Summary: Every GST registered business must file an annual or monthly GST return. Learn how to file GST return online correctly and on time so that you can avoid any penalties.
After the launch of GST (Goods and Services tax) in 2017, every business registered under the GST must file annual and quarterly (or monthly) returns depending on the type of business. Today, whether you are doing any online business, or a reseller, manufacturer, or service provider, you need to file GST returns in a prescribed format.
Now, thanks to the internet, we have the privilege to file GST returns online at our comfort. In this blog, we will look at what exactly GST returns are, their types, and how to file GST returns online.
A GST return is an official document that contains information about all sales, taxes received on sales, purchases, and taxes paid on purchases. This document also mentions all the GST invoices, receipts and payments for a specific period.
These details are used by tax authorities to calculate net tax liability. So, the registered dealer must file GST returns, that include:
According to the GST Act, businesses which have an annual aggregate turnover of more than 5 Crore and taxpayers who didn’t opt for QRMP scheme must file two returns every month and one return annually. This means 25 returns a year.
Moreover, taxpayers with over 5 crore turnover can file returns under QRMP scheme. They must file 9 GSTR every year, which consists of 4 GSTR-3B, 4 GSTR-1 returns and one annual return. You can download these GST forms online.
There are various types of GST returns under the new GST law. These are the type of GST returns along with the due date for filing returns along with the required frequency for filing.
| Return Form | Due date | Frequency |
| GSTR-1 | 11th of the following month | Monthly |
| GSTR-2 | 15th of the following month | Monthly |
| GSTR-3 | 30th of the following month | Monthly |
| GSTR-4 | 30th of the month following financial year | Quarterly |
| GSTR-5 | 20th of the next month | Monthly |
| GSTR-6 | 13th of the next month | Monthly |
| GSTR-7 | 10th of the following month | Monthly |
| GSTR-8 | 10th of the following month | Monthly |
| GSTR-9 | 31st of December in the next fiscal year | Annual |
| GSTR-10 | Within the three months of the cancellation date or date of cancellation order, whichever is later | After the GST registration is cancelled |
| GSTR-11 | 28th of the month, following the month for which the statement was filed | Monthly |
Below are some of the important GST start dates and return due dates to look at:
GSTR-1
| GST Return 1 | Period | Due date |
| IFF Optional | January 2024 (Monthly) | 13th February 2024 |
| Up to INR 1.5 Crore | Jan-March 2024 (Quarterly) | 13th April 2024 |
| More than 1.5 Crore | January 2024 (Monthly) | 11th February 2024 |
GSTR-3B
| GST Return 3B | Period | Due date |
| More than 5 Crore | January 2024 (Monthly) | 20th February 2024 |
| Up to INR 5 Crore (previous FY) | January 2024 (Opted monthly) | 20th April 2024 |
| Up to INR 5 Crore (Group 1) | Jan-March 2024 (Quarterly) | 22nd April 2024 |
| Up to INR 5 Crore (Group 2) | Jan-March 2024 (Quarterly) | 24th April 2024 |
GSTR 4
| GST Return 4 | Period | Due date |
| Annual return | 2023-24 (Yearly) | 30th April 2024 |
GSTR 5
| GST Return 5 | Period | Due date |
| Non-residence foreign taxpayers | January 2024 (Monthly) | 13th February 2024 |
GSTR 5A
| GST Return 5A | Period | Due date |
| NRI OIDAR Service provider | January 2024 (Monthly) | 20th February 2024 |
GSTR 6
| GST Return 6 | Period | Due date |
| Input service distributor | January 2024 (Monthly) | 13th February 2024 |
GSTR 7
| GST Return 7 | Period | Due date |
| Input service distributor | January 2024 (Monthly) | 10th February 2024 |
GSTR 8
| GST Return 8 | Period | Due date |
| TCS collector | January 2024 (Monthly) | 10th February 2024 |
GSTR 9
| GST Return 9 | Period | Due date |
| Annual return (More than 2 crore) | 2023-24 (Yearly) | 31st December 2024 |
GSTR 9C
| GST Return 9C | Period | Due date |
| Audit return (More than 5 Crore) | 2023-24 (Yearly) | 31st December 2024 |
The official GST portal allows you to track the status of GST returns and there are three ways you can check it- through “Return Filing Period” option, “Status” option and “ARN” option. Let’s discuss how you can check GST status online using these methods.
Whether you’re a manufacturer, supplier, dealer, or consumer, you need to file your tax returns with the GST department. You can now file your GST returns online using the software or apps provided by the Goods and Service Tax Network (GSTN). Here’s a step-by-step guide on GST filing procedure:
Step 1: Head over to the GST portal at www.gst.gov.in
Step 2: Log into the GST portal and go to the “Services” tab located on the GST dashboard
Step 3: Within the “Services” menu, locate and select the “Returns Dashboard” option
Step 4: Now, select the “Financial Year” and “Return Filing Period,” then click on the “Search” button
Step 5: After the search, various sections of GST returns will appear. Select the “Prepare Online” option and identify the specific GST return for filing
Step 6: Fill in the necessary details within the online GSTR form
Step 7: Once all details are entered, click on the “Submit” option and make the online GST payment using the appropriate challan
Step 8: After the successful submission of GSTR, a confirmation message “Filing Successful” will appear, along with the ARN (Acknowledgement Reference Number) will appear. Keep this ARN as a reference for future use.
Here are some of the popular GST software that can aid you with GST return filings. These tools can simplify the GST filing process, create invoices & bills, and track your account details. With GST return filing tools, you can rest assured that your business is in good hands.
Conclusion
Filing GST returns online has become a streamlined process, thanks to digitalization. It has enabled businesses to fulfil their tax obligations efficiently. With various types of GST returns and respective due dates, businesses can stay compliant while filing return online.
In their journey of filing their returns, using the right software can simplify the process and offer accuracy and timely submission. With the help of accounting software, businesses can automate various aspects of the process, such as data entry, tax calculation, transaction, and invoice recording, etc.
By online filing methods and leveraging available resources, businesses can navigate the GST framework seamlessly, contributing to a robust tax ecosystem.
To file return in GST, log in to the GST portal online, upload invoices, and submit returns online through the prescribed forms.
Yes, you can file GST returns yourself by following the step-by-step guidelines provided by the GSTN.
The frequency of filing GST returns depends on the type of business and its turnover. It can range from monthly to annually.
The cost of filing GST returns can vary depending on whether you choose to file it yourself or use a professional service. There might be nominal charges for using online filing platforms or software.
Filing GST returns is mandatory for businesses registered under the GST regime. It ensures compliance with tax laws and facilitates the seamless flow of input tax credit throughout the supply chain.
Registered businesses under the GST regime are required to file GST returns. However, individuals and entities not registered under GST are not obligated to file returns.
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