How to Check the Status of Filed GST Return and Download Acknowledgement

How to Check the Status of Filed GST Return. As a GST registered taxpayer in India, it is crucial to stay on top of your GST return filings and ensure they are submitted accurately and on time. Once you have filed your GST return, the next important step is to check the status of your return and download the acknowledgement. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to check your GST return status and obtain the acknowledgement.

Also Read-How To Make Corrections In GST Returns?

Why Check Your GST Return Status?

Checking the status of your filed GST return is important for several reasons:

1. Confirmation of successful filing: By checking the status, you can confirm that your GST return was successfully filed and received by the GST portal. This gives you peace of mind knowing that you have fulfilled your compliance obligations.
2. Identifying any errors or discrepancies: If there are any errors or discrepancies in your filed return, checking the status will help you identify them. You can then take necessary actions to rectify the errors and avoid any penalties or legal consequences.
3. Tracking input tax credit: Checking the status of your GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B returns allows you to track the input tax credit claimed by your recipients. This helps in reconciling your books of accounts and ensuring that you receive the eligible input tax credit.
4. Avoiding late fees and penalties: By regularly monitoring your GST return status, you can ensure that your returns are filed within the due dates. This helps you avoid any late fees or penalties imposed for delayed filing.

How to Check Your GST Return Status.

There are two main methods to check the status of your filed GST return:

Method 1: Checking Status through GST Portal.

1. Visit the official GST portal at https://www.gst.gov.in/ and log in using your credentials.
2. Navigate to Services > Returns > Track Return Status.
3. Select the return type (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, etc.) and the filing period for which you want to check the status.
4. Click on the “Search” button to view the status of your filed return.

The status of your GST return can be one of the following:

• Submitted: The return has been successfully filed and is pending for processing by the GST system.
• In Progress: The return is being processed by the GST system.
• Processed: The return has been successfully processed by the GST system.
• Filed: The return has been successfully filed and processed.
• Cancelled: The return has been cancelled by the taxpayer or the tax authority.

If the status shows as “Filed”, it means that your GST return has been successfully filed and processed. You can then proceed to download the acknowledgement.

Method 2: Checking Status through GST Return Dashboard.

1. Log in to the GST portal and navigate to Returns Dashboard.
2. Select the financial year and return filing period for which you want to check the status.
3. The dashboard will display the status of all your GST returns for the selected period, including GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and others.
4. Look for the status of the specific return you want to check. It will be displayed under the “Status” column.

This method provides a quick overview of the status of all your GST returns in one place.

Downloading GST Return Acknowledgement.

Once you have confirmed that your GST return has been successfully filed and processed, the next step is to download the acknowledgement. The acknowledgement serves as proof of your return filing and contains important details such as the ARN (Application Reference Number), filing date, and summary of the return.

Here’s how you can download the GST return acknowledgement:

1. Log in to the GST portal and go to Returns Dashboard.
2. Locate the return for which you want to download the acknowledgement and click on the “Download” button next to it.
3. The acknowledgement will be downloaded in PDF format. Save it on your computer for future reference.

Alternatively, you can also download the acknowledgement from the return filing page:

1. Navigate to Services > Returns > Returns Dashboard.
2. Select the return type and filing period.
3. Click on the “File Returns” button.
4. On the return filing page, scroll down to the “Acknowledgement” section.
5. Click on the “Download” button to save the acknowledgement in PDF format.

It is recommended to keep a copy of the acknowledgement for each GST return filed as it may be required for various purposes such as GST audits, reconciliations, or as supporting documentation for input tax credit claims.

Troubleshooting Common Issues.

While checking the status of your GST return or downloading the acknowledgement, you may encounter certain issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

1. Return status shows as “Pending”: If the status of your return shows as “Pending” for an extended period, it could indicate an issue with the GST system or an error in your filed return. In such cases, you can try the following:
   • Check if there are any system-wide issues reported on the GST portal or social media handles.
   • Review your filed return for any errors or discrepancies and rectify them if necessary.
   • Contact the GST helpdesk or your tax consultant for assistance.
2. Acknowledgement not available for download: If you are unable to download the acknowledgement despite the return status showing as “Filed”, try the following:
   • Clear your browser cache and cookies and try downloading again.
   • Use a different web browser or device to access the GST portal.
   • Check if there are any pop-up blockers or download restrictions enabled in your browser settings.
   • Reach out to the GST helpdesk for technical support.
3. Incorrect details in the acknowledgement: If you notice any incorrect details in the downloaded acknowledgement, such as wrong GSTIN or return period, you should:
   • Double-check the details in your filed return and compare them with the acknowledgement.
   • If the error is in your filed return, you may need to file a revised return to rectify the mistake.
   • If the error is in the acknowledgement itself, contact the GST helpdesk and report the issue.

Best Practices for GST Return Filing and Status Tracking.

To ensure smooth GST return filing and status tracking, follow these best practices:

1. File returns well before the due date: Don’t wait until the last minute to file your GST returns. File them well in advance to avoid last-minute rush and technical glitches.
2. Keep accurate records: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of your sales, purchases, and input tax credit. This will make the return filing process easier and error-free.
3. Regularly reconcile your books: Reconcile your GST returns with your books of accounts regularly to identify any discrepancies and take corrective actions.
4. Use GST-compliant accounting software: Invest in GST-compliant accounting software that automates the return filing process and provides real-time status updates.
5. Stay updated with GST notifications: Keep yourself informed about the latest GST notifications, circulars, and amendments. This will help you stay compliant and avoid any penalties.
6. Seek professional help: If you are unsure about any aspect of GST return filing or status tracking, don’t hesitate to seek help from a qualified tax professional or GST practitioner.

Final Thoughts

Checking the status of your filed GST return and downloading the acknowledgement is a crucial part of GST compliance. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily track the status of your returns and obtain the necessary acknowledgements. Remember to file your returns on time, maintain accurate records, and stay updated with the latest GST regulations.

In case of any issues or discrepancies, don’t hesitate to reach out to the GST helpdesk or seek professional assistance. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can ensure smooth GST compliance and avoid any legal or financial consequences.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B?
   • GSTR-1 is a monthly or quarterly return that contains details of all outward supplies made by a taxpayer. GSTR-3B, on the other hand, is a monthly self-declaration return that summarizes the total input tax credit, outward supplies, and net tax liability.
2. Can I file my GST return after the due date?
   • Yes, you can file your GST return after the due date, but you will be liable to pay late fees and interest on the delayed payment of tax. It is always recommended to file returns within the due date to avoid penalties.
3. What happens if I file a nil GST return?
   • If you have no outward supplies, inward supplies, or tax liability for a particular period, you can file a nil GST return. Filing a nil return is mandatory even if there are no transactions, to avoid any late fees or penalties.
4. How long does it take for the GST return status to update after filing?
   • The status of your GST return usually updates within 24 to 48 hours after filing. However, in some cases, it may take longer depending on the GST system’s processing time.
5. What should I do if I notice an error in my filed GST return?
   • If you notice an error in your filed GST return, you can file a revised return to rectify the mistake. The revised return should be filed within the specified time limit and should contain the correct details.
6. Is it necessary to download the acknowledgement for every GST return filed?
   • While it is not mandatory to download the acknowledgement for every GST return filed, it is highly recommended. The acknowledgement serves as proof of filing and contains important details that may be required for future reference or GST audits.

By understanding the process of checking GST return status and downloading acknowledgements, taxpayers can stay on top of their compliance obligations and avoid any legal or financial repercussions. Regular monitoring, accurate record-keeping, and timely action on discrepancies are key to successful GST return filing and status tracking

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.