GST Return is a document that contains all the details of a registered person’s outward supplies (sales), inward supplies (purchases), tax collected on outward supplies (output tax), and tax paid on inward supplies (input tax). It is filed electronically with the GST authorities.
The frequency of GST return filing depends on the type of taxpayer and their annual turnover. The following are the different types of GST returns:
Types of GST Returns and GST Return Filing Due Dates
GSTR-1
This is a monthly return that must be filed by all taxpayers, except those who are eligible for the Composition Scheme. It contains the details of all outward supplies made during the month.
GSTR-2A
This is an auto-generated return that is generated by the GST portal based on the information submitted by the suppliers in their GSTR-1 returns. It contains the details of all inward supplies received by the taxpayer during the month.
GSTR-3B
This is a simplified monthly return that must be filed by all taxpayers, except those who are eligible for the Composition Scheme. It is a consolidated return of the details submitted in GSTR-1 and GSTR-2A.
GSTR-4
This is an annual return that must be filed by all composition taxpayers. It contains the details of all outward supplies made and inward supplies received during the financial year.
GSTR-9
This is an annual return that must be filed by all taxpayers. It contains the details of all outward supplies made and inward supplies received during the financial year, along with the details of taxes payable and paid.
GSTR-9C
This is an annual self-certified reconciliation statement that must be filed by taxpayers with a turnover exceeding Rs. 5 crore. It reconciles the details of the taxpayer’s supplies and taxes as reported in GSTR-9 with the details as reported in their GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B returns.
The due dates for filing GST returns vary depending on the type of return and the taxpayer’s annual turnover. The due dates can be found on the GST portal.
GST return filing is an important compliance requirement for all taxpayers registered under GST. Failure to file GST returns on time can result in penalties and interest charges.
Here are some of the benefits of filing GST returns on time:
- It helps to ensure that the taxpayer is paying the correct amount of tax.
- It helps to prevent fraud and evasion.
- It helps to improve the efficiency of the GST system.
- It helps to protect the taxpayer’s interests in case of any disputes.
If you are a GST taxpayer, it is important to file your GST returns on time and accurately. There are a number of online tools and resources available to help you with GST return filing. You can also get help from a GST consultant or tax advisor.
Types of GST Returns and GST Return Filing Due Dates
| Return Type | Description | Filing Frequency | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GSTR-1 | Monthly return that contains details of all outward supplies made during the month. | Monthly | 11th of the next month |
| GSTR-2A | Auto-generated return that contains details of all inward supplies received by the taxpayer during the month. | Monthly | 11th of the next month |
| GSTR-3B | Simplified monthly return that is a consolidated return of the details submitted in GSTR-1 and GSTR-2A. | Monthly | 20th of the next month |
| GSTR-4 | Annual return that must be filed by all composition taxpayers. | Annually | 30th of the month after the financial year |
| GSTR-9 | Annual return that must be filed by all taxpayers. | Annually | 31st of December of the financial year |
| GSTR-9C | Annual self-certified reconciliation statement that must be filed by taxpayers with a turnover exceeding Rs. 5 crore. | Annually | 31st of December of the financial year |
The due dates for filing GST returns may vary depending on the taxpayer’s annual turnover and the type of return. The due dates can be found on the GST portal.
Here are some of the penalties for late filing of GST returns:
- For GSTR-1, GSTR-2A, and GSTR-3B returns, the penalty is Rs. 100 per day, per return, up to a maximum of Rs. 5,000.
- For GSTR-4 and GSTR-9 returns, the penalty is Rs. 200 per day, per return, up to a maximum of Rs. 10,000.
- In addition to the penalty, interest is also payable on the late payment of taxes. The interest rate is 18% per annum.
It is important to file GST returns on time to avoid penalties and interest charges. If you are unable to file your returns on time, you can request for an extension from the GST authorities. However, extensions are not always granted, so it is best to file your returns on time.
Sections in GST
Section 4(A,B,C)
These sections deal with the details of taxable outward supplies made to registered persons. The details that need to be submitted include the GSTIN of the recipient, invoice number, invoice date, taxable value, tax rate, and tax amount.
Section 6(B,C)
These sections deal with the details of taxable outward supplies made to unregistered persons. The details that need to be submitted are the same as those for Section 4, except that the GSTIN of the recipient is not required.
Section 5A, 5B
These sections deal with the details of large outward supplies made to consumers. A large outward supply is an outward supply of goods or services, the invoice value of which exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakh. The details that need to be submitted are the same as those for Section 4, except that the invoice value is also required.
Section 9B
This section deals with the details of credit notes and debit notes issued to registered persons. A credit note is issued to reduce the amount of tax liability, while a debit note is issued to increase the amount of tax liability. The details that need to be submitted include the GSTIN of the recipient, invoice number, invoice date, original invoice number, original invoice date, type of note (credit or debit), value, and tax amount.
Section 6A
This section deals with the details of exports. The details that need to be submitted include the export invoice number, export date, export value, and export tax amount.
Section B2C
This section deals with the details of supplies made to consumers. The details that need to be submitted are the same as those for Section 4, except that the GSTIN of the recipient is not required.
Section 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D
These sections deal with the details of nil rated, exempted, and non-GST supplies. Nil rated supplies are supplies on which no tax is payable. Exempted supplies are supplies that are not subject to GST. Non-GST supplies are supplies that are not taxable under GST. The details that need to be submitted for these sections are the same as those for Section 4, except that the tax rate and tax amount are zero.
HSN-wise-Summary of Outward Supplies
This section provides a summary of the outward supplies classified by HSN code. The HSN code is a 6-digit code that is used to classify goods and services under GST.
11B(1), 11B(2) – Adjustment of Advances
These sections deal with the details of adjustments made to advances received from customers. An advance is a payment received by a supplier from a customer before the supply of goods or services is made. The details that need to be submitted include the invoice number, invoice date, amount of advance, and tax amount.
13 – Documents Issued
This section deals with the details of documents issued by the supplier. The documents that need to be submitted include the invoice, bill of supply, credit note, debit note, and any other relevant document.
11A(1) and (2) – Tax Liability
These sections deal with the details of the tax liability for the taxpayer. The tax liability is calculated by multiplying the taxable value by the applicable tax rate.
7 – B2C (others)
This section deals with the details of supplies made to consumers other than those covered by Section 5A or 5B. The details that need to be submitted are the same as those for Section 4, except that the invoice value is not required.