financial Year | Due Date Position |
|---|---|
| FY 2019-20 | Extended to 31 October 2020 |
| FY 2020-21 | Extended to 31 July 2021 |
| FY 2021-22 | 30 April 2022 |
| FY 2022-23 | 30 April 2023 |
| FY 2023-24 | 30 April 2024 |
| FY 2024-25 onward | Verify from latest portal / notification before filing |
3-Year Filing Window
GSTR-4 cannot be furnished after 3 years from the due date. The practical last date depends on the legally effective due date applicable to that year.
CMP-08 vs GSTR-4 - Key Differences
CMP-08 and GSTR-4 are two separate compliance requirements. One does not replace the other.
| Aspect | CMP-08 | GSTR-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Statement-cum-Challan | Annual Return |
| Frequency | Quarterly | Annual |
| Purpose | Self-assessed tax payment for the quarter | Annual summary and reconciliation |
| Due date | 18th of the month after each quarter | Verify current due date before filing |
| Tax payment | Yes | Additional tax, interest, or late fee may still arise at filing stage |
| Can it be revised? | No | No |
| Mandatory? | Yes | Yes |
| Form type | Statement + challan | Annual return |
A composition taxpayer generally pays tax during the year through CMP-08. GSTR-4 consolidates the annual position and may still result in tax, interest, or late fee payable if there is a mismatch or short payment.
Key rule: GSTR-4 cannot be filed unless all CMP-08 statements for the relevant financial year have been filed.
CMP-08 Quarterly Due Dates - FY 2025-26 and 2026-27
FY 2025-26 CMP-08 Due Dates
| Quarter | Period | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | April - June 2025 | 18 July 2025 |
| Q2 | July - September 2025 | 18 October 2025 |
| Q3 | October - December 2025 | 18 January 2026 |
| Q4 | January - March 2026 | 18 April 2026 |
FY 2026-27 CMP-08 Due Dates
| Quarter | Period | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | April - June 2026 | 18 July 2026 |
| Q2 | July - September 2026 | 18 October 2026 |
| Q3 | October - December 2026 | 18 January 2027 |
| Q4 | January - March 2027 | 18 April 2027 |
Late CMP-08 filing or delayed payment leads to interest at 18% per annum on unpaid or short paid tax from the due date to the actual date of payment.
GSTR-4 Format - Section-by-Section Breakdown
GSTR-4 is structured into the following broad sections:
Part I - Basic Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| GSTIN | Auto-populated |
| Legal Name of Taxpayer | Auto-populated |
| Trade Name, if any | Auto-populated |
| Financial Year | Selected by taxpayer |
| Period | Full financial year |
Part II - Table 4 - Inward Supplies
Table 4 captures inward supplies received during the year.
| Sub-Table | Covers |
|---|---|
| Table 4A | Inward supplies from registered suppliers where reverse charge is not applicable |
| Table 4B | Inward supplies from registered suppliers where reverse charge is applicable |
| Table 4C | Inward supplies from unregistered suppliers |
| Table 4D | Import of services |
Composition taxpayers cannot claim ITC , but they must still report inward supply information and discharge tax under reverse charge where applicable.
Part III - Table 5 - Summary of Self-Assessed Tax Paid via CMP-08
This table is auto-populated based on CMP-08 statements filed during the year.
Part IV - Table 6 - Tax Payable and Tax Paid
This table works out the tax liability based on turnover and other relevant details, including reverse charge where applicable.
Part V - Table 7 - TDS and TCS Credit
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Table 7A | TDS credit received |
| Table 7B | TCS credit received |
Part VI - Table 8 - Tax, Interest, Late Fee and Other Dues Payable
This is the final computation table showing tax, interest, late fee, and other dues payable or refundable.
Part VII - Verification
Return is verified through DSC or EVC, as applicable.
Prerequisites Before Filing GSTR-4
Before filing GSTR-4, the following should be ready:
| Prerequisite | Details |
|---|---|
| All applicable CMP-08 statements filed | CMP-08 for the relevant quarters must be filed first |
| Active GSTIN | Registration should be active for filing |
| Verification access | DSC or EVC availability |
| Turnover details | Annual turnover and quarter-wise tax base |
| Inward supply records | Registered and unregistered purchases |
| RCM details | Reverse charge transactions, if any |
| Payment records | CMP-08 payments and any additional challans |
The GST portal specifically links GSTR-4 filing to prior CMP-08 compliance.
How to File GSTR-4 Online - Step-by-Step
Step 1 - Log in to the GST Portal
Visit gst.gov.in and log in using your GST credentials.
Step 2 - Navigate to Annual Return
Go to: Services → Returns → Annual Return
Step 3 - Select Financial Year
Under the annual return section, choose the relevant financial year and continue.
Step 4 - Select GSTR-4
Open the GSTR-4 annual return tile and choose the filing mode.
Step 5 - Read the Instructions
Read the portal instructions and confirm that all applicable CMP-08 statements have already been filed.
Step 6 - Fill or Verify the Required Sections
Complete or verify:
Table 4 - inward supplies
Table 5 - auto-populated CMP-08 data
Table 6 - tax computation
Table 7 - TDS / TCS credits, where applicable
Step 7 - Compute Liability
Use the portal's compute functionality to calculate tax, interest, late fee, and related figures.
Step 8 - Pay Additional Liability, If Any
If any amount remains payable, generate the GST payment challan through the portal, deposit the amount into the Electronic Cash Ledger using the available payment modes, and then offset the liability before filing.
Step 9 - Preview the Return
Download or preview the summary and verify all figures carefully.
Step 10 - Submit and Verify
Submit the return and verify it using:
DSC for entities where required, or
EVC where permitted
Step 11 - Download ARN
After successful filing, download the ARN and keep it as filing proof.
How to File GSTR-4 Using Offline Utility
Taxpayers can also use the offline tool made available on the GST portal. The broad process is:
- Download the GSTR-4 offline utility from the GST portal
- Fill in the required details offline
- Generate the JSON file
- Upload the JSON through the GSTR-4 filing screen
- Complete liability payment, if any
- Submit and verify the return
The offline utility is useful where inward supply details are relatively larger and manual portal entry is inconvenient.
Can GSTR-4 Be Revised?
No. GSTR-4 cannot be revised after filing. That is why pre-filing review is important. If an error is noticed after filing, the taxpayer may need to make appropriate adjustments in subsequent compliance or deal with the matter through the jurisdictional process, depending on the nature of the mistake.
Best practice is to preview the return and match it with books, CMP-08 data, and tax payment records before submission.
GSTR-4 Late Fee and Penalty
The current late fee structure for annual GSTR-4 is:
| Scenario | Late Fee Per Day | Maximum Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Tax liability present | ₹50 per day | ₹2,000 |
| Nil tax liability | ₹20 per day | ₹500 |
This is lower than the late fee structure that used to apply under the old quarterly GSTR-4 regime.
Late Fee Calculation Example
Suppose a composition taxpayer with tax liability files GSTR-4 72 days late.
Late fee = 72 × ₹50 = ₹3,600
But the maximum cap applies, so the payable late fee becomes ₹2,000.
That breaks into:
CGST component = ₹1,000
SGST component = ₹1,000
Tip: Waiver notifications have been issued in some periods in the past, so current portal / notification position should always be checked before payment.
Interest on Late Tax Payment
Interest and late fee are separate.
| Obligation | Rate | Applies On |
|---|---|---|
| Late fee | ₹50 per day / ₹20 per day in nil case, subject to cap | Delay in filing GSTR-4 |
| Interest | 18% per annum | Unpaid or short paid tax |
The key distinction is this:
- Late fee applies to delay in filing the annual return.
- Interest applies to delayed payment of tax, including delayed or short paid CMP-08 liability.
Example
If tax of ₹50,000 relating to a CMP-08 quarter is paid 42 days late, interest would be:
₹50,000 × 18% × 42 / 365 = about ₹1,036
Benefits and Limitations of the Composition Scheme
Benefits
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reduced compliance | Quarterly CMP-08 plus annual GSTR-4 instead of regular monthly return framework |
| Lower fixed tax rates | Simplified tax outflow based on turnover |
| No regular invoice-wise return filing | Less reporting burden |
| Easier compliance for small businesses | Suitable for eligible small taxpayers |
BUSY's GST billing and invoicing software generates composition-compliant Bills of Supply automatically, replacing tax invoices with the correct document type for composition taxpayers.
Limitations
| Limitation | Detail |
|---|---|
| No Input Tax Credit | GST on purchases becomes a cost |
| Cannot issue tax invoice | Bill of Supply is issued instead |
| Restrictions on business model | Standard composition scheme does not allow inter-State outward supplies |
| Limited suitability for B2B-heavy businesses | Buyers cannot claim ITC |
| Exit on ineligibility | Crossing threshold or violating conditions shifts the taxpayer to regular scheme |
This scheme works best where compliance simplicity matters more than ITC availability.
How to Opt Into the Composition Scheme - Form CMP-02
A person already registered under GST and wanting to shift to the composition scheme must file Form CMP-02 on the GST portal, subject to eligibility.
Process
- Log in to gst.gov.in
- Go to: Services → Registration → Application to Opt for Composition Levy
- Select the relevant financial year
- Submit Form CMP-02
- File Form ITC-03, where applicable, to reverse ITC on stock when shifting from regular to composition
Deadline
For an existing registered person, CMP-02 should be filed before the beginning of the financial year for which the option is intended, subject to the portal's current timeline / functionality. The commonly followed position is filing by 31 March for the next financial year.
Illustrative Timeline
| Scheme Required From | CMP-02 Filing Timeline |
|---|---|
| FY 2026-27 | Before start of FY 2026-27, commonly by 31 March 2026 |
| FY 2027-28 | Before start of FY 2027-28, commonly by 31 March 2027 |
New registrants can opt for composition at the time of registration if eligible.
Explore All BUSY Calculators for Easy GST Compliance
Conclusion
GSTR-4 is the annual compliance return for taxpayers under the GST Composition Scheme. It works together with quarterly CMP-08 filings, not as a substitute for them. Composition taxpayers should treat CMP-08 as the periodic tax payment mechanism and GSTR-4 as the annual consolidation and reconciliation return. For actual filing, always verify the live due date, portal utility, and any notification-based extension before submission.
BUSY's GST accounting software tracks composition scheme turnover, auto-calculates tax at the applicable flat rate, and helps prepare CMP-08 and GSTR-4 data without manual spreadsheet work.
-
Check GST Rates, HSN & SAC CodesGST Rates: water cooler GST rate sports item GST rate GST on used cars fire extinguisher GST rate GST on loan dustbin GST rate GST on sunglasses GST on fabric GST for hotel industry GST on banking services GST on napkins share market gst rate GST on catering services event management GST rate GST on headphones lottery GST rate GST on helmet vermicompost GST rate diaper GST rate gst on e rickshaw
