Under the GST regime, the GST return is required to be filed by all persons registered under GST. In this article, we will discuss the different types of GST returns and the due dates.
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Who is required to File Return under GST?
- All registered persons under the GST irrespective of whether they have done any business activity or not. In case of no business activity, a nil return will be required to be filed.
- Persons dealing with non-GST or exempted goods or nil-rated goods.
- United Nation (UN) agencies, etc. will file GST return but only for the month in which they make purchases.
Key Features of GST Returns
- The returns under GST can be filed electronically only.
- A person can generate & prepare forms offline but he will need to file electronically.
- A common return will be needed for Central GST, State GST, Integrated GST & additional tax.
- At the common portal, the registered person will be able to file the GST return himself or through any person authorised.
- GST return once filed is not allowed to be revised. The only thing a registered person can do is to accommodate changes in next return.
Returns to be Filed by Regular Taxpayers
The normal taxpayers including casual taxpayers are required to file the following returns:
- GSTR 1 (monthly return)
- GSTR 2 (suspended)
- GSTR 3 and 3B(suspended)
- GSTR 9 (annual return)
Regular taxpayers having more than one registration in a state would have to file the following returns:
- GSTR 1 (monthly return)
- GSTR 2 (monthly return)
- GSTR 3 and 3B (monthly return)
- GSTR 8 (annual return)
Note: The First three return forms, i.e. GSTR 1, GSTR 2 and GSTR 3 is required to be filed separately for each registration whereas GSTR 8 is a common return. Those registered persons who are required get their account audited under section 44AB of Income Tax Act (Tax Audit) are also required to file a reconciliation statement certified by a Chartered Accountant.
GST Returns to be Filed by Composition Taxable Persons
Composition taxable persons are those who opted for composition scheme under GST and pay tax at a concessional rate of without availing Input Tax Credit and are required to file the following return:
- GSTR 4 (quarterly return)
- GSTR 9A (annual return)
Note: Composition taxable person can opt out of the composition scheme and can take the benefit of ITC.
Returns to be Filed by Non-Resident Taxpayers and Casual Taxpayers
Non-Resident taxpayers (other than foreigners) and Casual taxpayers are required to file the following returns for the specified period they are registered:
- GSTR 1
- GSTR 2
- GSTR 3
Non-Resident taxpayers (being foreigners) are required to file the following returns for the specified period they are registered:
- GSTR-5
Late Filing of GST Return
- GST returns is required to be filed as per the time specified under the GST Act which is mandatory, irrespective of having any business transactions in a month. Therefore, it’s recommended to file NIL GST return in cases where there no business transactions.
- The applicable Interest rate on late filing of GST return is 18% per annum, which is calculated on the basis of the outstanding tax to be paid by the taxpayer.
- The Late filing fee for GSTR 1, GSTR 3B, GSTR 4, GSTR 5 and GSTR 6 is Rupees. 50 per day if the returns are filed after the due date.
- The Late filing fee applicable for NIL returns is Rupees. 20 per day for GSTR 1, GSTR 3B, GSTR 4 and GSTR 5.
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