How to File GST Return Online in India – A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Filing GST returns has become a very important task for every businessman, freelancer and professional in India. GST (Goods and Services Tax) was implemented in 2017, which abolished many different indirect taxes and created a unified tax system in the entire country. While GST has also made the tax structure quite simple, the GST department has made it mandatory for every registered business taxpayer to file returns.

A GST return is a document that contains complete information about the sales, purchases, tax liability and input tax credit (ITC) in the business. And GST returns should be filed on time, which keeps compliance and penalties are not imposed and it is easy for the business to claim ITC. Due to the digital initiative of the government, the entire process for GST return filing has been made online, which makes registration and filing of all businesses easily and also saves time.

In this article, we will tell you that we will give you a complete step-by-step guide to file GST returns online. In which we will discuss all the types of returns, all the necessary things before filing, the process in detail on the GST portal, and in addition to this, due dates, penalties, ways to avoid mistakes, tools to simplify filing and questions related to GST return file. Whether you have read anything about the GST return file or not. With this guide, you will be able to manage GST compliance, in which you have told full clarity and you will be confident after reading.

What is GST Return?

A GST return is a document with the help of which the government has to complete the details of all business sales, purchases, how much tax came on sales, and how much GST tax has been paid on purchases and also the details of input tax credit (ITC). All GST registered businesses in India have to file this GST return online to the government. The government monitors the tax liability and compliance and ITC of the taxpayer when filing GST returns.

Types of GST Returns

GSTR-1: Monthly/quarterly returns for sales (outward supplies). Which has to be filed.

GSTR-3B: This is a monthly summary return in which sales, ITC, and tax liability have to be accounted for.

GSTR-4: This is done for the composition scheme that has to be filed quarterly.

GSTR-5 & 5A: Meant for non-resident taxpayers.

GSTR-6: It is filed by the Input Service Distributors (ISDs).

GSTR-7: It is filed for a person who deducts TDS in GST.

GSTR-8: File it to collect TCS. Which is for e-commerce operators.

GSTR-9: This form is filed by regular taxpayers, which is done once a year. It is also called annual return.

GSTR-9C: This is also an annualized return that has to be filed once a year along with the audit. In this, turnover is filed for more than 5 crore people.

Who Should File GST Returns?

Who has to file GST returns, all these are mentioned below:

Regular taxpayers file GST returns.

Composition scheme Taxpayers file GST returns.

Input service distributors should also file GST returns.

E-commerce operators should also file GST returns.

TDS/TCS deductors must also file GST returns.

A non-resident taxable person should file a GST return.

Even if there is no transaction or sale in any GST registered business. Even then, taxpayers should file GST returns. Because it is mandatory to file GST returns online. If GST returns are not filed online, then late fees and penalties are also applicable. Interest is also to be paid if the tax is not paid on time.

Prerequisites to File GST Return Online

Before filing a GST return online, there are a few important things that need to be done including documents and details. By doing this, the filing process is completed easily and without error:

1. GSTIN (GST identification number)

All GST-registered taxpayers get a 15-digit GSTIN number. This number is used to log in to the portal to file GST returns, which is necessary.

Access to GST Portal

All GST returns have to be filed online by visiting the official GST portal www.gst.gov.in. GST taxpayer's login details such as username and password have to be entered in it. That is why these two should always be ready.

Sales & Purchase Invoice

Sales and purchase invoices should keep all the following details ready:

Outward supplies (sales invoices)

Inward supplies (purchase invoice)

Debit/Credit notes

These details should be kept ready before filing GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B, which is very important for filing GST returns.

Bank details (for refund)

If you are eligible for a refund, then the details of the bank account should also be updated on the GST portal.

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or EVC

It is mandatory for all companies and LLP firms to get a DSC. Apart from this, taxpayers such as proprietorship, partnership can also use EVC (Electronic Verification Code) which comes on the registered mobile / email. GST returns are also filed through that.

Step-by-Step Process to File GST Return Online

Now we will see the entire process of filing GST returns online on the GST portal:

Step-1: Log in to the GST portal.

Go to www.gst.gov.in.

And enter the taxpayer's GSTIN/username and password.

Along with this, fill the captcha and then log in by clicking on the login button.

Step-2: Go to "Returns Dashboard":

After login, click on Services→ 'Returns' → 'Returns Dashboard'.

And also select the financial year and return filing period. Such as monthly for monthly files and quarterly for files that are over three months.

Step-3: Choose the correct return type:

Select the return which is applicable to the registered taxpayer. As GSTR-1 is for sale and GSTR-3B is summary of returns.

The due returns for the period will be shown on the GST portal.

Step-4: Enter details manually and upload data

Manually enter the details of sales and purchases in it.

Or you can also upload the JSON file generated from the accounting software.

Step-5: Preview and Submit

Check all the details that you have filled.

You can generate a draft return to check accuracy.

Step-6: File with DSC or EVC

Companies and LLPs must file with a Digital Signature Certificate.

Proprietorship and partnership have to be filed using OTP (EVC).

Keyword example: This step is the last to file GST returns online, which has to be done using the official portal. And if you submit, you get ARN (Acknowledgment Reference Number).

Due Dates for GST Return online Filing

It is mandatory to file GST returns on time. If you miss the deadline, then you have to pay late fees and interest.

Some of the return types due are given below:

Return type frequency due date.

GSTR-1 monthly/quarterly 11th and 13th date

GSTR-3B monthly/quarterly 20th and 22nd or 24th date

GSTR-4 Quarter onwards Month 18th Date

GSTR-9 Annualy Next Financial Year 31st December

Note: Note that in the table given above, the monthly filing is done on the 11th and 20th of the next month and on the 13th and 22nd and 24th of the next month of the last quarter of the quarter.

Penalties for late filing

Late fee: There are penalties of Rs 50 per day for tax filing and Rs 20 per day for nil return filing.

Maximum late fee: If the maximum penalty tax is not being made on GST return, then it can be Rs 5000.

Interest: If there is an outstanding tax amount in filing GST returns, then it is charged according to 18% per annum.

Therefore, always keep in mind the due date of filing GST returns so that penalties can be avoided. And you should always set a reminder or you can also get help from a professional. Apart from this, legaldev.in can also be the best option for you. Filing GST returns online before the deadline also saves money and compliance is also strong.

Common mistakes while filing GST returns online

Wrong GSTIN: Customers/vendors should always recheck the GST number while filing GST returns.

Missing an invoice: If you skip a sales/purchase invoice while filing a GST return, it leads to data mismatch and ITC (input tax credit) loss.

Choosing the wrong return type: As you had to choose GSTR-3B and you filed GSTR-4, it can also be rejected while making GST return online.

Inability to claim ITC correctly: One should always cross-check GSTR-2B before filing GST returns online. So that ITC claim can be made easily.

Delay: If you file GST returns online after the due date or late, then late fees and interest are also charged, and the ITC of the buyers can also be blocked. Therefore, the GST file should be done before the due date.

Note: The purchase register should always be reconciled with GSTR-2B before filing the GST return every month. So that there is no problem in claiming ITC.

Tools & Software to Help You File GST Return Online

If you file GST returns manually on the GST portal, then it takes a lot of time, so to save time, there are some best tools that can help you file GST returns:

ClearTax GST: This makes it an easy interface. Invoices are uploaded in bulk and there is also an error deduction.

Tally ERP – It is most used in accounting software, GST-ready.

Zoho Books – is a cloud-based accounting software that has an auto GST filing option.

Busy Accounting Software – Affordable and Best of GST.

By using these tools, you can also avoid the error of filing GST returns online, which also saves time, and GST returns can be filed online easily and timely. Apart from this, legaldev.in/gstregistration.co is also considered to be the best for GST registered taxpayers. Which gives timely GST filing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I revise GST returns once filed?

No, GST returns are not revised. If there is a mistake, then it has to be corrected in the next return.

Q2. Is it mandatory to file a NIL return?

Yes, even if you do not have any transactions, it is still necessary to file the NIL GST return online.

Q3. What happens if I don't file a return?

You are at risk of penalty, interest, and cancellation of GST registration.

Q4. Can I file GST returns online without DSC?

Yes, proprietors and partnership firms can file with EVC (OTP). But DSC is mandatory for companies and LLPs.

Conclusion

If seen, today's time is such that it has become very easy to file GST returns online due to the digital system of the government. If you know which return to file and have all the invoices ready, then you can do the filing simple and tension free by following the step by step process.

And there is no penalty for filing GST returns on time. And ITC will also be easily claimed and business compliance is also maintained, the business also grows.

If you are a beginner then you do not need to take tension, GST portal is user-friendly. And if you need GST filing, then with software tools or legaldev.in, you can easily file before the due date. Legaldev.in files GST returns of many people's businesses on time and thereby also maintains the compliance of the business.

Call to Action: If you need help in filing GST returns, then you can contact the CA or legaldev.in is also the best option, which makes GST returns easily filed.