Summary: Every GST registered business must file an annual or monthly GST return. Learn how to file GST return online correctly and on time so that you can avoid any penalties.
After the launch of GST (Goods and Services tax) in 2017, every business registered under the GST must file annual and quarterly (or monthly) returns depending on the type of business. Today, whether you are doing any online business, or a reseller, manufacturer, or service provider, you need to file GST returns in a prescribed format.
Now, thanks to the internet, we have the privilege to file GST returns online at our comfort. In this blog, we will look at what exactly GST returns are, their types, and how to file GST returns online.
What is a GST Return?
A GST return is an official document that contains information about all sales, taxes received on sales, purchases, and taxes paid on purchases. This document also mentions all the GST invoices, receipts and payments for a specific period.
These details are used by tax authorities to calculate net tax liability. So, the registered dealer must file GST returns, that include:
- Sales
- Purchases
- Input tax credit
- Output GST
Who Should File a GST Return?
According to the GST Act, businesses which have an annual aggregate turnover of more than 5 Crore and taxpayers who didn’t opt for QRMP scheme must file two returns every month and one return annually. This means 25 returns a year.
Moreover, taxpayers with over 5 crore turnover can file returns under QRMP scheme. They must file 9 GSTR every year, which consists of 4 GSTR-3B, 4 GSTR-1 returns and one annual return. You can download these GST forms online.
What are the Types of GST Returns?
There are various types of GST returns under the new GST law. These are the type of GST returns along with the due date for filing returns along with the required frequency for filing.
| Return Form | Due date | Frequency |
| GSTR-1 | 11th of the following month | Monthly |
| GSTR-2 | 15th of the following month | Monthly |
| GSTR-3 | 30th of the following month | Monthly |
| GSTR-4 | 30th of the month following financial year | Quarterly |
| GSTR-5 | 20th of the next month | Monthly |
| GSTR-6 | 13th of the next month | Monthly |
| GSTR-7 | 10th of the following month | Monthly |
| GSTR-8 | 10th of the following month | Monthly |
| GSTR-9 | 31st of December in the next fiscal year | Annual |
| GSTR-10 | Within the three months of the cancellation date or date of cancellation order, whichever is later | After the GST registration is cancelled |
| GSTR-11 | 28th of the month, following the month for which the statement was filed | Monthly |
What are the Dates to File GST Return?
Below are some of the important GST start dates and return due dates to look at:
GSTR-1
| GST Return 1 | Period | Due date |
| IFF Optional | January 2024 (Monthly) | 13th February 2024 |
| Up to INR 1.5 Crore | Jan-March 2024 (Quarterly) | 13th April 2024 |
| More than 1.5 Crore | January 2024 (Monthly) | 11th February 2024 |
GSTR-3B
| GST Return 3B | Period | Due date |
| More than 5 Crore | January 2024 (Monthly) | 20th February 2024 |
| Up to INR 5 Crore (previous FY) | January 2024 (Opted monthly) | 20th April 2024 |
| Up to INR 5 Crore (Group 1) | Jan-March 2024 (Quarterly) | 22nd April 2024 |
| Up to INR 5 Crore (Group 2) | Jan-March 2024 (Quarterly) | 24th April 2024 |
GSTR 4
| GST Return 4 | Period | Due date |
| Annual return | 2023-24 (Yearly) | 30th April 2024 |
GSTR 5
| GST Return 5 | Period | Due date |
| Non-residence foreign taxpayers | January 2024 (Monthly) | 13th February 2024 |
GSTR 5A
| GST Return 5A | Period | Due date |
| NRI OIDAR Service provider | January 2024 (Monthly) | 20th February 2024 |
GSTR 6
| GST Return 6 | Period | Due date |
| Input service distributor | January 2024 (Monthly) | 13th February 2024 |
GSTR 7
| GST Return 7 | Period | Due date |
| Input service distributor | January 2024 (Monthly) | 10th February 2024 |
GSTR 8
| GST Return 8 | Period | Due date |
| TCS collector | January 2024 (Monthly) | 10th February 2024 |
GSTR 9
| GST Return 9 | Period | Due date |
| Annual return (More than 2 crore) | 2023-24 (Yearly) | 31st December 2024 |
GSTR 9C
| GST Return 9C | Period | Due date |
| Audit return (More than 5 Crore) | 2023-24 (Yearly) | 31st December 2024 |
How to Check GST Return Status?
The official GST portal allows you to track the status of GST returns and there are three ways you can check it- through “Return Filing Period” option, “Status” option and “ARN” option. Let’s discuss how you can check GST status online using these methods.
Check GST Status Online through ARN Method
- Visit https://www.gst.gov.in/ and log in using your credentials
- Go to the top menu and click on the “Services” tab
- Now select “Returns” option and click on the “Track Return Status”
- Select “ARN” option
- Now enter the ARN in the provided field
- Click the “Search” button to know the status of your return
Check Status through Return Filing Period Method
- Visit https://www.gst.gov.in/ and log in using your credentials
- Go to the top menu and click on the “Services” tab
- Now select “Returns” option and click on the “Track Return Status”
- Select “Return Filing Period” option
- Now select the return filing period and financial year form the boxes
- Click the “Search” button to know the status of your return
Check GST status online through Status Method
- Visit https://www.gst.gov.in/ and log in using your credentials
- Go to the top menu and click on the “Services” tab
- Now select “Returns” option and click on the “Track Return Status”
- Select “Status” option
- Now select the status of return form the drop-down box
- Click the “Search” button to know the status of your return
How to File GST Return Online: A Step-By-Step Guide
Whether you’re a manufacturer, supplier, dealer, or consumer, you need to file your tax returns with the GST department. You can now file your GST returns online using the software or apps provided by the Goods and Service Tax Network (GSTN). Here’s a step-by-step guide on GST filing procedure:
Step 1: Head over to the GST portal at www.gst.gov.in
Step 2: Log into the GST portal and go to the “Services” tab located on the GST dashboard
Step 3: Within the “Services” menu, locate and select the “Returns Dashboard” option
Step 4: Now, select the “Financial Year” and “Return Filing Period,” then click on the “Search” button
Step 5: After the search, various sections of GST returns will appear. Select the “Prepare Online” option and identify the specific GST return for filing
Step 6: Fill in the necessary details within the online GSTR form
Step 7: Once all details are entered, click on the “Submit” option and make the online GST payment using the appropriate challan
Step 8: After the successful submission of GSTR, a confirmation message “Filing Successful” will appear, along with the ARN (Acknowledgement Reference Number) will appear. Keep this ARN as a reference for future use.
Best Software for GST Return Filing
Here are some of the popular GST software that can aid you with GST return filings. These tools can simplify the GST filing process, create invoices & bills, and track your account details. With GST return filing tools, you can rest assured that your business is in good hands.
- Tally Prime: Tally Prime is trusted software by millions of users. It has a comprehensive set of GST and accounting management features which are ideal for complex business requirements.
- Zoho Books: A cloud-based and pocket-friendly software that easily integrates with other Zoho apps. It is ideal for startups and small businesses.
- myBillBook: Offers a simple and intuitive interface, affordable plans, GST e-invoicing and e-way bill generation features, making it ideal for freelancers and micro-businesses.
- Vyapar Billing Software: Vyapar comes with multiple features for tax calculation, GST compliance, sales tracking, and more. You can also generate custom bill designs that suit your business.
- ClearTax: Clear Tax is GST filing software with a user-friendly interface. This tool is ideal for beginners and offers a strong mobile app, accurate data reports, and excellent customer support.
Conclusion
Filing GST returns online has become a streamlined process, thanks to digitalization. It has enabled businesses to fulfil their tax obligations efficiently. With various types of GST returns and respective due dates, businesses can stay compliant while filing return online.
In their journey of filing their returns, using the right software can simplify the process and offer accuracy and timely submission. With the help of accounting software, businesses can automate various aspects of the process, such as data entry, tax calculation, transaction, and invoice recording, etc.
By online filing methods and leveraging available resources, businesses can navigate the GST framework seamlessly, contributing to a robust tax ecosystem.
FAQs Related to How to File GST Returns Online
How to file GST return?
To file return in GST, log in to the GST portal online, upload invoices, and submit returns online through the prescribed forms.
Can I file GST return myself?
Yes, you can file GST returns yourself by following the step-by-step guidelines provided by the GSTN.
How often do I need to file GST returns?
The frequency of filing GST returns depends on the type of business and its turnover. It can range from monthly to annually.
How much does it cost to file GST return?
The cost of filing GST returns can vary depending on whether you choose to file it yourself or use a professional service. There might be nominal charges for using online filing platforms or software.
Why should we file GST returns?
Filing GST returns is mandatory for businesses registered under the GST regime. It ensures compliance with tax laws and facilitates the seamless flow of input tax credit throughout the supply chain.
Can anyone file GST returns?
Registered businesses under the GST regime are required to file GST returns. However, individuals and entities not registered under GST are not obligated to file returns.
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Written by
Shubham Roy
Shubham Roy is an experienced writer with a strong Technical and Business background. With over three years of experience as a content writer, he has honed his skills in various domains, including technical writing, business, software, Travel, Food and finance. His passion for creating engaging and informative content... Read more
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