How to File GST Returns Online in 2024? GST Filing Preparation

What is a GST Return?

A GST return is a document that helps the government calculate how much tax a business needs to pay. Under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, businesses that are registered need to file different GST returns. These returns include details about their sales, purchases, the GST they need to pay on sales (output GST), and the GST they have already paid on their purchases (input tax credit). Filing these returns is essential as it helps in determining the amount of tax the business owes.

What is GST Return Filing?

GST return filing is the process of submitting these GST returns to the tax authorities. It involves providing information about your business's income, purchases, the tax you owe, and the tax you have already paid. Every registered business must file these returns regularly. The frequency and type of return depend on the nature of the business and its annual turnover.


GST Return Filing


How to File GST Returns Online?

  1. Log in to the GST Portal: First, go to the official GST website (www.gst.gov.in) and log in with your username and password.
  2. Go to the Return Dashboard: Click on 'Services' in the main menu, then select 'Returns', and finally, go to 'Return Dashboard'.
  3. Choose Financial Year and Filing Period: Select the financial year and the period for which you are filing the return (monthly, quarterly, or annually).
  4. Select the Return Form: Choose the correct return form that you need to file, such as GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, etc.
  5. Enter the Required Information: Fill in all the necessary details in the return form. This includes uploading invoices, entering sales and purchase details, and calculating the tax you owe.
  6. Submit the Form: After you have filled in all the information, review it carefully and click on 'Submit'.
  7. Make the Tax Payment: If you owe any tax, you can make the payment online using the available payment options.
  8. File the Return: After making the payment, click on 'File Return'. You can use an Electronic Verification Code (EVC) or a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) to complete the filing process.

GST Return Filing Periods

Financial Year: A financial year is a 12-month period used for accounting and tax purposes. It starts on April 1 and ends on March 31 of the following year.

Quarter: A quarter is a three-month period within the financial year. There are four quarters: April to June, July to September, October to December, and January to March.

Month: Some businesses need to file their GST returns every month, depending on their annual turnover and other criteria.

 

What is GSTR 1 and 2A, 2B and 3B?

GSTR Return Forms

Regular Taxpayer Forms

  1. GSTR-1: This form includes details of all sales (outward supplies) made by the business. It is filed monthly or quarterly.
  2. GSTR-2A: This is an auto-generated form that contains details of all purchases (inward supplies) based on the GSTR-1 filed by suppliers. It is a read-only document.
  3. GSTR-2B: This is another auto-generated form that provides a summary of input tax credit available to the taxpayer.
  4. GSTR-3B: This form is a summary of all sales, purchases, input tax credit, and tax liability. It is filed monthly.

Important Sections and Terms

ITC (Input Tax Credit): This is the credit a business can claim for the tax paid on purchases used in the course of business.

Record Details

4A, 4B, B2B, 6B, 6C: These sections in GSTR-1 are for recording details of business-to-business (B2B) supplies and amendments.

B2C: This section records sales made to unregistered consumers (business-to-consumer).

6A: This section details exports.

B2C Others: This section covers supplies to unregistered consumers not included in the B2C section.

BA, BB, BC, BD: These sections are for amending previously reported supplies.

9B Credit/Debit Notes Registered: This section records credit or debit notes issued to registered persons.

9B Credit/Debit Notes Unregistered: This section records credit or debit notes issued to unregistered persons.

Tax Liability and Advances

11A, 11A(2): These sections detail the tax liability on advances received.

11B(1), 11B(2): These sections cover the adjustment of advances against invoices issued in the current period.

Summaries and Documents

12: This section provides an HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) wise summary of outward supplies.

13: This section includes details of documents issued during the period.

How to File NIL Return?

If a business has no transactions during a particular return period, it must file a NIL return. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Log in to the GST Portal: Use your username and password to log in.
  2. Go to the Return Dashboard: Select the appropriate return form.
  3. Choose 'Nil Return' Option: If there are no transactions, select the option to file a NIL return.
  4. Submit and File: Review the information and submit the NIL return using EVC or DSC.

Filing GST returns is a vital part of compliance under the GST system. Understanding the different forms and the filing process helps ensure that your business operates smoothly and avoids penalties.


Overview of GSTR Forms

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) system in India requires businesses to file various types of returns. Each form serves a different purpose and is intended for different categories of taxpayers. Below is a detailed explanation of each GSTR form and who should file it.

GSTR-4

Who Should File: This form is for small taxpayers who have opted for the composition scheme. These are businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹1.5 crores.

Frequency: Annually

Details: GSTR-4 includes all details of the sales made by the business, purchases, taxes paid, and any advances received during the year. These taxpayers pay a fixed rate of tax and do not get to claim input tax credit.

GSTR-5

Who Should File: Non-resident taxable persons

Frequency: Monthly

Details: Non-resident taxable persons must file GSTR-5. It includes details of all imports, sales made, and the taxes payable. The form also includes information on credit or debit notes issued and received.

GSTR-5A

Who Should File: Non-resident providers of Online Information and Database Access or Retrieval Services (OIDAR)

Frequency: Monthly

Details: This form includes details of services provided to customers in India who are not registered for GST and the tax collected on these services.

GSTR-6

Who Should File: Input Service Distributors (ISD)

Frequency: Monthly

Details: GSTR-6 is filed by businesses that receive and distribute input tax credit to their various branches. It includes details of all the credits received and how they have been distributed among the branches.

GSTR-7

Who Should File: Tax deductors under GST

Frequency: Monthly

Details: This form is for entities that are required to deduct tax at source (TDS). It includes details of the TDS deducted and the TDS liability. It also includes information on any TDS refunds.

GSTR-8

Who Should File: E-commerce operators required to collect tax at source (TCS)

Frequency: Monthly

Details: GSTR-8 is filed by e-commerce operators. It captures details of all sales made through the e-commerce platform and the TCS collected. It also includes the amount payable to suppliers and any amendments to previous returns.

GSTR-9

Who Should File: Regular taxpayers, including SEZ units and developers

Frequency: Annually

Details: This is an annual return summarizing all the monthly or quarterly returns filed during the year. It includes details of all sales, purchases, input tax credit claimed, taxes paid, and any discrepancies found during the year.

GSTR-10

Who Should File: Taxpayers whose GST registration is canceled or surrendered

Frequency: Once (Final return)

Details: This form is filed when a business closes or its GST registration is canceled. It includes details of all inputs and capital goods held, the tax payable, and the tax paid at the time of closure.

GSTR-11

Who Should File: Persons with Unique Identification Number (UIN) to claim a refund

Frequency: Monthly

Details: GSTR-11 is filed by entities holding a UIN, such as embassies and UN bodies, to claim a refund of the GST paid on their purchases.

CMP-08

Who Should File: Composition scheme taxpayers

Frequency: Quarterly

Details: CMP-08 is a statement-cum-challan for making tax payments under the composition scheme. It includes details of sales and the tax payable for the quarter.

ITC-04

Who Should File: Manufacturers

Frequency: Quarterly

Details: This form is for manufacturers who send goods to job workers for further processing. It includes details of goods sent to job workers, received back, and sent from one job worker to another.

Filing the correct GST return forms is crucial for maintaining compliance with the GST laws. Each form serves a specific purpose and helps in the accurate recording of transactions and tax payments. By understanding and correctly filing these forms, businesses can ensure smooth operations, avoid penalties, and contribute to the transparency and efficiency of the GST system.


GST Filing Preparation

The late fees for not filing GST returns have been updated for 2024. Here’s an overview of the late fees applicable for various GSTR forms.

Late Fees for Different GSTR Forms (2024)

GSTR Form

Who Should File

Frequency

Late Fee Amount

GSTR-1

Regular taxpayers (details of outward supplies)

Monthly/Quarterly

₹50 per day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST/UTGST); Nil return: ₹20 per day (₹10 CGST + ₹10 SGST/UTGST)

GSTR-3B

Regular taxpayers (summary of supplies, ITC, and tax)

Monthly

₹50 per day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST/UTGST); Nil return: ₹20 per day (₹10 CGST + ₹10 SGST/UTGST)

GSTR-4

Composition scheme taxpayers

Annually

₹200 per day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST/UTGST)

GSTR-5

Non-resident taxable persons

Monthly

₹200 per day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST/UTGST)

GSTR-5A

Non-resident OIDAR service providers

Monthly

₹200 per day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST/UTGST)

GSTR-6

Input Service Distributors (ISD)

Monthly

₹200 per day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST/UTGST)

GSTR-7

Tax deductors under GST (TDS return)

Monthly

₹200 per day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST/UTGST)

GSTR-8

E-commerce operators (TCS return)

Monthly

₹200 per day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST/UTGST)

GSTR-9

Regular taxpayers (annual return)

Annually

₹200 per day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST/UTGST)

GSTR-10

Taxpayers whose GST registration is canceled or surrendered (final return)

Once

₹200 per day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST/UTGST)

GSTR-11

Persons with Unique Identification Number (UIN) to claim refund

Monthly

₹200 per day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST/UTGST)

CMP-08

Composition scheme taxpayers (statement-cum-challan)

Quarterly

₹200 per day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST/UTGST)

ITC-04

Manufacturers (goods sent to job workers)

Quarterly

₹200 per day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST/UTGST)


Applying for Registration

Normal Taxpayer (FORM GST REG-01)

  1. Fill Out the Form: Go to the GST portal and fill out FORM GST REG-01 with your personal, business, and contact details.
  2. Submit Documents: Upload necessary documents such as identity proof, address proof, and business registration certificates.
  3. Verification: The GST authorities will review your application. They may request further details or documentation if required.
  4. Receive GSTIN: Once approved, you’ll get your GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number), completing your registration.

Composition Scheme

  1. Check Eligibility: Make sure your business turnover does not exceed Rs. 1.5 crore to be eligible for the Composition Scheme.
  2. Fill Out the Form: Complete FORM GST REG-01 and indicate that you’re opting for the Composition Scheme.
  3. Submit and Approve: Submit the form and wait for approval. Once approved, you’ll pay GST at a fixed rate on your turnover.

Casual Taxable Person

  1. Fill Out the Form: For temporary businesses, fill out FORM GST REG-01.
  2. Advance Tax Payment: Make an advance payment of the estimated GST for your operational period.
  3. Get Temporary Registration: You’ll receive a temporary GSTIN valid for 90 days, extendable for another 90 days if needed.
  4. Comply with GST Rules: Ensure you follow all GST rules and file returns as a casual taxable person.

Input Service Distributor (ISD)

  1. Fill Out the Form: Complete FORM GST REG-01, specifying that you’re registering as an ISD.
  2. Submit Details: Provide details of your business locations and the services you’ll distribute input tax credits for.
  3. Receive Approval: Once verified, you’ll be registered as an ISD, enabling you to distribute input tax credits to your branches.

Non-Resident Taxable Person

  1. Fill Out the Form: Use FORM GST REG-09 for registration.
  2. Appoint a Representative: Appoint a local representative or authorized signatory in India.
  3. Advance Tax Payment: Make an advance payment of GST equivalent to your estimated liability.
  4. Get Temporary GSTIN: You’ll receive a temporary GSTIN valid for your registration period.

Non-Resident Online Services Provider

  1. Fill Out the Form: Use FORM GST REG-10 for registration.
  2. Simplified Process: The process is streamlined for online service providers.
  3. Verification and GSTIN: Submit the form, complete the verification, and receive your GSTIN.

UN Body/ Embassy/ Other Notified Persons

  1. Fill Out the Form: Use FORM GST REG-13 for registration.
  2. Submit Documents: Provide necessary documentation based on your specific category (e.g., diplomatic mission details).
  3. Receive UIN: Once approved, you’ll get a unique identification number (UIN) for GST purposes.

Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Developer/ Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Unit

  1. Fill Out the Form: SEZ developers and units should use FORM GST REG-01.
  2. Submit Proof: Provide documents proving SEZ status and other required details.
  3. Get Approval: Once verified, you’ll receive a GSTIN specific to SEZ operations.

TDS or TCS,  Tax Deductor at Source (TDS)/ Tax Collector at Source (TCS) FORM GST REG-07

  1. Fill Out the Form: Use FORM GST REG-07 for registration as a TDS or TCS entity.
  2. Submit Business Details: Provide details of your business and the responsible person.
  3. Receive GSTIN: After verification, you’ll get your GSTIN, enabling you to deduct or collect tax at source.

How to Register with GST?

Registration with GST: If conducting business subject to GST, proceed with registration by following these steps:

GST registration Guide : https://www.gst.gov.in/help/enrollmentwithgst

a. Online Application Submission: Complete registration forms online, providing all required personal and business information. https://reg.gst.gov.in/registration/

b. Aadhaar Authentication: For applicant, undergo Aadhaar authentication to verify identity.

c. Temporary User ID Application: If unregistered, apply for a temporary user ID online to access basic services.

d. Registration via MCA Website using SPICe-AGILE Form: Utilize the SPICe-AGILE form on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website for GST registration.

e. Request for Registration Extension: Apply for an extension of registration period if required, especially for casual or non-resident taxable persons.

f. Post-Registration Site Visit: Be prepared for potential site visits by tax authorities to ensure compliance post-registration.

g. Automatic Registration (Suo Moto): Understand that tax authorities may register businesses automatically if found non-compliant.

h. Access to Saved Applications: View and access any saved registration applications on the GST website for completion or modification.

i. Provision of Additional Clarifications: If requested, provide further information or documents to clarify registration details.

j. Verification of Submitted Applications: Confirm online that the submitted registration application is recorded and being processed.

k. Monitoring Application Status: Regularly monitor the online status of your registration application to track progress or identify issues.

These step-by-step instructions aim to guide you seamlessly through the process of applying for a GST refund or registering your business with GST.



How to Apply for a GST Refund?

Getting a refund under GST is important if you've paid more tax than you should have. Here's a simple guide on how to apply for a refund and some other related processes:

GST Refund Guide: https://www.gst.gov.in/help/refund

1. Understanding the Need for Refund: Recognize when you've paid more tax than necessary under GST regulations.

2. Preparation of Letter of Undertaking (LUT): If you're exporting goods or services without GST, prepare and submit a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) as a commitment to abide by regulations.

3. Completion of Pre-Application Form: Before proceeding with the refund application, ensure all required details are filled out in the pre-application form to expedite the process.

4. Document Preparation for Export of Goods with Tax Payment: If tax has been paid on exported goods, gather necessary documents such as invoices and shipping bills.

5. Filling out Form GST RFD-10: Officially apply for a refund by completing Form GST RFD-10, providing detailed information on the reason for the refund and the amount owed.

6. Withdrawal of Refund Application: If necessary, withdraw the refund application to make corrections or reapply.

7. Special Refund Application for Embassies/International Organizations: Utilize Form GST RFD-10 for refund applications by embassies or international organizations, tailored to their specific requirements.

8. Accessing Refund Application Status Online: Check the GST website to view submitted or saved refund applications for easy tracking.

9. Monitoring Refund Progress: Regularly check the status of your refund application online to stay informed about its processing status.

10. Verification of Bill of Entry (BoE) Details: Ensure accurate BoE details are provided online to facilitate the refund process.

11. Reporting Non-Receipt of Refund: If the expected refund is not received within the specified timeframe, notify tax authorities for investigation and resolution.

12. Submission of Letter of Undertaking (LUT) via Form GST RFD-11: File the Letter of Undertaking (LUT) for GST on exported goods using Form GST RFD-11.

13. Confirmation of Submitted LUT: Verify online that the submitted LUT has been accepted and is on record.

14. Reviewing Notices and Responding to Queries: Access online notices or requests for additional information related to refund applications, and provide necessary responses.

These step-by-step instructions aim to guide you seamlessly through the process of applying for a GST refund or registering your business with GST.

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Sachin Chopade
I am a Finance and Tax Analyst, Content Creator, sharing valuable articles and calculators related to Finance, Accounting and Banking industry.