How to File GSTR-3B on ClearTax – Complete Process Explained

Being a business owner, a tax consultant, or a finance manager, you might be looking for easy ways to file GST returns. GSTR-3B is one of the GST returns that is to be filed by every regular taxpayer.

You might find filing GSTR-3B a daunting task, but it’s made easier with some easy-to-use GST software. Not only filing, but filing with accuracy is the main goal, and ClearTax is a prime tool for achieving it.

This tool lets you perform this job using two methods: Summary Mode and Invoice Import Mode.

This blog will explain to you in detail how to file GST return 3B using ClearTax. Let’s first get into a brief of what GSTR-3B is.

What is GSTR-3B?

GSTR-3B is a self-declared GST return that has to be filed by every regular taxpayer on a monthly basis.

What does it contain?

• Details of outward supplies
• Details of inward supplies
• Eligible Input Tax Credit
• Tax payable
• Tax paid

It’s crucial to file this return accurately in order to keep your business in compliance and avoid any heavy penalties.

Suggested Read:How to File GSTR-3B Online – A Step-by-Step Guide

Why File GSTR-3B on ClearTax?

Here are a few benefits of why to use ClearTax for filing GSTR-3B:

• It reduces manual entries and calculation errors.
• Auto-calculation of tax liabilities and ITC saves time.
• You can integrate it with any third-party accounting software like Busy, Zoho Books, etc.
• It has an intuitive interface that makes filing faster and easier.
• It keeps you compliant with GST regulations.

How To File GSTR-3B on ClearTax?

ClearTax offers two modes to prepare and file GSTR-3B:

1. Summary Mode: This option is Best if you don’t have detailed invoice data and want to enter summary values directly.
2. Invoice Import Mode: You can use this option if you have invoice data in your accounting software or on ClearTax and want ClearTax to auto-fill your return.

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Method 1: Filing GSTR-3B Using Summary Mode

If you don’t have invoice-level data ready or your accounting process is simple, you can use the Summary Mode. Here’s how:

Step 1: Log in and select your business

• Open ClearTax GST and log in to your account.
• Choose the business you want to file GSTR-3B for.
• Click on ‘GST RETURNS’.

Step 2: Select GSTR-3B and Summary Mode

• Under the GST Filings tab, select ‘GSTR-3B’.
• Choose ‘Summary Mode’ when prompted.

Step 3: Import or manually enter data

• You can:
• Enter your sales, purchase, and tax data manually.
• Import data directly from software like Tally/Busy or download data from the GST portal.
• Pick the month you’re filing for.

Step 4: Fill in summary data

• Click ‘Enter Summary data’.
• Enter details like outward taxable supplies, inward supplies liable to reverse charge, eligible ITC, exempt supplies, etc.
• Use the ‘Explain this’ option beside each field if you’re unsure what to fill.

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Step 5: Review and edit

• After entering data, click ‘Save’.
• The software will show a summary of all entries.
• Edit any field if required.

Step 6: Upload data to the GST Portal

• Click ‘UPLOAD TO GSTN’ to send your prepared data to the GST portal.

Step 7: Calculate and pay your tax

• ClearTax helps calculate your GST payment liability by syncing data from the GST portal. Click ‘Download Ledger Data from GSTN’ to view:
• Tax summary
• Challan details
• Offset liability calculation
• Pay your tax directly on the GST Portal.

Step 8: Offset liability and file a return

• Once the tax payment is done, perform the ‘Offset Liability’ step on the GST portal.
• Finally, submit and file your GSTR-3B.
• That’s it! You’ve successfully filed your GSTR-3B using Summary Mode.

Method 2: Filing GSTR-3B Using Invoice Import Mode

If you maintain detailed invoice-level data or use accounting software, Invoice Import Mode is the smarter option. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Select Invoice Import Mode

• Log in to ClearTax GST.
• Choose ‘GSTR-3B’ and then ‘Invoice Import Mode’.

Step 2: Import your invoices

• Click on ‘Upload Excel’ to bulk upload your sales and purchase invoices.
• If using Tally, apply the Clear Tally Patch to make your data compatible.
• You can also import directly if you’ve created invoices on ClearTax.

Step 3: Validate imported invoices

• After uploading, your dashboard shows:
• Total number of invoices
• Number of passed invoices
• Number of failed invoices (with errors highlighted)
• Click on the red-highlighted cells to correct errors and then ‘Revalidate’.

Step 4: Review sales and purchase data

• Click on ‘Sales Data’ to view or add sales invoices.
• Click on ‘Purchase Data’ to view or add purchase invoices.

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Step 5: Claim Input Tax Credit (ITC)

• Click on ‘Claim ITC’ to choose which purchase invoices you’ll claim ITC on.
• Define each invoice line as Input, Input Service, Capital Goods, or Ineligible.
• Decide whether you want to claim 100% ITC or a partial.
• For multiple invoices, use the bulk action feature to apply the same category and claim values.
• Save your ITC selections using ‘Save ITC Values’.

Step 6: Autofill GSTR-3B form

• Click on the ‘Autofill Now’ button to auto-populate your GSTR-3B form.
• You can edit any field manually if required.

Step 7: Upload data to the GST Portal

• Click ‘Upload to GSTN’ to send your completed GSTR-3B form.

Step 8: Calculate & pay tax

• ClearTax calculates your GST liability and breaks it down into IGST, CGST, SGST, and late fees (if any).
• Make the actual tax payment on the GST Portal.

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Step 9: Offset liability and file a return

• Perform ‘Offset Liability’ on the GST portal after payment.
• Log in to the GST portal and file your GSTR-3B.
• This was all about filing GSTR-3B with ClearTax using Invoice Import Mode.

Bonus Tips

• Always go through the data before you upload it to the GST portal.
• Using the built-in auto-calculate tool for ITC and tax liabilities could avoid any discrepancies.
• Sync straight-through information available in GSTN to match tax payment amounts.
• Setting up a monthly reminder before the due date could avoid late filing of GSTR-3B and penalties.
• In case you have more than one business, you should file the returns separately under each GSTIN in order to remain compliant.

ClearTax Makes GST Filing Easy

ClearTax GST isn’t just about filing returns. It offers:

• Reconciliation tools to match GSTR-2A/2B data
• Real-time tax summary to track liabilities
• Bulk import options for high invoice volumes
• Cloud-based access to manage GST compliance anytime, anywhere

Conclusion

It might sound complicated to file GSTR-3B; however, using the above guide for ClearTax can make the filing easy.

Follow the steps above and save hours every month, avoid errors, and remain GST compliant. If you are a newbie, you can book a free demo to use ClearTax; our experts are ready to help you.

Have a hassle-free GSTR filing!