What Is the Eligibility and Due Dates for Filing GST Return?

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a comprehensive indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India. Introduced on July 1, 2017, GST has replaced multiple indirect taxes previously levied by the central and state governments. One of the critical aspects of GST compliance is the filing of GST returns.

This article delves into the eligibility criteria and due dates for filing each type of GST return, providing a comprehensive guide for taxpayers.

Also Read-Who Needs to Register for GST and Obtain a GSTIN?

GST Return Due Dates.

What is a GST Return?

A GST return is a document that contains details of income, sales, purchases, and tax paid by a taxpayer. It is used by tax authorities to calculate the taxpayer’s tax liability. Every individual or business registered under GST is required to file GST returns based on their transactions and the type of taxpayer they are.

Types of GST Returns.

There are several types of GST returns, each serving a different purpose and applicable to different categories of taxpayers. Here is a detailed look at each type of GST return, their eligibility criteria, and due dates.

1. GSTR-1: Outward Supplies Return.

Eligibility:

• GSTR-1 is required to be filed by every registered taxpayer, including casual taxable persons, who are engaged in the supply of goods or services.
• It is not applicable to input service distributors, composition dealers, non-resident taxable persons, and persons liable to deduct tax at source (TDS) or collect tax at source (TCS).

Due Dates:

• Monthly filers: 11th of the next month.
• Quarterly filers (under the QRMP scheme): 13th of the month following the quarter.

Details to be Filed:

• Details of all outward supplies of goods and services.
• Invoice-wise details of inter-state and intra-state supplies.
• Debit and credit notes issued during the period.

2. GSTR-2A: Auto-Drafted Details of Inward Supplies.

Eligibility:

• GSTR-2A is an auto-drafted return and is view-only. It is generated for every recipient of goods and services based on the details furnished by the suppliers in their GSTR-1.

Due Dates:

• There is no due date for GSTR-2A as it is auto-generated.

Details to be Filed:

• Details of inward supplies of goods and services.
• Input tax credit (ITC) available based on the supplier’s GSTR-1.

3. GSTR-2B: Static ITC Statement.

Eligibility:

• GSTR-2B is a static statement generated for every recipient of goods and services. It is available for view and download.

Due Dates:

• GSTR-2B is generated on the 14th of the subsequent month.

Details to be Filed:

• Details of ITC available for the recipient.
• Information on inward supplies and ITC claimed.

4. GSTR-3B: Summary Return.

Eligibility:

• GSTR-3B is required to be filed by all regular taxpayers, including those under the composition scheme, except for input service distributors, non-resident taxable persons, and persons liable to deduct TDS or collect TCS.

Due Dates:

• Monthly filers: 20th of the next month.
• Quarterly filers (under the QRMP scheme): 22nd or 24th of the month following the quarter, depending on the state.

Details to be Filed:

• Summary of outward supplies and inward supplies.
• Details of ITC claimed.
• Payment of tax and declaration of tax liability.

5. GSTR-4: Return for Composition Scheme.

Eligibility:

• GSTR-4 is required to be filed by taxpayers who have opted for the composition scheme under GST.

Due Dates:

• Annually: 30th April of the year following the financial year.

Details to be Filed:

• Summary of outward supplies.
• Details of tax payable and tax paid.
• Information on inward supplies and ITC claimed.

6. GSTR-5: Return for Non-Resident Taxable Persons.

Eligibility:

• GSTR-5 is required to be filed by non-resident taxable persons who are registered under GST.

Due Dates:

• Monthly: 20th of the next month.
• At the time of closure of business: Within 7 days of the closure.

Details to be Filed:

• Details of outward supplies made.
• Details of inward supplies received.
• Debit and credit notes issued.
• Tax liabilities and taxes paid.

7. GSTR-5A: Return for OIDAR Service Providers.

Eligibility:

• GSTR-5A is required to be filed by online information and database access or retrieval (OIDAR) service providers who are non-resident taxable persons.

Due Dates:

• Monthly: 20th of the next month.

Details to be Filed:

• Details of outward taxable supplies.
• Tax payable and tax paid.

8. GSTR-6: Return for Input Service Distributors.

Eligibility:

• GSTR-6 is required to be filed by input service distributors (ISDs).

Due Dates:

• Monthly: 13th of the next month.

Details to be Filed:

• Details of ITC received and distributed.
• Details of inward supplies received for distribution.

9. GSTR-7: Return for TDS Deductors.

Eligibility:

• GSTR-7 is required to be filed by persons liable to deduct tax at source (TDS) under GST.

Due Dates:

• Monthly: 10th of the next month.

Details to be Filed:

• Details of TDS deducted.
• TDS liability payable and paid.
• TDS refund claimed.

10. GSTR-8: Return for E-Commerce Operators.

Eligibility:

• GSTR-8 is required to be filed by e-commerce operators who are required to collect tax at source (TCS) under GST.

Due Dates:

• Monthly: 10th of the next month.

Details to be Filed:

• Details of TCS collected.
• TCS liability payable and paid.
• TCS refund claimed.

11. GSTR-9: Annual Return.

Eligibility:

• GSTR-9 is required to be filed by all regular taxpayers, including SEZ units and SEZ developers, who are registered under GST.

Due Dates:

• Annually: 31st December of the year following the financial year.

Details to be Filed:

• Consolidated details of all monthly/quarterly returns filed during the financial year.
• Details of outward and inward supplies.
• ITC claimed and utilized.
• Tax liabilities and taxes paid.

12. GSTR-9A: Annual Return for Composition Taxpayers.

Eligibility:

• GSTR-9A is required to be filed by taxpayers who have opted for the composition scheme under GST.

Due Dates:

• Annually: 31st December of the year following the financial year.

Details to be Filed:

• Consolidated details of all quarterly returns filed during the financial year.
• Details of outward and inward supplies.
• Tax liabilities and taxes paid.

13. GSTR-9C: Reconciliation Statement.

Eligibility:

• GSTR-9C is required to be filed by taxpayers whose annual turnover exceeds Rs. 2 crores in a financial year. It must be certified by a Chartered Accountant or a Cost Management Accountant.

Due Dates:

• Annually: 31st December of the year following the financial year.

Details to be Filed:

• Reconciliation of turnover declared in audited financial statements with turnover declared in annual return (GSTR-9).
• Certification by a Chartered Accountant or a Cost Management Accountant.

14. GSTR-10: Final Return.

Eligibility:

• GSTR-10 is required to be filed by taxpayers whose GST registration has been canceled or surrendered.

Due Dates:

• Once, within three months of the date of cancellation or date of cancellation order, whichever is later.

Details to be Filed:

• Details of inputs, semi-finished goods, and finished goods held in stock on the date of cancellation.
• Details of capital goods held in stock on the date of cancellation.
• Tax liabilities and taxes paid.

15. GSTR-11: Return for UIN Holders.

Eligibility:

• GSTR-11 is required to be filed by persons who have been issued a Unique Identity Number (UIN) to claim a refund of taxes paid on their purchases.

Due Dates:

• Monthly: 28th of the month following the month for which the statement is filed.

Details to be Filed:

• Details of inward supplies received.
• Refund claimed for the taxes paid.

Penalties for Late Filing of GST Returns.

Failure to file GST returns on time attracts penalties and interest. The penalties vary based on the type of return and the duration of the delay. Here are the general penalties for late filing of GST returns:

• Late Fees: A late fee of Rs. 100 per day per Act (CGST and SGST) is applicable, totaling Rs. 200 per day. The maximum late fee is Rs. 5,000. For IGST, there is no late fee.
• Interest: Interest at 18% per annum is charged on the outstanding tax amount from the due date to the date of payment.

Conclusion.

Filing GST returns is a crucial aspect of GST compliance for businesses in India. Understanding the eligibility criteria and due dates for each type of GST return is essential to avoid penalties and ensure smooth business operations. By adhering to the prescribed timelines and maintaining accurate records, taxpayers can fulfill their GST obligations efficiently.

By understanding and adhering to these due dates, taxpayers can ensure compliance with GST regulations and avoid penalties.

C.K. Gupta

Hello, I am C.K. Gupta Founder of Taxgst.in, a seasoned finance professional with a Master of Commerce degree and over 20 years of experience in accounting and finance. My extensive career has been dedicated to mastering the intricacies of financial management, tax consultancy, and strategic planning. Throughout my professional journey, I have honed my skills in financial analysis, tax planning, and compliance, ensuring that all practices adhere to the latest financial regulations. My expertise also extends to auditing, where I focus on maintaining accuracy and integrity in financial reporting. I am passionate about using my knowledge to provide insightful and reliable financial advice, helping businesses optimize their financial strategies and achieve their economic goals. At Taxgst.in, I aim to share valuable insights that assist our readers in navigating the complex world of taxes and finance with ease.