When GST was introduced in 2017, it claimed to make the Indian tax ecosystem a little less confusing for all. However, for businesses, one challenge stood tall still. Case in point: Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims.
For, with countless invoices and supplier dependencies to look after, reconciliation was bound to become a nightmare. In case a supplier forgets to file on time, your ITC could even be denied, leading to cash flow problems and even penalties.
That’s where GSTR-2B steps in. Originally introduced in August 2020, it’s a static, auto-drafted statement that makes ITC matching easier and more reliable. Let’s deduce what GSTR-2B means and what exactly makes it a must-have for smooth GST compliance, shall we?
What Does GSTR-2B Means?
GSTR-2B means a monthly, auto-generated, fixed ITC statement available to every GST-registered taxpayer. It summarizes all your inward supplies (purchases) as declared by your suppliers in GSTR-1 (regular outward supplies), GSTR-5 (non-resident taxable persons), and GSTR-6 (Input Service Distributors) returns of a specific tax period.
In this regard, what sets GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B apart is the latter’s static nature. Once generated, the data for that particular period does not change, regardless of any subsequent supplier action.
GSTR-2B form also serves as the first source of reference for claiming ITC in your GSTR-3B return. To know how to file GSTR-3B on the GST portal.
Key Takeaways:
- GSTR-2B form is a statement of sorts, not a return to be filed. It is used to reconcile and claim ITC.
- It is auto-generated by the GST portal for every regular taxpayer.
- It is based on data uploaded by your suppliers, including imports and ISD credits.
When Was GSTR-2B Form Made Available?
GSTR-2B return was launched by the Indian government in August 2020. Prior to this, the taxpayers used to rely on GSTR-2A, a dynamic ITC statement that updated in real-time as suppliers uploaded new invoices.
However, this dynamic nature of GSTR-2A meant no stability for reconciliation and ever-changing data even post returns submission. GSTR-2B was designed to address this by providing a static, monthly snapshot of ITC, giving businesses certainty for return filing.
GSTR-2B Generation Date, Due Date & Filing Frequency
To know more about GSTR-2B due date, generation date, and filing frequency, keep reading…
- GSTR-2B Generation Date: GSTR-2B generation date falls on the 14th of the consecutive month. As an example, GSTR-2B for June 2025 will get generated and published on the GST portal by July 14, 2025.
- GSTR-2B Due Date: GSTR-2B form is not a return. Therefore, there’s no such thing as a GSTR-2B due date of filing. The form rather serves as a statement that you can use to file your GSTR-3B return (usually due on the 20th of the month).
- Filing Frequency: GSTR-2B is generated monthly for all regular taxpayers of India.
What are the Key Features of GSTR-2B?
GSTR-2B form is packed with sundry features that make it a powerful tool for ITC reconciliation. Some of them are mentioned below for your convenience…
1. Static Data
GSTR-2B is an ITC statement that, once generated, does not change during the tax period in question. This attribute makes businesses operate on definite data in a given duration and avoid last-minute shock or misunderstanding. This also makes reconciliation more credible because any alterations caused by late filings or amendments made by suppliers get transferred to the next month’s GSTR-2B.
2. Comprehensive Coverage
The GSTR-2B return is prepared based on data obtained from a variety of sources, such as GSTR-1, GSTR-5, GSTR-6, and ICEGATE (Indian Customs EDI Gateway) import data. It also includes all inward supplies, including B2B, ISD credits, imports, and supplies from SEZ units, offering a comprehensive view of ITC eligibility.
3. Supplier-Wise & Document-Wise Details
GSTR-2B is a detailed statement of each and every individual transaction, be it an invoice, a credit note, or a debit note. It also presents vital details like supplier GSTIN, invoice number, invoice date, value, and tax amount. This helps businesses screen entries and match them for ITC claims in an effective manner.
4. ITC Eligibility Classification
GSTR-2B classifies input tax credit in three distinct categories, namely, eligible, ineligible, and reversal required. This division assists companies to be cautious of false ITC claims and make sure that GST laws are adhered to at all times. It also makes decision-making much easier when filing a return and minimizes the chances of a penalty in case of wrong claims.
5. Advisory Notes
This statement consists of advisory notes that give guidance to taxpayers on how to report each item in the GSTR-3B return. The notes caution against potential differences and suggest what companies should do to eliminate them, so the records are correct and there is no misalignment between GSTR-2B and GSTR-3B.
6. Section-Wise GSTR-2B Download
GSTR-2B download can now be performed in parts, where users have the option to either download the entire e-statement or download specific information, like B2B transactions, import details, ISD credits, etc., in Excel or PDF format.
This provision makes the review process more efficient, as companies do not need to review all the information, but only those data points that may be more relevant to them.
What are the Benefits of GSTR-2B?
GSTR-2B offers a host of benefits that make it an indispensable tool for GST compliance. Keep reading, as we list them for you…
Accurate ITC Claims
GSTR-2B plays a significant role in improving the accuracy of ITC claims because it prevents the availing of credit on invoices that are not uploaded by suppliers. This reduces the probability of mistakes, like making claims twice or missing out on possible credits, thus enhancing the integrity of tax returns.
Reduces Manual Effort
Since the information presented in GSTR-2B does not change post-generation, companies no longer need to continuously download or compare data to monitor changes. This in-built automation increases the effectiveness of ITC reconciliation and saves precious time, all while decreasing the likelihood of human mistakes in ITC matching and reporting.
Improves Compliance
GSTR-2B helps businesses remain within the confines of GST laws by distinguishing between eligible and non-eligible ITC. This minimizes their chances of getting GST notices, audits, and penalties, all while offering an open audit trail per tax period.
Enhances Transparency
GSTR-2B provides an auditable, transparent account of the ITC eligibility, making it convenient for businesses to track the source of each credit. This transparency plays an important role in the case of internal audits and as a means to prove compliance with tax authorities.
ClearTax GST
Starting Price
Price on Request
Supports Financial Planning
Business may manage their cash flows and plan their tax obligations better when they have quality data available to them in time. GSTR-2B also makes it easier for them to predict the next outflows of taxes, which is necessary for budgeting and making financial decisions.
Prevents ITC Duplication
Through the rejection of credits that have been previously claimed or are ineligible under this statement, it aids businesses in preventing the overlapping of ITC claims. This minimizes compliance risks and makes sure that businesses do not accidentally fall foul of the GST rules.
Easy Integration
You can transfer data from this return statement into sundry GST software platforms like Zoho Books, Tally, or ClearTax GST, in a bid to automate reconciliation, reporting, and compliance. This is ideal for companies that have large volumes of transactions to look after, as it makes bulk data handling easy.
What Does the GSTR-2B Format Look Like?
The GSTR-2B format is designed for clarity and ease of use. Here’s what it typically includes…
| GSTR-2B Format (Sections) | Field Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier Details | Supplier GSTIN | GST Identification Number of the supplier |
| Supplier Name | Legal/Trade name of the supplier | |
| Supplier State | State from which the supply is made | |
| Document Details | Document type | Invoice, Debit Note, Credit Note, etc. |
| Document Number | Unique number as per supplier’s records | |
| Document Date | Date of invoice/credit note/debit note | |
| Tax Details | Taxable Value | Value of goods/services on which GST is charged |
| IGST Amount | Integrated GST amount | |
| CGST Amount | Central GST amount | |
| SGST/UTGST Amount | State/Union Territory GST amount | |
| Cess Amount | GST Cess, if applicable | |
| ITC Details | ITC Eligibility | Eligible, Ineligible, or Reversal required |
| Ineligible Reason | Reason for ineligibility (e.g., Section 17(5) blocked credit, reverse charge, etc.) | |
| ITC Available | Amount of ITC available for the document | |
| ITC Ineligible | Amount of ITC ineligible for the document | |
| ITC to be Reversed | Amount of ITC to be reversed, if any | |
| Import/ISD Data | Import of Goods/Services | Details of imports as fetched from ICEGATE |
| ISD Credit | Credits distributed by Input Service Distributor (ISD) | |
| Other Details | Place of Supply | State/UT where goods/services are supplied |
| Reverse Charge | Whether supply is under reverse charge (Yes/No) | |
| Advisory Notes | System-generated remarks/advisory for each document (For example, action to be taken in GSTR-3B) |
How Is The GSTR-2B Return Generated?
The process of generating GSTR-2B return is automated and systematic…
- Supplier Filings: Your suppliers file their GSTR-1 (outward supplies), GSTR-5 (non-resident taxable persons), and GSTR-6 (ISD) returns for the relevant period.
- Data Aggregation: The GST portal aggregates all data linked to your GSTIN from these filings.
- Import Data: Import transactions are fetched from ICEGATE and included in GSTR-2B.
- Static Statement Generation: The portal generates GSTR-2B by the 14th of the following month.
- Availability: You can review it and initiate the GSTR-2B download on the GST portal.
How to Access GSTR-2B on the GST Portal?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to access GSTR-2B on the GST portal…
Step 1: Log in to the GST portal.
Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Returns Dashboard’.
Step 3: Select the relevant financial year and month.
Step 4: Click on the ‘GSTR-2B’ tile right under the ‘Returns’ section.
Step 5: View, filter, or initiate GSTR-2B download in Excel or PDF format for successful reconciliation.
How to Use GSTR-2B for ITC Reconciliation?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the GSTR-2B form for ITC reconciliation…
- You first need to perform a GSTR-2B download from the GST portal for the relevant month.
- Reconcile the data with your purchase records in your accounting system.
- Identify eligible and ineligible ITC as per the statement.
- Communicate with suppliers for any missing or incorrect entries.
- Use the reconciled ITC figures from GSTR-2B to fill in the ITC section of your GSTR-3B return.
- File GSTR-3B on the GST portal using ITC details from GSTR-2B.
What’s the Difference Between GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B?
The distinction between GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B is rather clear-cut. While GSTR-2A is dynamic, updated in real time, and is used mainly to facilitate ongoing tracking, GSTR-2B form, on the other hand, is static, generated monthly, and serves as the primary reference for ITC claims in GSTR-3B.
To get an in-depth understanding of all the major differences between GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B, refer to the table below…
| Feature | GSTR-2A | GSTR-2B |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Dynamic (real-time updates) | Static (unchanged for period) |
| Data Source | GSTR-1, GSTR-5, GSTR-6 | GSTR-1, GSTR-5, GSTR-6 |
| Update Frequency | Continuous | Once per month (14th) |
| ITC Eligibility Marked | No | Yes (eligible/ineligible) |
| Use for ITC Claims | Reference only | Primary source for GSTR-3B |
| Download Option | Yes | Yes |
| Advisory Notes | No | Yes |
| Import Data | Yes | Yes |
| Section-Wise Download | Yes | Yes |
For more information on GSTR-2A,
Suggested Read: What is GSTR-2A: Know Its Format, Benefits & Filing Process
Conclusion
Now that you know what GSTR-2B means and how it revolutionizes ITC reconciliation and GST compliance in India, we hope, as a responsible businessman, you will make it your go-to tool for ITC management.
Mastering GSTR-2B, with the laws of GST in a state of constant change, is not only a checkbox on your compliance list, but your secret weapon. So, don’t just use it, own it, and let it fuel your growth.
FAQs
Is GSTR-2B for sale or purchase?
GSTR-2B is related to purchases. It shows input tax credit (ITC) available based on your suppliers’ sales (GSTR-1) and other filings.
How to reconcile GSTR-2B?
GSTR-2B is reconciled by matching it with your purchase records to ensure all eligible input tax credit is correctly claimed and any mismatches are resolved.
How do I check my GST-2B?
You can check your GSTR-2B by logging into the GST portal, navigating to Returns > GSTR-2B, selecting the relevant month, and downloading the statement as an Excel or PDF file.
What is the difference between GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B?
GSTR-2A is a dynamic report that updates as suppliers file returns, while GSTR-2B is a static monthly statement used for accurate ITC reconciliation
Is GSTR-2B auto-populated?
Yes, GSTR-2B is auto-populated by the GST portal based on suppliers’ filings like GSTR-1, GSTR-5, GSTR-6, and import data from ICEGATE.
Is it mandatory to file GSTR-2B?
No, GSTR-2B is not mandatory to file, but it is essential for accurate ITC reconciliation and is the government-recommended source for ITC claims in GSTR-3B.
How would late filing of GSTR-1 impact your GSTR-2B form?
If your supplier files GSTR-1 after the cut-off date, those invoices will appear in the next month’s GSTR-2B.
Can I claim ITC on invoices not in GSTR-2B?
Technically, ITC should be claimed only on invoices appearing in GSTR-2B. Claiming ITC on invoices not reflected can lead to mismatches and possible GST notices.
Can we file the GSTR-2B return without a CA?
Yes, GSTR-2B can be accessed without the assistance of a CA. Any registered taxpayer can view it directly on the GST portal.
Written by
Yashika Aneja 
Yashika Aneja is a Senior Content Writer at Techjockey, with over 5 years of experience in content creation and management. From writing about normal everyday affairs to profound fact-based stories on wide-ranging themes, including environment, technology, education, politics, social media, travel, lifestyle so on and so forth, she... Read more
Previous 
