Got your GSTIN and wondering what comes next? Filing GST returns on time is an ongoing compliance requirement.
What Is GST Return Filing?
GST return filing reports taxable supplies, purchases, tax liabilities and eligible input tax credit through the GST portal.
Which GST Returns Does a Small Business File?
| Return | Purpose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| GSTR-1 | Outward supplies | Monthly or quarterly |
| GSTR-3B | Summary return and tax payment | Monthly or quarterly |
| CMP-08 | Composition tax payment | Quarterly |
| GSTR-4 | Composition annual return | Annually |
| GSTR-9 | Annual return where applicable | Annually |
Monthly or Quarterly Filing: QRMP Scheme
Eligible small businesses may file certain returns quarterly while meeting applicable monthly payment requirements.
GST Return Due Dates
Due dates depend on return type, filing frequency and government notifications. Verify current dates on the GST portal.
Documents Required for GST Return Filing
- Sales invoices
- Purchase invoices and expense bills
- Credit and debit notes
- Bank statements
- Previous return acknowledgements
- Relevant GST portal records
GST Return Filing Process: Step by Step
- Collect sales and purchase records.
- Reconcile purchases with GSTR-2B.
- Prepare and file GSTR-1.
- Calculate eligible input tax credit.
- Prepare GSTR-3B.
- Pay applicable tax and submit the return.
- Save the filing acknowledgement.
GST Filing Charges for Small Businesses
Professional fees depend on invoice volume, filing frequency, registration type, reconciliation complexity and accounting work.
Late Fees and Penalties
Late filing can result in fees and interest. Read our GST late filing fees guide.
Common Filing Mistakes
- Incorrect input tax credit claims
- Missing invoices
- Forgetting nil returns
- Missing QRMP tax payments
- Ignoring pending returns
Should You File Yourself or Hire a CA?
Professional assistance can help with complex transactions and reconciliations. Book a CA for GST filing.
Final Thoughts
Maintain organised records, reconcile transactions, check deadlines and file consistently.
FAQs
Is GST return filing mandatory?
Registered taxpayers must file the returns applicable to their registration, including nil returns where required.
What is the QRMP scheme?
It permits eligible taxpayers to file certain returns quarterly while making applicable monthly tax payments.
What determines CA filing charges?
Invoice volume, return frequency and reconciliation complexity are important factors.