Overview of GST Return Forms and Filing Process

GST Return Forms: An Overview (Government of India website for GST filing)

1. Regular Dealer Forms:

• Form GSTR-1: This form is used to report outward supplies of taxable goods and services, and it must be filed monthly by the 10th of the succeeding month.
• Form GSTR-2A: Auto-populated based on the supplier’s GSTR-1 filing, this form contains details of inward supplies, and it is available on the 11th of the following month.
• Form GSTR-2: This return is for inward supplies of goods and services and is necessary for claiming input tax credit. Any changes to Form GSTR-2A can be submitted through this form, which must be filed by the 15th of the following month.
• Form GSTR-1A: This is used for adjusting, correcting, or deleting outward supply details reported by the recipient in GSTR-2. The supplier must file it by the 17th of the succeeding month.
• Form GSTR-3: A comprehensive monthly return summarizing outward and inward supplies along with tax payments, to be filed by the 20th of the next month.
• Form GST MIS-1: This form communicates whether an input tax credit claim has been accepted or flagged for discrepancies.
• Form GSTR-3A: A notice sent to taxpayers who fail to furnish returns within 15 days.
• Form GSTR-9: This is an annual return filed by the 31st of December of the next fiscal year, summarizing the input tax credit availed and GST paid, covering local, interstate, import, and export transactions.

2. Composite Taxpayer Forms:

• Form GSTR-4A: Auto-populated details of inward supplies for those registered under the composition scheme, based on suppliers' GSTR-1 filings.
• Form GSTR-4: Filed quarterly by the 18th of the next month, this form contains details of outward supplies, tax payable, and auto-populated data from GSTR-4A.
• Form GSTR-9A: An annual return consolidating quarterly filings and tax payment details, filed by the 31st of December of the following fiscal year.

3. Foreign Non-Resident Taxpayer Forms:

• Form GSTR-5: Filed monthly by the 20th of the succeeding month or within seven days of registration, this form includes details of imports, outward supplies, input tax credit availed, tax payments, and closing stock.

4. Forms for Online Information/Database Services Providers:

• Form GSTR-5A: This monthly return includes details of outward supplies related to online information and database access or retrieval services provided to non-taxable persons in India.

5. Input Service Distributor (ISD) Forms:

• Form GSTR-6A: Auto-populated details of inward supplies available to ISD recipients, based on the supplier's GSTR-1.
• Form GSTR-6: This monthly form, due on the 13th of the following month, details the input credit distributed among the recipients.

6. Forms for Tax Deductors:

• Form GSTR-7: Filed monthly by the 10th of the next month, this form provides details of TDS deductions.
• Form GSTR-7A: This generates the TDS certificate, capturing information on the value of TDS deductions and tax deposit.

7. E-commerce Operator Forms:

• Form GSTR-8: This form is used by e-commerce operators to report details of supplies made and tax collected, filed monthly by the 10th of the next month.
• Form GSTR-9B: An annual return detailing outward supplies made through e-commerce, including returns and tax collections, filed by December 31 of the next fiscal year.

8. Forms for Businesses with Turnover Above INR 2 Crores:

• Form GSTR-9C: This is a reconciliation statement filed annually, along with audited accounts, by the 31st of December of the succeeding fiscal year.

9. Final Return (for Cancelled/Surrendered Registrations):

• Form GSTR-10: Filed within three months of the cancellation date, this return details the closing inputs and capital goods, as well as tax paid and payable.

10. Forms for Specialized Agencies (such as UN and Multilateral Financial Institutions):

• Form GSTR-11: Filed monthly by the 28th of the next month, this form reports inward supplies received by entities holding a UIN.

Filing GST Returns Online: A Step-by-Step Process

1. Register for GSTIN: Get a GST Identification Number (GSTIN) by applying online, based on your PAN and state code.
2. Log in to the GST Portal: Visit the official GST portal and log in using your credentials.
3. Access the Returns Dashboard: Once logged in, go to the ‘Returns Dashboard’ and choose the appropriate financial year.
4. Prepare Online: Select the GST return form relevant to your business and opt for the ‘Prepare Online’ option.
5. Fill in the Details: Enter the required information, including any pending fees. Save and submit the form.
6. Verify Submission Status: Ensure that the return status is updated to ‘Submitted.’
7. Pay Taxes: Proceed to ‘Payment of Tax’ and click ‘Check Balance’ to view available credits.
8. Offset Liability and File Return: Settle any outstanding GST liability and file the form using Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Electronic Verification Code (EVC).

Who Needs to File GST Returns?

Every entity registered under the GST Act, including businesses, LLPs, trusts, HUFs, and other organizations, is required to file GST returns. The frequency and type of return depend on the business turnover and structure. For instance, businesses with an annual turnover of up to INR 5 crores can opt for the Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme, allowing them to file nine returns annually. Other businesses are required to file 25 returns each year.Key Upcoming GST Return Filing Deadlines

• GSTR-1 (Monthly): Due on the 11th day of the next month.
• GSTR-1 (QRMP scheme): Due on the 13th day of the month after the quarter.
• GSTR-3B (Monthly): Due on the 20th day of the next month.
• GSTR-3B (QRMP scheme): Due on the 22nd or 24th day of the month after the quarter.
• GSTR-4: Annually filed by the 30th of April.
• GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C: Due on the 31st of December of the next fiscal year.

By adhering to the deadlines and following the outlined steps, businesses can efficiently manage their GST return filings and maintain compliance with GST laws.