Chapter 11: GST Returns

Under GST, returns are statements of outward and inward supplies, tax liabilities, and credits submitted electronically on the GST Portal.

Statutory Basis: Sections 37 to 48 of the CGST Act and Rules 59 to 82 of the CGST Rules.

(a) GSTR-1 – Outward Supplies

Captures invoice-wise and debit/credit-note details.

Data auto-populates into recipients’ GSTR-2B.

Due Dates:

Monthly: 11th of next month.

Quarterly (QRMP): 13th of month following quarter.

(b) GSTR-3B – Summary Return

Declares tax liability and ITC utilisation.

Must be filed after payment of tax through cash or credit ledgers.

Due Dates:

Monthly: 20th of next month.

QRMP Scheme: 22nd or 24th (depending on State).

(c) GSTR-2B – Auto-ITC Statement

Generated on 14th of every month based on suppliers’ GSTR-1, GSTR-5, and GSTR-6.

ITC is available only as per GSTR-2B (locked statement).

Helps avoid mismatch between credit claimed and credit eligible.

Filing Workflow:

Prepare invoice data (GSTR-1).

Check auto-drafted ITC (GSTR-2B).

Discharge liability (GSTR-3B).

Reconcile books vs. returns monthly.

(a) Late Filing Fee

(Reduced rates vide Notification No. 19/2021–CT dated 1 June 2021.)

(b) Interest

18% p.a. on delayed tax payment under Section 50.

(c) Penalty

For non-filing or fraudulent reporting – up to 10% of tax due or ₹10,000, whichever higher.

Statutory Basis: Section 44 of the CGST Act and Rule 80.

Applicability

Every registered person (except casual taxable persons, non-resident taxable persons, ISDs, and TDS/TCS deductors).

Composition taxpayers file GSTR-4 (Annual) instead.

Contents of GSTR-9

Summary of outward supplies declared in GSTR-1 & 3B.

Details of ITC availed and reversed.

Tax paid and payable data.

Adjustments or amendments for the financial year.

Due Date

31 December following the end of the financial year.

Additional Form:

GSTR-9C (Annual Reconciliation Statement) to be filed by taxpayers with aggregate turnover > ₹5 crore, certified by a CA or CMA.

When Filed: When a taxpayer’s registration is cancelled or surrendered.

Purpose: To furnish details of liabilities up to the date of cancellation and close GST accountability.

Statutory Basis: Section 45 and Rule 81.

Failure to file GSTR-10 attracts notice in Form GSTR-3A and penalty under Section 47.

Return Form	Purpose	Frequency	Filed By
GSTR-1	Details of outward supplies of goods/services	Monthly (Quarterly under QRMP Scheme)	Every registered taxpayer
GSTR-2B	Auto-drafted statement of input tax credit (ITC) from suppliers	Monthly (on 14th of next month)	All recipients
GSTR-3B	Summary return for tax payment and ITC utilisation	Monthly (or Quarterly under QRMP)	All regular taxpayers
GSTR-4	Annual return for composition taxpayers	Yearly (by 30 April)	Composition dealers
GSTR-5/5A	Return for non-resident and OIDAR suppliers	Monthly	NRI/OIDAR suppliers
GSTR-6	Return for Input Service Distributor (ISD)	Monthly	ISDs
GSTR-7	Return for Tax Deducted at Source (TDS)	Monthly	Government deductors
GSTR-8	Return for Tax Collected at Source (TCS)	Monthly	E-commerce operators

Return	Late Fee (per day)	Maximum Cap per Return per Act
GSTR-1 / GSTR-3B	₹ 50 (₹ 25 CGST + ₹ 25 SGST)	₹ 5,000
Nil Return	₹ 20 (₹ 10 + ₹ 10)	₹ 500

Particulars	Details
Who files	Any registered person whose registration is cancelled
Due date	Within 3 months of cancellation or order of cancellation
Form	GSTR-10
Contents	Stock details, liability payable, ITC reversal, payment summary

Return	Purpose	Frequency / Due Date	Form
Outward Supplies	Monthly or Quarterly details of sales	11th / 13th	GSTR-1
Summary Return	Consolidated tax liability and ITC usage	20th (22nd/24th for QRMP)	GSTR-3B
ITC Statement	Auto-drafted credit from suppliers	14th of next month	GSTR-2B
Annual Return	Consolidated annual summary	31 December of next FY	GSTR-9
Final Return	For cancelled registrations	Within 3 months of cancellation	GSTR-10