Overview of GST Return Filing

GST Return Filling is a critical activity that acts as a link between the government and the taxpayer. As per the GST law, every individual or entity registered under the GST Act has to furnish the details of sales, purchases, and the tax paid by filing form GST returns with the administrative authorities. Once the GST Registration is done, it is the responsibility of the taxpayer to file the GST Return. While filing the GST return, the taxpayer has to provide all the requisite information related to the business and transactions, tax declaration, and payments.GST Return Filing is deemed to be filed electronically that helps the taxpayer in preparing the offline GST return and then upload it on GSTN through the facilitation center.

Additionally, there are various components of GST returns filing that a person needs to know about before filing the GST Return. There are certain GST Returns that are filed offline and then uploaded to the GSTIN portal either by the taxpayer or a facilitation center. By offering the GST return filing, GST compliant sales, and purchase invoices are expected. You can generate GST compliant invoices: An inventory or a bill is a list of goods sent or assistance provided, along with the sum due for payment.

Who is Eligible for GST Return?

Individuals or entities who are registered under GST must file monthly GST returns and annual GST returns. The nature of the business also directs the GST that is to be filed. Once the GST filing is done, the tax liability must be paid to the government on time.

What are the Key Essentials while Filing the GST Return?

Every individual or entity holding the GST Registration under the GST Act, 2017 is required to file GST returns depending on the nature of their business activities.

In a nutshell, whether an individual/entity is engaged in the selling of goods or render services to others, must get the GST registration done and file the returns periodically. Any registered dealer involved in the belol, mentioned activities needs to file a GST return:

• Sales
• Purchase
• Output GST (on Sales)
• ITC (Input Tax Credit) with GST paid on the purchase.

What are Different Types of Forms for Filing the GST Returns?

Every individual or entity registered under the GST Act will have to file a monthly GST return and annual return. The GST portal has issued 4 different types of forms for filing the GST returns:

However, in the case of small business taxpayers who have opted for a composition scheme, they are required to file the GST returns every quarter.

Note- An individual or entity having business turnover below the threshold limit of Rs. 40 lakhs do not require filing GST returns, and the same is for North-Eastern and hilly regions with the turnover below Rs. 20 lakhs.

What are the Documents Required for GSTR Filing?

Below mentioned documents are required for GSTR filing-

• List of Invoices (B2B Services, B2C Services)
• Customer GSTIN
• Type of Invoice
• Invoice Number
• Place of Supply
• GST Rate
• Taxable Value
• Amount of CGST, SGST, IGST and GST Cess applicable.
• Consolidated intra-state and inter-state sales.
• HSN wise summary details.
• Summary of requisite documents i.e. Debit and Credit Note.

What are the Benefits of GST Return Filing?

A Simple and common form for all taxes

Under the GST Act, different types of taxes are collected – IGST, CGST & SGST , and all the three taxes paid or collected is required to be recorded in a single form. The online platform for GST Return is simplified and is further proposed to be more simplified through one form of filing for recording all transactions.

Abolishes the Cascading Effect

The introduction of GST into the Indian tax system has removed several other taxes like central excise duty, service tax, customs duty, and state-level value-added tax. Thus, a single GST has abolished the cascading effect of tax on tax.

Higher Threshold Benefits

Before the introduction of Goods and Service Tax, VAT was applicable on any businesses having annual turnover of 20 lakhs. GST has provided higher threshold benefits.

Startup Benefits

Before GST, startups with an annual turnover of 5 lakh had to pay VAT which was very difficult for a startup during the initial stages. GST has replaced VAT where businesses can set off the service tax on their sales.

Offers Higher Compliance rating

To observe the compliance structure, the GST system has introduced the mechanism of compliance rating. This is where all the registered entities/individuals are provided grading based on their invariability of fulfilling the compliance and payment of taxes. The rating of entity’s/individual’s compliance is publicly available on the website and a unique taxpayer is ranked with higher compliance ratings.

E-commerce for the Quick Supply of Goods

With the increase in competition, every business is making a strong presence online offering its services and products through their websites. Under VAT, there were many types of VAT laws and compliances that are required to be followed that were very complicated and often resulted in the confiscation of goods by the Authority. Whereas the GST has now removed all such confusing processes and has made the E-commerce business easy.

Regulations and Accountability

Before GST implication, the period was witnessed as an unorganized tax filing system. With the introduction of GST, all the taxes are paid online and major inconvenience that was a part of tax filing has been eliminated. This has resulted in businesses becoming more responsible and tax filing laws are better regulated than earlier.

An Explanation on Categories of GST Return Filing in India

• GSTR-1-Description of Outward supplies

  GSTR-1 is a return filed monthly by the businesses to provide the details of the outward supplies of all services and goods. Every individual /entity registered under GST should file GSTR-1 except Input service distributor and Composition taxpayer. The return shall be filed even if there is no business activity.

  Due Date- The due date for filing GSTR-1 is the 11th of the next month with effect from October 2018 until September 2020

• GSTR-2 and GSTR-3 SUSPENDED
• GSTR-2A

  GSTR-2A is the return of particulars of all the inward supplies of goods/services, that is, purchases made by registered suppliers. This return is auto-filled and read only return, where the data will be fetched from the GSTR-1 filed by the supplier.

  Due Date- This form is filed by 15th of every month

• GSTR-3B

  GSTR-3B is a monthly self-declaration form that helps in providing systemize details of all outward stocks made, input tax credit claimed, tax account defined, and taxes paid. The form is registered by all normal taxpayers enrolled under GST.

  Due Date- Every 20th of next month for taxpayers with an aggregate turnover in the previous financial year more than Rs 5 crore. (From January 2020 onwards). However, the taxpayers having aggregate turnover equal to or below Rs 5 crore, shall file by 22nd of next month for taxpayers in category X states/Union Territories and 24th of next month for taxpayers in category Y states/Union Territories.

• GSTR-4

  GSTR-4 is the return for the taxpayer who opts for the 'Composition Scheme' under GST. GSTR-4 returns which has been replaced by CMP-08.

  Due Date- 18th of the month succeeding the quarter

• GSTR-5

  GSTR-5 return is to be filed by Non-resident foreign taxpayers carrying business transactions in India. It acquires all outward supplies made; inward stocks received, credit/debit notes, tax liability, and taxes paid.

  Due Date-Monthly (20th of the next month)

• GSTR-6

  GSTR-6 is a monthly return filed by an 'Input Service Distributor'. It will acknowledge the details of input tax credit received and distributed by the ISD.

  Due Date-Monthly (13th of the next month)

• GSTR-7

  GSTR-7 is a Return for government authorities deducting tax at source (TDS). The return contains the particulars of TDS deducted, the TDS liability payable, and paid and TDS refund claimed if any.

  Due Date-Monthly (10th of the next month)

• GSTR-8

  GSTR-8 is a monthly return that has to be filed by E-commerce operators registered under the GST (Tax Collected at Source). It will contain particulars of all supplies made through the E-commerce platform, and the TCS received on the same.

  Due Date-Monthly (10th of the next month)

• GSTR-9

  It is the annual return to be filed by a normal taxpayer under GST.

  Due Date-Annually (31ST December of the next Financial Year)

• GSTR-9A

  GSTR-9A is an annual return to be filed by taxpayers registered under the 'Composition Scheme' levy anytime during the year.

  Due Date-Annually (31ST December of the next Financial Year)

• GSTR-9C

  GSTR-9C is the reconciliation statement to be filed by all taxpayers.

  Due Date-Annually (31ST December of the next Financial Year)

• GSTR-10

  GSTR-10 is to be filed by a taxpayer whose GST registration has been cancelled or surrendered.

  Due Date-Within 3 months from the date of cancellation or date of cancellation of the order, whichever is earlier.

• GSTR-11

  GSTR-11 is the return to be filed by a taxpayer who has been allotted a Unique Identity Number (UIN) to claim a refund under GST.

  Due Date- 28th of the month following the month for which statement is filed

Why Invoices are Important while Filing the GST Return?

If you obtain a GST listed business, you require providing GST-complaint invoices to your clients for the sale of goods and services. Your GST listed merchants will provide GST-compliant buying invoices to you. You can personalize your bill with your company’s logo. A tax invoice is generally assigned to load the tax and pass on the input tax credit. A GST return filing Invoice must have the subsequent necessary fields-

• Invoice figures and days
• Customer title
• Transportation and billing location
• Client and taxpayer’s GSTIN
• Area of supply
• HSN / SAC code
• Item details, i.e. classification, quantity (number), unit (meter, kg,etc.), the total amount
• Taxable value and discounts
• Rate and volume of taxes, i.e. CGST/ SGST/ IGST
• Whether GST is payable on the reverse charge basis
• Signature of the supplier

What is the Procedure for Filing GST Return?

GST Return filing is a detailed filing process that includes three major steps that are to be followed by every GST Taxpayer.

STEP 1: Collecting the Documents and Invoices.

All registered taxpayers are required to collect the requisite documents and invoices to upload their annual return invoices on the GST portal. All the documents and invoices will have to be maintained electronically.

Step 2: Preparation for Online GST Return Filing

All the information and documents are required to start preparing for your GST returns first. Either the taxpayer or the expert appointed by him/her will maintain the invoice records and by month-end, he/she can easily file the GST returns electronically on the GST portal.

STEP 3: Major Pre-compliances before Filing the GST Return

• The initial step before filing the GST return will be to review the GST filing and records before submission.
• The second step is the confirmation that the records, invoices, and documents are good to go.
• Once the documents are cross-checked, File the online GST returns.
• The ARN number will be generated once the return is filed successfully.

Penalty for not Filing GST Returns Timely

Delayed GST Return Filing may have a delusional effect leading to substantial fines and punishment. If GST return filings have been not filed within the designated time, then the taxpayers would have to pay interests and the late fee. Moreover, an interest of 18% per annum would be responsible. Nonetheless, the taxpayer can calculate the interest on the amount of outstanding tax to be paid. The Late fee includes Rs. 100 per day per Act, concurrently it is Rs. 100 under CGST & Rs. 100 under SGS, in total, it amounts to Rs. 200 per day. The maximum amount will result in Rs. 5000. (Not applicable to the Integrated Goods and Services Act).

How Corpbiz will help you!

Highlights of GST Return Filing- 2020

• The GST council has increased the GST Rates from 12% to 18% on Mobile phones applicable from 1st April 2020.
• The government has declared a big relief to GST taxpayers, i.e. For the Form GSTR-3B, the maximum late fee is limited to Rs 500 per return. The relief is applicable for the tax period in between July 2017 to July 2020, provided the returns are filed before 30the September 2020.
• The last filing date for GSTR-9C and GSTR-9 for financial year 2018-19 is up to 30th September 2020.
• The government attempts to grant a waiver in late fee for not filing FORM GSTR-10 in due course, stipulatory that the returns are filed between September 22, 2020 to December 31 2020.
• The government attempts to grant a waiver in late fee for non-compliance of Form GSTR-4 for the Financial Year 2017-18 and 2018-19, stipulatory that the return is filed between September 22, 2020, to October 31, 2020.
• The government has offered abatement in late fees to Taxpayers furnishing Form GSTR-4 or GSTR-10.
• Recently, the Government has declared that from 1st October 2020, businesses with turnover above INR 500 Crores are required to start ‘e-invoicing under GST’ for their business to business (B2B) supplies & exports.
• From July 2020, 0% Interest being charged for delayed tax paid and no Late fees to be charged on GSTR 3B, if the returns for companies with annual turnover less than or equal to 5 crores are filed within their due dates.

Note- However, if the returns are filed post the due date the interest charged will be 9% until 30th September 2020. After that date, it will be 18% normally.

Can a Taxpayer Revise the Invoices issued before GST Returns Filing?

A taxpayer can analyze invoices that appeared before the GST Return Filing. Under the GST administration, all the dealers must beg for provisional delegation before getting the changeless registration certificate. As a dealer, you need to issue an updated invoice against the invoices previously issued. The revised invoice has to be issued within1-month from the date of issuance of the registration certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions