GST Return Filing — Complete Guide to Monthly, Quarterly and Annual GST Returns

GSTR-1 is a monthly or quarterly return containing details of all outward supplies of goods and services. It includes invoice-level details such as GSTIN of recipient, invoice number, date, taxable value, and tax amount.

Taxpayers with turnover up to Rs. 5 crores can opt for quarterly filing under QRMP. Taxpayers above Rs. 5 crores must file monthly. The due date for monthly GSTR-1 is the 11th of the following month.

Proper and timely filing of GSTR-1 is crucial as it determines the input tax credit available to your customers. Our GST experts ensure accuracy in all GSTR-1 filings.

GSTR-3B is a monthly summary return declaring total outward supplies, input tax credit claimed, and net tax payable. Unlike GSTR-1 which requires invoice-level details, GSTR-3B is a consolidated summary.

GSTR-3B must be filed by the 20th of the following month. After filing, the taxpayer must pay the net tax liability through the cash ledger. Late payment attracts 18% interest per annum.

It is essential to ensure that figures in GSTR-3B match GSTR-1. Mismatches trigger departmental notices. Our team handles complete GSTR-3B preparation and filing.

GSTR-9 is the annual return consolidating all monthly or quarterly returns filed during the financial year. It must be filed by December 31 of the following financial year.

Taxpayers with turnover above Rs. 5 crores must also file GSTR-9C (reconciliation statement) certified by a Chartered Accountant. GSTR-9 provides an opportunity to rectify errors from monthly returns.

Additional tax liability arising from the annual return can be paid with interest. Excess ITC can also be claimed in the annual return.

Composition dealers file CMP-08 quarterly by the 18th of the month following the quarter. The annual return (GSTR-4) must be filed by April 30 of the following financial year.

Composition dealers cannot claim ITC and cannot issue tax invoices. They issue a bill of supply instead. Our team advises whether the composition scheme suits your business.

Monthly GSTR-1: 11th. Quarterly GSTR-1 (QRMP): 13th of month following quarter. GSTR-3B: 20th monthly or 24th quarterly. GSTR-9: December 31.

Late fee: Rs. 50 per day (Rs. 25 CGST + Rs. 25 SGST). For NIL returns: Rs. 25 per day. Interest at 18% per annum on net tax liability.

Mismatch between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B figures is the most common mistake. Incorrect HSN or SAC code selection leads to wrong GST rate. Missing ITC claim deadlines is another frequent error.

Our GST lawyers help avoid these costly mistakes through systematic filing processes and regular reconciliations.