Free Consultation by Expert

Overview

Goods and Services Tax (GST) Filings

Goods and Services Tax (GST) Filings are mandatory periodic submissions required from businesses registered under the GST Act in India. GST filings involve reporting sales, purchases, tax collected, and tax paid to the GST department through online forms. These filings ensure compliance, proper reconciliation of taxes, and transparency in the tax system.

GST returns are filed to disclose the details of business transactions, tax liabilities, and tax payments. The GST filing process is entirely digital and is conducted on the GST portal. Depending on the type of taxpayer, different forms and frequencies of filing apply. Non-compliance attracts penalties and interest.

Importance

1. Statutory Compliance : Mandatory under the GST Act for registered businesses.

2. Input Tax Credit (ITC) : Enables businesses to claim ITC on purchases.

3. Transparency : Provides the government with details of transactions and tax collections.

4. Avoidance of Penalties : Non-filing leads to fines, interest, and cancellation of GST registration.

5. Business Growth : Helps maintain a clean compliance record, which is essential for growth and audits.

Applicability

GST filings are applicable to:

  • Regular Taxpayers: Businesses with an annual turnover exceeding the exemption limit.
  • Composition Scheme Dealers: Small businesses under the composition scheme.
  • E-Commerce Operators: Entities facilitating online sales.
  • Input Service Distributors (ISD): Entities distributing ITC to branches.
  • Non-Resident Taxpayers: Foreign businesses supplying goods or services in India.

Types of GST Returns

  • GSTR-1: Monthly/quarterly return for outward supplies of goods and services.
  • GSTR-3B: Summary return for tax payment and claiming ITC.
  • GSTR-4: Quarterly return for composition scheme taxpayers.
  • GSTR-5: Return for non-resident taxpayers.
  • GSTR-6: Return for input service distributors.
  • GSTR-7: Return for tax deduction at source (TDS).
  • GSTR-8: Return for tax collection at source (TCS) by e-commerce operators.
  • GSTR-9: Annual return for regular taxpayers.
  • GSTR-9C: Reconciliation statement certified by a CA for businesses above the turnover threshold.
  • GSTR-10: Final return on cancellation of GST registration.


Documents Required




Features

Features & Benefits of Goods and Services Tax (GST) Filings

Comprehensive Reporting
Covers sales, purchases, ITC, and tax liabilities.
E-Filing Process
Entire process is conducted online via the GST portal.
ITC Reconciliation
Ensures businesses can claim eligible input tax credits.
Regular Compliance
Monthly, quarterly, and annual filings maintain compliance.
Penalty for Non-Filing
Late filing attracts interest and late fees.

Goods and Services Tax

Business-Specific Forms
Different forms cater to various types of taxpayers.
Audit and Reconciliation
Annual returns and audits reconcile yearly tax data.
Avoids GSTIN Cancellation
Regular filing prevents cancellation of GST registration.
Ease of Tracking
Acknowledgment Reference Numbers (ARN) provide tracking for filed returns.
Integration with Accounting Software
Simplifies data upload and reconciliation.



Comparison with Related Services

Feature GST Filings Income Tax Filings TDS Filings
Objective Report GST transactions Report income and profits Report tax deducted at source
Filing Frequency Monthly/Quarterly/Annually Annually Quarterly
Regulatory Authority GST Department Income Tax Department Income Tax Department
Penalty for Non-Filing High High High
Focus Sales, purchases, ITC Taxable income TDS deducted and paid
Applicable Forms GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, etc. ITR-1, ITR-4, etc. Form 24Q, Form 26Q



Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs to file GST returns?

Any business registered under GST with a valid GSTIN must file GST returns, regardless of turnover.

What happens if I don’t file GST returns on time?

Non-filing attracts a late fee of ₹50 per day for GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B, and ₹20 per day for nil returns, along with an 18% annual interest on unpaid tax.

Can GST returns be revised?

No, GST returns cannot be revised. Any errors can be rectified in subsequent returns.

What is GSTR-9C?

GSTR-9C is a reconciliation statement for businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹5 crore, certified by a Chartered Accountant (CA).

Is it mandatory to file a GST return even if there are no transactions?

Yes, filing a nil return is mandatory if there are no transactions during the period.

How can I claim ITC in GST filings?

ITC can be claimed on purchases made from GST-registered suppliers by reconciling purchase invoices with GSTR-2B.