GST Return Filing Calendar: How TaxBuddy Reminders Help You Never Miss a Due Date
- Rashmita Choudhary
- 1 day ago
- 9 min read
The GST return filing calendar for 2025–26 plays a critical role in helping businesses stay compliant with monthly, quarterly, and annual deadlines under the CGST Act. The schedule covers major forms like GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, CMP-08, GSTR-4, and GSTR-9/9C, each carrying specific due dates based on turnover and the QRMP scheme. Recent changes, such as auto-locking of GSTR-3B from July 2025 and multiple extensions issued by CBIC, make timely compliance essential. Automated reminder systems, such as those offered by TaxBuddy, simplify this process by notifying users of upcoming deadlines and changes in due dates.
Table of Contents
GST Return Filing Calendar Overview
The GST return filing calendar serves as a structured compliance guide for taxpayers across different turnover categories. It outlines fixed due dates for returns such as GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, CMP-08, GSTR-4, and annual returns, ensuring uniformity in reporting outward supplies, tax liabilities, and input tax credit usage. Taxpayers with higher turnover complete monthly filings, while smaller entities may adopt the QRMP scheme to reduce compliance frequency. The calendar also incorporates government-issued extensions and regional relief announcements, which adjust timelines during disruptions like natural calamities or system downtime. Understanding this calendar helps businesses prepare data well in advance and avoid last-minute bottlenecks.
Monthly GST Return Due Dates for GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B
Monthly filing applies to taxpayers whose annual aggregate turnover exceeds ₹5 crore. Under this category, two primary returns must be filed each month:
• GSTR-1 captures outward supplies and is due on the 11th of the following month. • GSTR-3B reports summary tax liability and can be due on the 20th or 25th, depending on government notifications.
For example, GSTR-1 for September 2025 must be filed by October 11, whereas the GSTR-3B for October 2025 is expected by November 20 unless an extension is announced. Monthly filers often face tighter reporting timelines because the tax credit flow for their customers depends on accurate GSTR-1 submissions. This makes timely filing essential for maintaining vendor relationships and ensuring smooth ITC reconciliation.
Quarterly GST Filing Deadlines Under the QRMP Scheme
Businesses with annual turnover up to ₹5 crore may choose the Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme. This framework allows outward supply reporting through quarterly GSTR-1 while tax payments continue monthly using PMT-06 challans.
Key QRMP deadlines include: • GSTR-1 quarterly filing by the 13th of the month following the quarter (e.g., July–September 2025 due October 13). • GSTR-3B due between the 22nd and 24th, depending on the taxpayer’s state classification under Category A or B.
Although quarterly filing reduces the compliance load, it requires accurate monthly payment of taxes. Misalignment between challan payments and quarterly data may trigger mismatches, highlighting the importance of a dependable reminder system that keeps all deadlines visible.
Composition Scheme and Other Key GST Return Due Dates
Composition taxpayers follow a different compliance structure that simplifies filings and tax payments. Their principal requirements include:
• CMP-08 filed quarterly, summarizing self-assessed tax liability. For example, July–September 2025 filings are due on October 18. • GSTR-4, the annual return for composition dealers, must be filed by June 30 of the following financial year.
Additional specialized returns include: • GSTR-5 (for non-resident taxable persons) and GSTR-6 (for Input Service Distributors), both due by the 13th. • GSTR-7 and GSTR-8, for TDS and TCS collectors respectively, due by the 10th. • GSTR-5A for OIDAR service providers, due by the 20th. • ITC-04, filed half-yearly by certain manufacturers to report goods sent to job workers.
Each of these forms carries distinct data preparation requirements. Missing their deadlines may restrict credit flow or lead to notices, making a structured filing calendar indispensable.
Annual GST Return Filing Calendar for GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C
Annual GST returns bring together all information submitted throughout the year and allow businesses to reconcile their tax position in one consolidated report. These filings work as the final checkpoint to verify that outward supplies, inward supplies, tax payments, and input tax credit claims have been captured accurately in monthly or quarterly submissions. The process is meant to ensure that both financial records and GST returns reflect the same figures, reducing the possibility of inconsistencies that may invite scrutiny.
GSTR-9 serves as the comprehensive annual return for regular taxpayers. It covers details such as outward taxable supplies, exempt or non-GST supplies, inward supplies on which tax is payable under reverse charge, and the ITC availed or reversed during the year. It also provides a summary of taxes paid through electronic cash and credit ledgers. Since the form captures the year’s complete activity, it helps businesses review their compliance health and identify any missed entries or adjustments that may be required.
GSTR-9C acts as a reconciliation statement, bridging the data in GSTR-9 with the audited financial statements. This return is self-certified for applicable taxpayers based on turnover thresholds specified under the GST law. It highlights differences between the books of accounts and GST returns, such as mismatched turnover, incorrect ITC reporting, or classification issues. This step ensures that the figures used for tax purposes align with those recorded in the annual accounts, strengthening accuracy and reducing litigation risks.
The due date for filing GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C usually falls on December 31 following the end of the relevant financial year. However, the government has granted multiple extensions in past years to accommodate technical challenges, audit delays, or transitional changes in GST rules. These returns demand careful preparation because they rely on thorough cross-verification between GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, electronic cash and credit ledgers, and financial statements. Missing small discrepancies may lead to compliance gaps that trigger queries from authorities or place additional compliance burdens during audits.
Timely planning is essential because annual return filings often require coordination between finance teams, accountants, and auditors. Reviewing data month by month, verifying ITC utilization, and reconciling ledgers early in the year can help avoid last-minute pressure. A well-organized approach ensures seamless submission and reduces the risk of errors that could affect future audits or assessments.
Latest Updates Affecting the GST Return Filing Calendar
Recent policy changes are reshaping how businesses approach return filing. From July 2025, GSTR-3B auto-locks once system-populated data is finalized, reducing the scope for post-filing revisions. A strict three-year window for filing past returns further tightens compliance cycles. CBIC notifications continue to introduce periodic extensions, such as the shift of September 2025 GSTR-3B to October 25 to provide operational relief. Some states have also received region-specific extensions due to floods or administrative constraints, such as Maharashtra and Manipur.
These updates underline the need for continuous monitoring, because even minor changes in the calendar can influence tax payment cycles and interest computation.
How TaxBuddy Reminders Help You Never Miss a Due Date
TaxBuddy’s automated reminder system tracks the GST return filing calendar in real time, ensuring that every user receives precise alerts for upcoming due dates. The system immediately reflects extensions, notifications, or procedural changes issued by GSTN or CBIC, helping businesses stay updated without manual tracking. The reminders cover monthly GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, quarterly QRMP filings, annual returns, and special forms like CMP-08 and GSTR-4. By eliminating confusion around shifting timelines, TaxBuddy significantly reduces the risk of penalties, interest, and compliance gaps. Its alerts support consistent workflows, particularly for businesses handling multiple GST registrations.
Why a GST Return Filing Calendar Matters for Businesses
Adhering to the GST return filing calendar protects businesses from late fees, interest charges, and potential scrutiny under compliance audits. The calendar acts as an operational roadmap for managing outward supplies, tax payments, input tax credit reconciliation, and annual reporting. Missing a single return can affect partner ITC claims, disrupt customer relationships, and trigger notice cycles. A well-maintained calendar improves financial planning by establishing predictable payment windows and reducing last-minute pressure on accounting teams. When paired with automated reminders, it ensures a disciplined filing environment that aligns with the regulatory expectations of the GST framework.
Conclusion
Effective compliance with the GST return filing calendar allows businesses to operate smoothly, minimize penalties, and maintain accurate tax records throughout the financial year. Automated tools help simplify these responsibilities, ensuring every due date is tracked and completed within the required timelines. For smoother compliance and consistent deadline management, for anyone looking for assistance in tax filing, it is highly recommended to download the TaxBuddy mobile app for a simplified, secure, and hassle-free experience.
FAQs
Q1. Does TaxBuddy offer both self-filing and expert-assisted plans for ITR filing, or only expert-assisted options? TaxBuddy offers a flexible structure where taxpayers can choose between self-filing and expert-assisted plans. The self-filing mode is supported by automated data extraction, guided workflows, and built-in error detection, making it suitable for straightforward returns. The expert-assisted plan is ideal for scenarios involving multiple income sources, capital gains, business income under presumptive taxation, foreign assets, or deductions requiring precise treatment. This mix ensures that individuals with different comfort levels and complexities can file confidently without risking compliance issues.
Q2. Which is the best site to file ITR? The best platform for filing ITR is the one that balances simplicity, accuracy, and expert-driven validation. The Income Tax Department’s portal supports direct filing, but many taxpayers prefer intuitive platforms that reduce manual entry and provide step-by-step guidance. TaxBuddy stands out because it merges technology with professional oversight, minimizing errors and helping users file returns that reflect complete and accurate information. Its automated reconciliation tools further strengthen the filing process.
Q3. Where to file an income tax return? Income tax returns can be filed through the official Income Tax e-filing portal or via authorized platforms offering filing assistance. Many taxpayers opt for assisted platforms to avoid errors, missed deductions, or mismatches with Form 26AS or AIS. TaxBuddy simplifies the experience by ensuring that all income categories—including salary, capital gains, business income, and interest—are accurately captured before filing the return.
Q4. What happens if an incorrect ITR is filed? Filing an incorrect ITR may trigger notices for mismatched income, unreported transactions, incorrect tax credit claims, or inaccurate deduction entries. If errors are discovered early, they may be corrected through a revised return, provided the deadline has not passed. Persistent discrepancies may escalate into scrutiny, reassessment, or demand notices. Accurate filing through platforms like TaxBuddy reduces such risks by validating data against AIS, Form 26AS, and TDS statements before submission.
Q5. Are GST return due dates linked to income tax filing deadlines? GST return due dates and ITR deadlines operate independently under different regulatory frameworks. While GST filings focus on outward supplies, input tax credit, and tax liabilities under the CGST Act, ITR deadlines relate to income earned during the financial year. A combined calendar helps businesses maintain clarity, but missing one deadline does not directly affect the other. However, poor compliance in either area may invite notices or penalties under the respective acts.
Q6. What penalties apply for missing GST return deadlines? Missing GST return deadlines leads to late fees calculated on a per-day basis, capped within prescribed limits. For key returns like GSTR-3B and GSTR-1, the standard late fee applies along with 18% annual interest on outstanding tax dues. Delays may also restrict access to input tax credit or prevent further return filing until pending submissions are completed. Consistent reminders through platforms like TaxBuddy help businesses avoid avoidable penalties.
Q7. How do GST extensions affect the compliance calendar? Extensions issued by the GST Council or CBIC temporarily shift specific filing deadlines due to technical issues, natural calamities, regional disruptions, or administrative decisions. While extensions offer relief, they also require businesses to closely monitor notifications to avoid being caught off guard. Automated tracking tools ensure real-time updates so taxpayers remain aligned with revised timelines without manual verification.
Q8. Why do small businesses prefer the QRMP scheme? Small businesses with turnover up to ₹5 crore often choose the QRMP scheme to reduce the number of monthly filings. By filing GSTR-1 quarterly and paying tax monthly via PMT-06, smaller entities manage compliance with less administrative strain. The scheme balances reporting frequency with cash flow requirements and is particularly helpful for businesses with seasonal revenue or limited accounting resources.
Q9. What are the benefits of maintaining a GST return filing calendar? A GST return filing calendar organizes all monthly, quarterly, and annual dues in a single structured format, making it easier to plan data preparation, tax payments, and reconciliations. It reduces the likelihood of missed deadlines and encourages timely validation of outward supplies, ITC claims, and challan payments. With regular use, it improves consistency in compliance and prevents penalties or system blocks during return submissions.
Q10. How does TaxBuddy ensure accuracy in GST and ITR filings? TaxBuddy combines automated data extraction with expert validation to ensure that filings reflect accurate, complete, and updated information. The system checks entries against GST data, AIS, Form 26AS, and TDS records before finalizing returns. Errors related to mismatched tax credits, incorrect turnover entries, or misreported income are flagged automatically. Expert-assisted plans include manual reviews to strengthen accuracy further.
Q11. Can taxpayers handle GST and ITR filings through a single platform? Yes. A unified platform allows taxpayers to manage GST and income tax filings in one place, simplifying compliance. TaxBuddy offers both services, helping businesses track GST due dates while simultaneously preparing annual income tax filings. Centralized storage of documents, reminders, and reconciliation reports provides a smoother filing experience and eliminates the need to manage multiple systems.
Q12. What should businesses track apart from GST and ITR deadlines? In addition to return due dates, businesses should track TDS payment deadlines, challan payments, advance tax installments, financial statement finalization timelines, and compliance updates issued by tax authorities. Monitoring these obligations creates a holistic compliance framework that reduces the risk of penalties. Platforms like TaxBuddy streamline this monitoring by offering reminders and expert oversight across broader tax responsibilities.
