Overview

Overview

GST return filing is the process of reporting sales, purchases, tax collected, and tax paid to the government through prescribed GST forms.

Regular and accurate filing ensures legal compliance, uninterrupted business operations, and eligibility to claim input tax credit under GST law.

Who Should File GST Returns?

GST return filing applies to all registered entities, regardless of business size or activity level.

  • Regular GST registered businesses

  • Composition scheme taxpayers

  • E-commerce sellers and operators

  • Professionals and service providers

  • Businesses with nil or inactive transactions

Types of GST Returns

Different GST returns apply based on taxpayer category, turnover, and nature of transactions.

GSTR-1:

Filed monthly or quarterly to report outward supplies of goods and services for a specific tax period.

GSTR-1:

Filed monthly or quarterly to report outward supplies of goods and services for a specific tax period.

GSTR-1:

Filed monthly or quarterly to report outward supplies of goods and services for a specific tax period.

GSTR-1:

Filed monthly or quarterly to report outward supplies of goods and services for a specific tax period.

IFF (Invoice Furnishing Facility):

Optional under the QRMP scheme, allows GST registered taxpayers to upload invoices monthly while filing quarterly returns.

IFF (Invoice Furnishing Facility):

Optional under the QRMP scheme, allows GST registered taxpayers to upload invoices monthly while filing quarterly returns.

IFF (Invoice Furnishing Facility):

Optional under the QRMP scheme, allows GST registered taxpayers to upload invoices monthly while filing quarterly returns.

IFF (Invoice Furnishing Facility):

Optional under the QRMP scheme, allows GST registered taxpayers to upload invoices monthly while filing quarterly returns.

GSTR-3B:

A monthly summary return for reporting net tax liability, tax paid, and claiming input tax credit.

GSTR-3B:

A monthly summary return for reporting net tax liability, tax paid, and claiming input tax credit.

GSTR-3B:

A monthly summary return for reporting net tax liability, tax paid, and claiming input tax credit.

GSTR-3B:

A monthly summary return for reporting net tax liability, tax paid, and claiming input tax credit.

CMP-08:

A quarterly statement for composition taxpayers to self-assess and pay tax.

CMP-08:

A quarterly statement for composition taxpayers to self-assess and pay tax.

CMP-08:

A quarterly statement for composition taxpayers to self-assess and pay tax.

CMP-08:

A quarterly statement for composition taxpayers to self-assess and pay tax.

GSTR-4:

An annual return filed by composition taxpayers, consolidating all quarterly CMP-08 details.

GSTR-4:

An annual return filed by composition taxpayers, consolidating all quarterly CMP-08 details.

GSTR-4:

An annual return filed by composition taxpayers, consolidating all quarterly CMP-08 details.

GSTR-4:

An annual return filed by composition taxpayers, consolidating all quarterly CMP-08 details.

GSTR-9

An annual return for regular taxpayers summarizing all GST transactions for the financial year.

GSTR-9

An annual return for regular taxpayers summarizing all GST transactions for the financial year.

GSTR-9

An annual return for regular taxpayers summarizing all GST transactions for the financial year.

GSTR-9

An annual return for regular taxpayers summarizing all GST transactions for the financial year.

Monthly and Quarterly GST Filing Due Dates

Understanding GST return due dates is crucial to avoid late fees, interest, and compliance issues. Below are the key filing deadlines every taxpayer should be aware of.

GSTR-1 (Monthly):
Businesses with an annual turnover above ₹5 crores must file GSTR-1 on a monthly basis. The due date is the 11th of the following month.

GSTR-1 (Quarterly):
Taxpayers registered under the QRMP scheme with turnover up to ₹5 crores can file GSTR-1 quarterly. The due date is the 13th of the month following the quarter.

IFF – Invoice Furnishing Facility (Optional):
QRMP taxpayers opting to report invoices monthly through IFF must upload invoice details by the 13th of the following month.

GSTR-3B (Monthly):
Businesses with turnover above ₹5 crores are required to file GSTR-3B monthly by the 20th of the following month.

GSTR-3B (Quarterly):
QRMP taxpayers must file GSTR-3B quarterly. The due date is either the 22nd or 24th of the month following the quarter, depending on the state category.

CMP-08 (Quarterly):
Taxpayers registered under the Composition Scheme must file CMP-08 quarterly to pay self-assessed tax. The due date is the 18th of the month following the quarter.

File Your GST Returns with Biz Pillar!

Stay compliant, avoid penalties, and focus on growth while experts manage your GST filings.

Documents Required to File GST Online

Here is a list of documents required for GST return filings:

  • Place of supply: Identifies the state of the buyer to determine tax applicability (IGST vs CGST+SGST).

  • B2B and B2C service invoices: Separate invoicing for business and consumer transactions with GST compliance.

  • Bill number: A unique serial number for each invoice as per GST guidelines.

  • Credit or debit notes: Issued to account for changes in taxable value or tax amount after the original invoice.

  • HSN summary of goods sold: Summary based on Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) codes for items.

  • Amount of IGST, CGST, SGST applicable: Breakup of tax amounts to ensure correct tax liability.

  • Required GST return forms: Identifies which GST forms (like GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, etc.) need to be filed.

  • Customer GSTIN: The GST Identification Number of the customer for whom the invoice is raised.

  • GST invoices: Properly formatted invoices adhering to GST rules and regulations.

6-Step Process for GST Return Filing

Biz Pillar follows a structured six-step workflow to ensure accurate and timely GST return filing.

6-Step Process for GST Return Filing

Biz Pillar follows a structured six-step workflow to ensure accurate and timely GST return filing.

Step 1 – Requirement Assessment
  • We review your business type, turnover, filing frequency, and applicable GST returns for the relevant tax period.

Step 2 – Data Collection
  • Sales, purchase invoices, ITC details, and tax payment information are collected for accurate computation.

Step 3 – Reconciliation Review
  • We reconcile invoices with GST records to identify mismatches and prevent ITC rejection or notices.

Step 4 – Return Preparation
  • Applicable GST returns are prepared with correct tax calculations and compliance checks.

Step 5 – GST Portal Filing
  • Returns are filed on the GST portal and acknowledgements are generated after successful submission.

Step 6 – Post-Filing Support
  • We assist with payment confirmation, record maintenance, and compliance guidance for future filings.

GST Filing Charges and Costs

The cost of filing GST returns and gst payment varies based on the filing method, whether through self-filing, professional services, or online platforms, making it essential to know how to file gst accurately . Below is a breakdown of GST filing charges to help businesses choose the most cost-effective option.

Self-Filing through the GST Portal
  • Cost: ₹0 (only time cost)

  • Best for: Small businesses with good knowledge of GST compliance

  • Pros: Free of cost and offers complete control over filings

  • Cons: Complex for beginners and carries a higher risk of filing errors

Self-Filing through the GST Portal
  • Cost: ₹0 (only time cost)

  • Best for: Small businesses with good knowledge of GST compliance

  • Pros: Free of cost and offers complete control over filings

  • Cons: Complex for beginners and carries a higher risk of filing errors

Self-Filing through the GST Portal
  • Cost: ₹0 (only time cost)

  • Best for: Small businesses with good knowledge of GST compliance

  • Pros: Free of cost and offers complete control over filings

  • Cons: Complex for beginners and carries a higher risk of filing errors

Self-Filing through the GST Portal
  • Cost: ₹0 (only time cost)

  • Best for: Small businesses with good knowledge of GST compliance

  • Pros: Free of cost and offers complete control over filings

  • Cons: Complex for beginners and carries a higher risk of filing errors

Professional CA or Tax Consultant
  • Cost: ₹500 to ₹5,000 per return

  • Best for: Medium to large businesses

  • Pros: High accuracy and expert compliance support

  • Cons: Higher cost and dependence on external professionals

Professional CA or Tax Consultant
  • Cost: ₹500 to ₹5,000 per return

  • Best for: Medium to large businesses

  • Pros: High accuracy and expert compliance support

  • Cons: Higher cost and dependence on external professionals

Professional CA or Tax Consultant
  • Cost: ₹500 to ₹5,000 per return

  • Best for: Medium to large businesses

  • Pros: High accuracy and expert compliance support

  • Cons: Higher cost and dependence on external professionals

Professional CA or Tax Consultant
  • Cost: ₹500 to ₹5,000 per return

  • Best for: Medium to large businesses

  • Pros: High accuracy and expert compliance support

  • Cons: Higher cost and dependence on external professionals

Online GST Filing Platforms
  • Cost: ₹250 to ₹2,000 per month

  • Best for: Businesses of all sizes

  • Pros: Automation reduces errors and simplifies compliance

  • Cons: Subscription-based pricing

Online GST Filing Platforms
  • Cost: ₹250 to ₹2,000 per month

  • Best for: Businesses of all sizes

  • Pros: Automation reduces errors and simplifies compliance

  • Cons: Subscription-based pricing

Online GST Filing Platforms
  • Cost: ₹250 to ₹2,000 per month

  • Best for: Businesses of all sizes

  • Pros: Automation reduces errors and simplifies compliance

  • Cons: Subscription-based pricing

Online GST Filing Platforms
  • Cost: ₹250 to ₹2,000 per month

  • Best for: Businesses of all sizes

  • Pros: Automation reduces errors and simplifies compliance

  • Cons: Subscription-based pricing

Cost-Effective GST Filing for Small Businesses

Small businesses can manage GST compliance efficiently without incurring high costs by adopting smart filing strategies.

  • Opt for the QRMP Scheme:
    Eligible taxpayers can file GST returns quarterly instead of monthly, reducing compliance workload and costs.

  • Use Affordable Online GST Platforms:
    Automated GST tools help calculate taxes accurately, minimize errors, and save time at a reasonable cost.

  • Engage Professionals Only When Needed:
    Hire GST experts for complex matters such as audits, annual returns, notices, or reconciliations instead of routine filings.

Choosing the right GST filing method helps small businesses remain compliant while controlling operational expenses.


Penalties for Late or Non-Filing of GST Returns

Failure to file GST returns on time attracts late fees, interest, and penalties. The charges vary depending on the type of return and taxpayer category.

Late Fees for GST Return Filing

Return Type

Taxpayer Category

Late Fee Per Day

Maximum Late Fee

GSTR-3B & GSTR-1

Normal Taxpayer

₹50 (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST)

₹5,000

GSTR-3B & GSTR-1

Nil Return Filer

₹20 (₹10 CGST + ₹10 SGST)

₹500

GSTR-9 (Annual Return)

All Taxpayers

₹200 (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST)

0.50% of turnover

Penalties for non-filing
  • Interest Charge: Interest at 18% per annum is levied on outstanding tax amounts, calculated from the due date until payment.

  • Additional Consequences: Continued non-filing may result in show cause notices, penalties, and even cancellation of GST registration.


Example of Late Fee Calculation

If a taxpayer files GSTR-3B 10 days late with a tax liability:

  • Late fee: ₹500 (₹50 × 10 days)

  • Interest: 18% per annum on the pending tax amount

Timely filing helps avoid unnecessary financial and compliance burdens.


GST Refunds and Reconciliation

Businesses can claim GST refunds in cases of excess tax payment, accumulated ITC, exports, inverted duty structure, or cancellation of registration.

GST Refund Process
  1. Determine Eligibility: Refunds apply to excess tax paid, export-related ITC, inverted duty structure, or canceled GST registrations.

  2. Prepare Documents: Required documents include Form GST RFD-01, tax invoices, bank details, and supporting records.

  3. Submit Refund Application: File the refund application online through the GST portal under the “Refunds” section.

  4. Verification by GST Officer: The officer reviews the application and may request additional clarification or documents.

  5. Refund Approval and Credit: Approved refunds are credited within 60 days. Delays attract 6% interest from the department.

Importance of GST Reconciliation

GST reconciliation ensures accuracy between returns and records, preventing ITC mismatches, notices, and audits.

  • GSTR-1 vs GSTR-3B: Ensures outward supplies reported match tax paid.

  • GSTR-2B vs Purchase Records: Confirms eligible ITC based on supplier filings.

  • Use of Automated Tools: GST software helps reconcile data accurately and reduces manual errors.

Regular reconciliation ensures smooth ITC claims and strengthens compliance.

Questions & Answers

Have more questions? Don't hesitate to email us:

01

What is Partnership Firm Registration?

It is the legal process of registering a business run by two or more individuals under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932.

02

Is registration mandatory?

03

How long does it take?

04

Can a firm have more than two partners?

05

Can it be converted later?

Questions & Answers

Have more questions? Don't hesitate to email us:

01

What is Partnership Firm Registration?

It is the legal process of registering a business run by two or more individuals under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932.

02

Is registration mandatory?

03

How long does it take?

04

Can a firm have more than two partners?

05

Can it be converted later?

Questions & Answers

Have more questions? Don't hesitate to email us:

01

What is Partnership Firm Registration?

It is the legal process of registering a business run by two or more individuals under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932.

02

Is registration mandatory?

03

How long does it take?

04

Can a firm have more than two partners?

05

Can it be converted later?

Questions & Answers

Have more questions? Don't hesitate to email us:

01

What is Partnership Firm Registration?

It is the legal process of registering a business run by two or more individuals under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932.

02

Is registration mandatory?

03

How long does it take?

04

Can a firm have more than two partners?

05

Can it be converted later?