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GST Filing in India: An Introduction
Filing Goods and Services Tax (GST) returns is a legal requirement for every registered business in India. Depending on turnover, returns must be filed monthly, quarterly, or annually to report sales, purchases, and taxes collected or paid.
Yet, managing multiple forms, reconciliations, and frequent GST updates can be complex. Even minor errors may lead to penalties, blocked Input Tax Credit (ITC), or notices from the department.
TaxBuddy simplifies this process through AI-powered automation and expert-assisted filing, ensuring your GST returns are accurate, compliant, and always on time. Whether you’re a small business or a multi-location enterprise, TaxBuddy handles everything — from registration to reconciliation — so you can focus on growth, not compliance.
What is a GST Return?
A GST Return is a detailed financial statement that captures every transaction made by a business during a tax period. It includes details of sales, purchases, taxes collected on sales, and taxes paid on inputs. The Government uses this information to calculate your net GST liability and ensure proper flow of Input Tax Credit (ITC) across the supply chain.
In simple terms, filing a GST return means declaring how much tax you’ve collected from customers and how much you’ve already paid to your suppliers. The balance — if any — becomes your payable tax to the government.
Each GST return consists of the following components:
Input Tax Credit (GST Paid on Purchases):
The credit that can be claimed against the tax you paid on purchases, helping avoid double taxation.
Output GST (On Sales):
The total tax collected from customers on outward supplies.
Purchases (Inward Supplies):
Records purchases made from registered suppliers and the GST paid on them.
Sales (Outward Supplies):
Lists all invoices for goods and services sold during the period, including the applicable GST charged.
Proper GST return filing ensures that your tax liability is calculated correctly and that your Input Tax Credit is not blocked due to mismatched data.
Who Should File GST Returns?
Every business or individual registered under GST is legally required to file GST returns, even if no transactions occurred during the filing period. Filing “nil returns” is equally important to stay compliant and avoid penalties or account suspension.
Eligibility Criteria
Under the current GST law, the filing requirement applies to:
All registered businesses with GSTINs.
Individuals and proprietors providing taxable goods or services.
Freelancers and professionals crossing the prescribed turnover limits.
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E-commerce operators who collect tax at source (TCS).
Input Service Distributors (ISDs) distributing tax credits to multiple branches.
Non-resident taxable persons supplying goods or services in India.
Turnover Thresholds for GST Filing
₹40 lakh – For suppliers of goods.
₹20 lakh – For service providers.
₹10 lakh – For businesses operating in special category states (like the North-East).
Even if your turnover falls below the threshold, voluntary GST registration can help you claim input tax credits and expand business credibility.
Why Filing is Mandatory
Filing returns on time keeps your Input Tax Credit active and avoids penalties or interest charges. Non-filing not only attracts fines but also restricts you from filing subsequent returns, creating compliance backlogs that could harm your business reputation.
With TaxBuddy, you don’t need to track multiple forms or due dates manually. Our experts and automated system ensure timely filing, accurate reconciliation, and full compliance, no matter the size of your business.
Various Types of GST Return Filing in India
The GST system in India requires registered taxpayers to file different returns depending on their business type and turnover. In total, there are 13 types of GST returns, though most businesses only need to file GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and GSTR-9.
Form | Purpose | Applicable To | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
Report details of outward supplies (sales) | Regular taxpayers | 11th / 13th (QRMP) | |
Annual return and reconciliation | All regular taxpayers | 31st December | |
TCS return by e-commerce operators | E-commerce platforms | 10th | |
TDS return under GST | Tax-deducting entities | 10th | |
Distribution of ITC by ISDs | Input Service Distributors | 13th | |
Return for non-resident taxpayers | Non-resident entities | 20th | |
Annual return for composition dealers | Composition taxpayers | 30th April | |
Monthly summary of sales, ITC, and tax payable | Regular taxpayers | 20th / 22nd / 24th |
Accurate filing of these returns ensures compliance and smooth Input Tax Credit flow.
Due Dates for Filing GST Returns
GST return deadlines vary by turnover and filing category. Missing these can attract late fees and interest.
Category | Filing Type | Due Dates |
|---|---|---|
Turnover above ₹5 crore | Monthly – GSTR-1 & GSTR-3B | 11th & 20th of next month |
All Taxpayers | Annual – GSTR-9 / 9C | 31st December |
Composition Dealers | Annual – GSTR-4 | 30th April |
Turnover up to ₹5 crore (QRMP) | Quarterly – GSTR-1 & 3B | 13th, 22nd / 24th of next quarter |
Timely filing keeps your GST account active and avoids blockage of Input Tax Credit.
Penalty for Late Filing of GST Returns
Late or missed filings invite both fees and interest:
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Late Fee: ₹100 per day under CGST + ₹100 under SGST (max ₹5,000).
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Interest: 18% per annum on unpaid taxes, calculated from the day after the due date.
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Annual Returns: Late fees capped at 0.25% of turnover.
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Blocked Filings: You cannot file next-period returns until pending ones are cleared.
With TaxBuddy’s smart alerts and auto-tracking, you’ll never miss a deadline.
Plans based on your Selection
*18% GST will be applicable to the base plan amount
How to File GST Returns Online with TaxBuddy
Filing with TaxBuddy is fast, secure, and guided by experts.
Step-by-Step Process
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Filing & Confirmation
Returns are filed on the GST portal; you receive instant acknowledgment.
Expert Review
Our professionals verify entries and reconcile Input Tax Credit.
Upload Documents
Submit invoices and purchase data securely through your dashboard.
Select a Plan
Choose between self-filing (AI-guided) or expert-assisted filing.
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Automated invoice matching
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Real-time ITC reconciliation
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Secure data handling
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Expert support throughout
Why It’s Effortless with TaxBuddy
Benefits of GST Filing with TaxBuddy
TaxBuddy makes GST compliance simple, accurate, and effortless.
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Dedicated GST Expert – A personal consultant handles your filings end to end.
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Smart Alerts – Automated reminders so you never miss a due date.
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Monthly Status Reports – Clear summaries of filed and pending returns.
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Real-Time Reconciliation – Instant matching of sales and purchases for ITC accuracy.
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Mobile App Access – Track filings, receive alerts, and connect with experts anytime.
Stay compliant effortlessly while focusing on your business growth.
Documents Required for GST Filing
Keep these documents ready for smooth filing:
Sales & Purchase Invoices
Credit/Debit Notes
Bank Statements
Expense Invoices
Previous Return Copies
Hear What Our Clients Say About Our GST Services
Niranjana Sharma
Local Guide • 2 months ago
Team TaxBuddy came to the rescue in crunch time. They were prompt, courteous and professional. Superlative service a super competitive price. Couldn't be more satisfied. Strongly recommended for every taxpayer in India who wants accurate returns and peace of mind.
4.7
Google Reviews
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Rohan Baruah
3 months ago
Positive : Professionalism, Responsiveness. Rajkumar was very responsive and prompt throughout the return filing process. Even though it was taking some time on the govt portal, I knew that the work
Google Reviews
5.0
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Subham Saurabh
1 month ago
Tax Buddy was a breeze to work with. It's a straightforward procedure that's easy to follow. All you have to do is fill out the form with the relevant information and submit necessary documents as requested by them.
4.9
Google Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
Q
What is a GST Return?
A
A GST Return is a statement containing all details of a taxpayer’s sales, purchases, tax collected on sales (output tax), and tax paid on inputs (input tax). These returns are filed with the GST Department to determine the net tax liability or refund for a specific period.
Every registered business must file periodic GST returns — even if there is no business activity during the period (nil return). Accurate filing helps maintain compliance and ensures uninterrupted Input Tax Credit (ITC) flow.
Q
How often should I file GST returns?
A
The frequency of GST filing depends on your business turnover and registration type:
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Monthly: Businesses with turnover above ₹5 crore must file GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B every month.
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Quarterly (QRMP Scheme): Businesses with turnover up to ₹5 crore can opt for quarterly filing under the Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme.
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Annually: All registered taxpayers must file GSTR-9 (Annual Return) and, if applicable, GSTR-9C (Reconciliation Statement) by 31st December of the following financial year.
Q
What are the penalties for late GST filing?
A
If you miss the due date, you’ll be liable for:
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Late Fee: ₹100 per day under CGST and ₹100 under SGST (maximum ₹5,000).
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Interest: 18% per annum on unpaid tax, calculated from the day after the due date until payment.
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Annual Return Delay: For GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C, the late fee is capped at 0.25% of turnover in your state or union territory.
Q
What happens if I skip filing a GST return?
A
Failing to file your GST return can lead to:
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Blockage of Future Filings: You cannot file subsequent returns until all pending ones are cleared.
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Loss of ITC: Your Input Tax Credit may get blocked or disallowed.
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Penalties & Notices: Persistent non-filing may trigger late fees, interest, or even notices from the GST Department.
With TaxBuddy, your filings are tracked proactively to ensure you never miss a cycle.
Q
Can TaxBuddy manage GST filings for composition dealers?
A
Yes. TaxBuddy provides dedicated support for composition scheme taxpayers.
We handle quarterly CMP-08 statements and annual GSTR-4 filings, ensuring your simplified returns are filed correctly and on time. Our experts also help calculate turnover and fixed-rate tax liability applicable under the composition scheme.
Q
What are GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B?
A
Both GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B are auto-generated statements showing inward supplies (purchases):
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GSTR-2A: A dynamic form that updates in real-time based on your suppliers’ filings (GSTR-1 and IFF data).
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GSTR-2B: A static monthly summary generated on a fixed date, used for claiming Input Tax Credit (ITC).
Q
Can I revise my GST return after filing?
A
Currently, the GST portal doesn’t allow revision of returns once filed. However, any error or omission can be rectified in a subsequent return of the same financial year.
TaxBuddy’s expert review process minimizes such errors before submission, ensuring accuracy from the start.
Q
Who can opt for the QRMP scheme?
A
The Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme is available to taxpayers with an annual aggregate turnover up to ₹5 crore.
Under this scheme, you can:
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File GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B quarterly instead of monthly.
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Pay tax every month using Form PMT-06.
This helps small businesses reduce compliance burden while maintaining timely tax payments.
Q
How does TaxBuddy ensure error-free and compliant filing?
A
TaxBuddy combines AI-driven reconciliation with expert review to ensure 100% accuracy.
Our system automatically cross-verifies data from your invoices, GSTR-2B, and previous filings to detect mismatches early. Every return is then double-checked by a certified GST professional before submission — which is why over 98% of our clients remain notice-free.
Q
Can I file my GST returns myself or should I take expert help?
A
You can self-file using the GST portal, but it requires accurate data entry, reconciliation, and technical understanding of GST rules.
With TaxBuddy, you get an AI-guided self-filing tool or expert-assisted service where professionals handle everything for you — ensuring speed, accuracy, and peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions
Q
Can a 12th pass student file a GST return?
A
Yes, a 12th pass student can file a GST return, and TaxBuddy simplifies the process for easy compliance.
Q
Can an individual file GST directly?
A
Certainly, individuals can file GST directly with TaxBuddy's user-friendly platform, ensuring a hassle-free filing experience.