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Since GST was launched in July 2017, Indian businesses have grappled with multiple GST return forms - each with its own due date, purpose, and consequences for non-filing. Understanding which returns apply to your business is critical: late filing attracts late fees, interest on outstanding tax, and blocks your ability to claim input tax credit.
- GSTR-1: Outward supply details (sales) - filed by supplier
- GSTR-2B: Auto-drafted inward supply (purchase) statement - system generated
- GSTR-3B: Monthly or quarterly summary return and tax payment
- GSTR-4: Annual return for Composition Dealers
- GSTR-9: Annual return for regular taxpayers
- GSTR-9C: Annual reconciliation statement for large taxpayers
GSTR-1 - Statement of Outward Supplies
GSTR-1 captures all sales (outward supplies) made during the period - B2B invoices, B2C summaries, credit notes, debit notes, and export invoices.
| Taxpayer Type | Frequency | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Turnover above Rs 5 Crore | Monthly | 11th of following month |
| Turnover up to Rs 5 Crore (QRMP scheme) | Quarterly | 13th of month following quarter |
GSTR-3B - Monthly Summary Return
GSTR-3B is the most critical return - it is the summary of outward supplies, ITC claimed, and net GST payable. Tax is paid at the time of filing GSTR-3B.
| Taxpayer Type | Frequency | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Turnover above Rs 5 Crore | Monthly | 20th of following month |
| Turnover up to Rs 5 Crore (QRMP - Category A states) | Quarterly | 22nd of month following quarter |
| Turnover up to Rs 5 Crore (QRMP - Category B states) | Quarterly | 24th of month following quarter |
Late fee: Rs 50 per day (Rs 20 per day for nil returns) subject to a maximum of Rs 5,000. Interest at 18% per annum on outstanding tax from the due date.
GSTR-9 - Annual Return
- Due Date: 31st December following the end of the financial year
- Who must file: All regular GST taxpayers with turnover above Rs 2 crore (mandatory)
- Late fee: Rs 200 per day (Rs 100 CGST plus Rs 100 SGST), subject to 0.25% of turnover in the state
GSTR-9C - Reconciliation Statement
GSTR-9C is a reconciliation statement between audited accounts and GST returns. As of FY 2020-21, it is self-certified for taxpayers with turnover above Rs 5 crore. It is filed alongside GSTR-9 and highlights any differences between books and GST filings.
If you claim ITC that is not in GSTR-2B, you will receive a GST notice and must either reverse the credit with 18% interest or prove the supplier filed their GSTR-1 correctly. Maintaining a monthly GSTR-2B reconciliation is the single most important GST compliance step for any business that claims ITC.
The Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme reduces return filing from 24 times per year to 8 times per year for businesses with turnover up to Rs 5 crore. Monthly tax payment is still required via PMT-06, but the full GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B are filed quarterly. This significantly reduces compliance effort for smaller businesses.
GST return compliance is not just about filing on time - it is about filing accurately and reconciling ITC claims. Legal Chanakya handles complete GST compliance for businesses across India - monthly return filing, ITC reconciliation, GSTR-9 annual returns, and GST notice responses.
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