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Step By Step Guide to Filing GST CMP-08

CMP-08 is a simplified quarterly return form for composition dealers under the  GST Composition Scheme . This guide explains who should file CMP-08, due dates, the step-by-step process, penalties for late filing, and how accounting software can help.

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What is CMP-08?

CMP-08 is a quarterly return form used to declare sales and pay tax under the GST Composition Scheme. It replaces quarterly GSTR-4 filings and is mandatory for composition taxpayers.

Now, CMP-08 is filed every quarter, and  GSTR-4  is filed only once at the end of the financial year.

Who Should File CMP-08?

  • Registered under GST Composition Scheme
  • Annual turnover ≤ ₹1.5 crore (or ₹75 lakh in special category states)
  • Service providers under the special ₹50 lakh limit composition scheme

Businesses must also ensure they meet eligibility conditions outlined under the  GST regime .

Due Dates for Filing CMP-08

Quarter Months Covered Due Date
Q1 April to June 18th July
Q2 July to September 18th October
Q3 October to December 18th January
Q4 January to March 18th April

Filing on time avoids late fees and interest penalties under  GST  provisions.

Quarter Q1
Months Covered April to June
Due Date 18th July
Quarter Q2
Months Covered July to September
Due Date 18th October
Quarter Q3
Months Covered October to December
Due Date 18th January
Quarter Q4
Months Covered January to March
Due Date 18th April

Step-by-Step Process to File CMP-08

  • Step 1: Visit  gst.gov.in  and log in
  • Step 2: Go to Services → Returns → Returns Dashboard
  • Step 3: Select financial year and return filing period → Click “Search”
  • Step 4: Click “Prepare Online” next to CMP-08
  • Step 5: Enter outward supplies and nil-rated/exempted sales
  • Step 6: Pay tax via cash or credit ledger → Click “Proceed to File”
  • Step 7: File using DSC or EVC → Download acknowledgment

Late Filing Penalty

  • ₹200 per day of delay (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST)
  • Maximum late fee capped at ₹5,000
  • Interest at 18% per annum on tax amount due

Tip: Always maintain a buffer in your  Input Tax Credit (ITC)  and ledger balances to avoid default.

CMP-08 vs GSTR-4: Know the Difference

Feature CMP-08 GSTR-4
Type Quarterly summary return Annual return
Filing Frequency Every quarter Once a year
Details Required Sales and tax payment Sales, purchases, tax liability summary

While CMP-08 handles quarterly tax payments, GSTR-4 ensures annual reporting of all composition scheme activities.

Feature Type
CMP-08 Quarterly summary return
GSTR-4 Annual return
Feature Filing Frequency
CMP-08 Every quarter
GSTR-4 Once a year
Feature Details Required
CMP-08 Sales and tax payment
GSTR-4 Sales, purchases, tax liability summary

Benefits of Filing CMP-08

  • Simplifies tax compliance for small businesses
  • No need for detailed invoice-level data
  • Reduces compliance burden and cost
  • Helps avoid late fee penalties

Using software like  BUSY GST Accounting Software  makes CMP-08 filing even easier.

Conclusion

CMP-08 filing is crucial for businesses under the  Composition Scheme . Filing it on time helps maintain compliance, reduce penalties, and ensure smooth GST management. Use accounting software to stay ahead of deadlines and avoid manual errors.