Filing GST returns is a crucial responsibility for businesses and individuals registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. Understanding the various types of GST returns and the frequency of filing is essential for businesses to stay compliant with tax laws. The filing frequency depends on the nature of the business and its annual aggregate turnover. This guide explains the main types of GST returns that businesses and individuals must file with the GST authorities.

Table of Contents

Types of GST returns

GSTR-1

Description: This return contains details of outward supplies of taxable goods and/or services made by the taxpayer.
Filing Frequency: Filed monthly or quarterly, depending on the turnover.
Due Date: The 11th of the next month (for monthly filers).
Details: GSTR-1 is filed by businesses to report their outward supplies (sales) during the tax period. The details include sales to both taxable and non-taxable entities.

GSTR-2A

Description: This return is auto-generated and contains details of inward supplies (purchases) based on the GSTR-1 filed by the suppliers.
Filing Frequency: Auto-generated on the 11th of the next month.
Due Date: Automatically generated based on GSTR-1 filings by suppliers.
Details: GSTR-2A provides a summary of all purchases made by the taxpayer, helping them to track their input tax credit (ITC).

GSTR-3B

Description: A simplified return summarizing outward supplies and input tax credit (ITC) claimed, along with the payment of tax.
Filing Frequency: Filed monthly or quarterly, depending on the turnover.
Due Date: The 20th of the next month (for monthly filers).
Details: GSTR-3B is filed to report the total tax liability and claim the eligible input tax credit. It is a summary return that includes sales, purchases, and tax liability.

GSTR-4

Description: This return is for taxpayers registered under the composition scheme, a scheme that allows small businesses to pay tax at a fixed rate on turnover.
Filing Frequency: Filed annually, but the tax is paid quarterly.
Due Date: The 18th of the month following the quarter.
Details: Businesses under the composition scheme must file GSTR-4 to report their quarterly returns, including the tax paid and the details of supplies.

GSTR-5

Description: This return is for non-resident taxable persons (those who do business in India but do not reside in the country).
Filing Frequency: Filed monthly.
Due Date: The 20th of the next month.
Details: Non-resident taxable persons must file GSTR-5 to report their outward supplies and the tax liability they owe.

GSTR-6

Description: This return is filed by an Input Service Distributor (ISD) to distribute the input tax credit (ITC) to other branches or units.
Filing Frequency: Filed monthly.
Due Date: The 13th of the next month.
Details: ISDs use GSTR-6 to report inward supplies and distribute the ITC accordingly.

GSTR-7

Description: This return summarizes the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) under GST laws. It is filed by businesses that deduct tax at source, such as employers and certain government departments.
Filing Frequency: Filed monthly.
Due Date: The 10th of the next month.
Details: GSTR-7 is filed by tax deductors to report the TDS deducted during the tax period.

GSTR-8

Description: This return summarizes the Tax Collected at Source (TCS) by e-commerce operators under GST laws.
Filing Frequency: Filed monthly.
Due Date: The 10th of the next month.
Details: E-commerce operators must file GSTR-8 to report the tax collected at the source during the tax period.

GSTR-9

Description: This is an annual return for all taxpayers. It consolidates the details of outward and inward supplies, tax liability, and input tax credit for the entire financial year.
Filing Frequency: Filed annually.
Due Date: 31st December of the next financial year.
Details: Taxpayers must file GSTR-9 to report their comprehensive annual return, including details of sales, purchases, and taxes paid.

GSTR-9C

Description: A reconciliation statement that needs to be filed by taxpayers with a turnover exceeding ₹5 crore. It is self-certified and contains a detailed reconciliation of financial statements with GST returns.
Filing Frequency: Filed annually.
Due Date: 31st December of the next financial year.
Details: Taxpayers must file GSTR-9C to reconcile their financial statements with the GSTR-9 return and report any discrepancies in tax paid, input tax credit, and other adjustments.

Late Fees and Penalties for Non-Filing of GST Returns

If GST returns are not filed within the specified deadlines or are filed incorrectly, businesses and individuals may face penalties, late fees, and interest charges. It’s essential to file returns on time to avoid these extra costs.

Penalty and Late Fees for Failure to File GST Returns

Penalty Amount: The penalty for failing to file GST returns on time can go up to ₹10,000.
Late Fee: A late fee of ₹50 per day (capped at ₹5,000) must be paid for failure to file the return.

Penalty and Interest for Incorrect or Incomplete GST Returns

Penalty Amount: Incorrect or incomplete returns can also attract a penalty of up to ₹10,000.
Interest on Tax Due: If tax is due, interest will be charged at the rate of 18% per annum on the outstanding tax amount.

GST registration is compulsory for certain businesses! Check this article to find out if you need to register:

Who Needs GST Registration? Eligibility & Requirements Explained

✔️ Linking to the official GST portal website for tax rules and slab details:

Conclusion

Timely filing of GST returns is not just a legal requirement; it is crucial for businesses to stay compliant and avoid penalties. Filing returns on time also ensures smooth business operations, proper documentation, and claiming of input tax credits. While there are different types of GST returns, understanding which ones apply to your business will help you manage your obligations efficiently.

If you’re unsure about the right type of return for your business or need assistance in filing, it’s a good idea to consult with a tax professional or a GST expert. They can help ensure that your returns are filed accurately and on time, preventing any future issues or penalties.