How to Start a GST Return Filing

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An Overview of GST Return Filing

Under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime in India, all registered taxpayers are required to file their GST returns regularly. This is a mandatory obligation that involves submitting periodic returns to the GSTN portal, including GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and GSTR-9. GSTR-1 is a monthly or quarterly return that summarizes a taxpayer's outward supplies of goods and services. GSTR-3B is a monthly return that provides a summary of a taxpayer's sales and purchases for the month. GSTR-9 is an annual return that summarizes a taxpayer's activities over the financial year.At Swarit Advisors, we offer comprehensive assistance for GST return filing to ensure that our clients comply with all necessary compliance requirements. Our team of experts is dedicated to guiding you through the entire process, from preparing and filing all the necessary documents to tracking the status of your returns and addressing any issues that may arise. We also conduct a thorough compliance review of your returns to ensure that all essential compliance requirements are met. By choosing our end-to-end services, you can have peace of mind that your GST returns are being handled efficiently and accurately.

Criteria for GST Return Filing

To file GST returns, a taxpayer must meet the following criteria:

  • GST Registration:To file GST returns, the taxpayer must be registered under the Goods and Services Tax regime. As per the regulations, businesses with an annual turnover of Rs. 40 lakhs or above (or Rs. 20 lakhs or more for businesses in special category states) are required to obtain GST registration. This is a mandatory requirement for businesses that engage in the supply of goods and services.
  • Filing Frequency:The frequency of GST return filing depends on the type of taxpayer and business turnover. For businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 5 crores, filing is done quarterly, while those with a turnover exceeding Rs. 5 crores must file monthly. This applies to all types of GST returns, and it is crucial for taxpayers to comply to avoid penalties for non-compliance.
  • Timely Filing: GST returns must be filed within the prescribed due dates to avoid penalties and late fees. The due date for filing GST returns varies depending on the type of return and the filing frequency.
  • Accurate Information: The taxpayer must provide accurate and complete information in the GST returns filed. Any errors or discrepancies in the returns can result in penalties and legal consequences.
  • Payment of Taxes:To avoid penalties and interest charges, taxpayers are required to pay their GST liability accurately and on time. The payment can be made through various modes of payment available on the GSTN portal. Failure to comply with this requirement can result in penalties and interest charges.

Benefits of GST Return Filing

The benefits of GST return filing are as follows:

  • Compliance with the Law:Filing GST returns is a compulsory obligation for all registered taxpayers under the Goods and Services Tax regime. It is essential to comply with this legal requirement as it ensures adherence to the law, thereby avoiding any legal consequences and penalties.
  • Input Tax Credit (ITC):Businesses can claim input tax credit on the GST paid on their purchases by filing GST returns. This process helps in reducing the overall tax liability and enhances the cash flow of the business.
  • Transparency and Accountability: GST return filing promotes transparency and accountability in the taxation system. It provides a clear record of the transactions made by the taxpayer and helps prevent tax evasion.
  • Better Business Management: GST return filing provides businesses with a clear picture of their financial transactions and helps in better management of their finances. It enables businesses to identify areas for improvement and make informed business decisions.
  • Easy and Online Filing: GST return filing can be done easily and conveniently online through the GSTN portal. The portal is user-friendly and provides various facilities like auto-population of data, pre-validation of data, and online payment of taxes, making the entire process hassle-free.

Required Documents for GST Return Filing

The following documents are required for GST return filing:

  • Invoices:The invoices issued for the supply of goods or services must include essential details such as the GSTIN of the supplier and the recipient, a description of goods or services, quantity, value, tax rate, and the amount of tax applicable. These details are crucial for accurate accounting and filing of GST returns.
  • Purchase Register:Apurchase register must be maintained, containing all the necessary details of the purchases made during the period for which the GST return is being filed. These details include the name and GSTIN of the supplier, a description of goods or services, quantity, value, tax rate, and the amount of tax paid. This register is vital for the accurate calculation of input tax credit and the preparation of GST returns.
  • Sales Register:A sales register should be maintained containing all the necessary details of the sales made during the period for which the GST return is being filed. These details include the name and GSTIN of the recipient, a description of goods or services, quantity, value, tax rate, and the amount of tax charged.
  • Input Tax Credit Register: A register containing details of the input tax credit claimed on purchases made during the period for which the GST return is being filed.
  • Bank Statements: Bank statements reflecting the transactions made during the period for which the GST return is being filed.
  • Challans: Challans generated for the payment of GST liability for the period.
  • Other Supporting Documents: Any other documents required for the filing of specific GST returns, like E-way bills, if applicable.

Process for GST Return Filing

  1. Collection of Invoices and Other Relevant Documents: The first step in the GST return filing process is the collection of invoices and other relevant documents like purchase and sales registers, input tax credit registers, bank statements, and challans.
  2. Preparation of GST Returns: Based on the documents collected, the GST returns, including GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and GSTR-9, are prepared. The GST returns contain details of outward supplies, inward supplies, tax liability, input tax credit claimed, and other relevant information.
  3. Verification of Data: Before filing the GST returns, the data entered in the returns is verified for accuracy and completeness. Any errors or discrepancies are corrected at this stage.
  4. Filing of GST Returns: Once the data is verified, the GST returns are filed on the GSTN portal. The returns are filed using digital signatures or an electronic verification code (EVC) generated through the portal.
  5. Payment of GST Liability: After filing the GST returns, the GST liability for the period is calculated, and the payment is made through the online portal. The payment can be made through various modes like net banking, debit card, credit card, or NEFT.
  6. Acknowledgement and Tracking: After the GST returns are filed and the payment is made, an acknowledgement is generated by the GSTN portal. The status of the returns can be tracked online through the portal.
  7. Reconciliation: After the filing of GST returns, a reconciliation of the data entered in the returns is done with the invoices and other documents collected. Any discrepancies are identified and corrected, and necessary adjustments are made in the next GST return.

Validity of GST Return Filing

The validity of GST return filing is dependent on the period for which the returns are filed. GST returns must be filed periodically based on the type of taxpayer and the turnover. The following are the types of GST returns and their validity periods:

  • GSTR-1: GSTR-1 is filed monthly or quarterly by taxpayers who have an annual turnover of up to Rs. 1.5 crores. The validity of GSTR-1 is for the month or quarter for which it is filed.
  • GSTR-3B: GSTR-3B is filed monthly by all registered taxpayers. The validity of GSTR-3B is for the month for which it is filed.
  • GSTR-9: GSTR-9 is an annual return filed by all registered taxpayers. The validity of GSTR-9 is for the financial year for which it is filed.

Failure to file GST returns within the prescribed time can attract penalties and interest. Therefore, it is essential to file GST returns on time and ensure compliance with all legal requirements.

Swarit Advisors Support

Our company offers extensive support for GST return filing to guarantee that our clients fulfill all essential compliance obligations. Our team of professionals will provide guidance throughout the entire process, from preparing to filing all necessary documents, monitoring your return's status, and resolving any questions or challenges that may arise. We also carry out a compliance review of your returns to make sure all necessary requirements are met and help you address any inconsistencies. Get in touch with us today to book a consultation with one of our specialists and ensure full legal compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

GST return filing is the process of submitting periodic returns to the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) portal, including GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and GSTR-9.

All registered taxpayers under the Goods and Services Tax regime in India are required to file GST returns periodically.

Failure to file GST returns within the prescribed time can attract penalties and interest, and it can also result in the cancellation of registration.

GSTR-1 is a monthly or quarterly return filed by taxpayers who have an annual turnover of up to Rs. 1.5 crores.

GSTR-3B is a monthly return filed by all registered taxpayers.

GSTR-9 is an annual return filed by all registered taxpayers.

Yes, GST returns can be revised within a certain time frame.

The documents required for GST return filing include invoices, receipts, purchase orders, and credit or debit notes.

The due date for GST return filing varies depending on the type of taxpayer and the turnover.

Swarit Advisors can provide end-to-end assistance for GST return filing, including guidance on the filing process, preparation and filing of necessary documents, and compliance review and assistance in case of discrepancies.

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