How to File GST Returns Online: Simplified for Businesses
Learn the easiest way to file your GST retur online! Simplify tax compliance with step-by-step guidance to ensure accuracy, save time, and stay GST-compliant effortlessly.
- Definition: A GST return is a document detailing all GST invoices, payments, and receipts for a specific period.
- Purpose: It enables tax authorities to calculate the tax payable by a business.
Who Should File GST Returns?
- Mandatory Filers:
- Individuals or entities supplying goods or services with annual turnover exceeding the threshold.
- Businesses, traders, manufacturers, service providers, and e-commerce operators.
- Entities registered under the GST composition scheme.
- Nil Returns: Required even if no transactions occur during a tax period.
- Non-Compliance: Can lead to penalties.
Types of GST Returns (GSTR)
- GSTR-1: Details of outward supplies of taxable goods or services.
- GSTR-2: Details of inward supplies and input tax credit claims.
- GSTR-3: Monthly return based on finalized details of inward and outward supplies, including total tax payable.
- GSTR-4: Quarterly return for taxpayers under the composition scheme.
- GSTR-5: Return for non-resident foreign taxpayers.
- GSTR-6: Return for input service distributors.
- GSTR-7: Return for authorities deducting tax at source (TDS).
- GSTR-8: Details of supplies and tax collected by e-commerce operators.
- GSTR-9: Annual return for regular taxpayers.
- GSTR-9A: Annual return for taxpayers under the composition scheme.
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Steps to File GST Return Online
Access the GST Portal:
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- Visit the official GST portal.
Navigate to Services:
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- Click on the ‘Services’ tab.
Open Returns Dashboard:
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- Select ‘Returns Dashboard’ from the dropdown menu.
- Choose the financial year and return filing period.
Select Return Form:
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- Choose the appropriate return form (e.g., GSTR-1, GSTR-3B) and click on ‘Prepare Online’.
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Enter Required Details:
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- Fill in all necessary information, including taxable outward supplies, inward supplies, and any applicable late fees.
Save Information:
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- After entering the details, click ‘Save’.
- A success message will confirm the data is saved.
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Submit Return:
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- Click ‘Submit’ at the bottom of the page to file the return.
Payment of Tax:
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- Once the return status changes to ‘Submitted’, navigate to the ‘Payment of Tax’ section.
- Click ‘Check Balance’ to view cash and credit balances.
- Specify the amount of credit to utilize and click ‘Offset Liability’ to make the payment.
- Confirm the payment when prompted.
File Return:
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- Agree to the declaration by checking the box.
- Select an authorized signatory from the dropdown list.
- Choose to file the form with DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) or EVC (Electronic Verification Code).
- Click ‘Proceed’ to complete the filing process.
Confirmation:
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- Upon successful filing, a confirmation message will appear.
- Ensure to download or save the acknowledgment for future reference.
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Documents Required for GST Return Filing
- GSTIN:
- Goods and Services Tax Identification Number.
- Customer’s GSTIN for B2B invoices.
- Invoices:
- Details of all sales and purchase invoices for the relevant period.
- Other Supporting Documents:
- Records of debit and credit notes, if applicable.
- Proof of tax payments made.
- Any other documents as required by specific return forms.
Filing GST returns online is simple and efficient. Follow these steps to ensure compliance, avoid penalties, and focus on growing your business without tax-related hassles.
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