Types of GST Returns with Due Dates In 2024

A GST return is a document that contains information about a taxpayer’s sales, purchases, and tax liability under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. Filing GST returns is mandatory for all businesses registered under the GST system and are identified by the GSTIN number.

There are 22 types of GST returns prescribed under the GST rules. Out of these, 11 GST returns are active, 4 are suspended, and 8 are view-only. The specifics of these return types vary based on the taxpayer’s category. Various taxpayers, including regular, composition taxable persons and e-commerce operators, submit GST returns based on their category.

The filing frequency varies depending on the type of returns and taxpayer group. For instance, regular taxpayers file GSTR 1 monthly, while all taxpayers except those under the composition scheme submit GSTR 3B.

Types of GST Returns

There are a total of 13 GST return types in India for capturing various financial aspects and ensuring compliance with GST regulations. The applicability of these returns depends on the type of taxpayer and the nature of their GST registration.

The 13 types of returns in GST is as follows:

• GSTR-1
• GSTR-3B
• GSTR-4
• GSTR-5
• GSTR – 5A
• GSTR-6
• GSTR -7
• GSTR – 8
• GSTR-9 
• GSTR-10
• GSTR -11
• CMP-08
• ITC 04

In addition to understanding the various types of GST returns, it’s important for taxpayers to have easy access to their GST details for accurate filing. With tools like Razorpay’s GST Search by PAN, taxpayers can conveniently verify their GST information and ensure compliance.

Here are the various types of GST return forms and their crucial due dates.

1. GSTR-1: Outward Supplies Reporting

GSTR-1 is a return used to report outward supplies of goods and services or both made by registered taxpayers. It plays a crucial role in providing data about debit-credit notes on sales transactions made during a specific period.

Filing GSTR-1 accurately and on time is essential for maintaining compliance with GST rules. All the normal and casual registered taxpayers must file the GSTR-1 return.

Filing Frequency of GSTR-1 and Due Dates in 2024:

• 11th of Every Month: Businesses with a turnover of above INR 5 crore are required to file GSTR-1 monthly, or if they do not opt under the QRMP scheme.
• 13th of Every Quarter: Businesses who have opted for the QRMP scheme are required to file GSTR-1 by the 13th of the month following the quarter end.

2. GSTR-2A: Dynamic Inward Supplies View

GSTR-2A is a read-only dynamic return which provides a comprehensive view of the inward supplies of goods and services. It is auto-populated from the suppliers’ GSTR-1, ensuring accuracy in Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims for buyers. Even with the introduction of GSTR-2B, GSTR-2A remains relevant for some taxpayers, especially for reconciling ITC.

Filing Frequency of GSTR-2A and Due Dates in 2024:

• 11th of Every Monthly: 11th of the following month
• 13th of Every Quarterly: 13th of the month following the end of the quarter

3. GSTR-2B: Static ITC View

GSTR-2B is an auto-drafted ITC statement that is prepared for every normal taxpayer using the information provided by his suppliers in their respective GSTR-1/IFF, GSTR-5 (non-resident taxable person), and GSTR-6 (input service distributor) forms. The statement reflects the availability and non-availability of input tax credit to the taxpayer for each document filed by his suppliers. 

Filing Frequency of GSTR-2B and Due Dates in 2024:

• 14th of Every Month: The due date to file GSTR-2B is 14th of the following month.

4. GSTR-3: Summary Return (Suspended)

GSTR-3, summarising outward and inward supplies, has been suspended since September 2017. It is auto-generated from GSTR-1 (for outward supplies) and GSTR-2 (for inward supplies). This summary return simplifies the reporting process, offering a comprehensive overview of transactions without manual entry.

Filing Frequency and Due Dates: N/A (Suspended)

5. GSTR-3B: Monthly Self-Declaration

GSTR-3B serves as a simplified monthly summary return required for all normal and casual taxpayers. It enables them to declare and settle their overall GST liabilities for a particular tax period. Notably, the GSTR-3B form is auto-populated on the basis of values declared by respective suppliers in their Form GSTR-1 and the system generated Form GSTR-2B.

Filing Frequency of GSTR-3B and Due Dates in 2024:

• 20th Day of Every Month: The due date to file GSTR-3B is 20th of the following month
• 22nd and 24th Day of Every Quarter: The due date to file GSTR-3B is 22nd and 24th of the month after the quarter ends. 

6. GSTR-4: Annual Return for Composition Taxpayers

GSTR-4 is a return that must be filed annually. Taxpayers who choose the composition scheme for any part of the financial year must file GSTR-4. Such taxpayers require a summary of outward supplies, inward supplies, imported services, and any supplies that attract reverse charge.

Filing Frequency of GSTR-4 and Due Dates in 2024:

• Annually: The due date to file GSTR-4 is 30th April of the following financial year

7. GSTR-5: Return for Non-Resident Foreign Taxpayers

GSTR-5 is a return for non-resident taxpayers who conduct business activities in India for a short period. Such taxpayers are required to furnish details of all their taxable supplies. This includes information on goods and services received and supplied, and taxes settled.

Filing Frequency of GSTR-5 and Due Dates in 2024:

File GSTR-5 within 7 days of registration expiry or business closure. If the valid registrations exceeding 1 more month, file monthly by 13th (Oct 2022 onwards).

• 13th Day of Every Month: The due date to file GSTR-5 is 13th of the following month.

8. GSTR-5A: Summary Return for OIDAR Providers:

GSTR-5A is a return that must be filed by non-resident Online Information and Database Access or Retrieval (OIDAR) service providers. It is mandatory to file GSTR-5A even if there is no business activity (i.e., it is a Nil Return) for a tax period. This report gives a snapshot of goods and services received and supplied, and taxes paid.

Filing Frequency of GSTR-5A and Due Dates in 2024:

• 20th Day of Every Month: The due date to file GSTR-5A is 20th of the following month.

9. GSTR-6: Monthly Return for Input Service Distributors

GSTR-6 is a mandatory return to be file by Input Service Distributors (ISD) for distribution of credit (ITC) among their branches or units. This includes filing even if there’s no ITC available or distributed during the month (a Nil return).

Filing Frequency of GSTR-6 and Due Dates in 2024:

• 13th Day of Every Month: The due date to file GSTR-6 is 13th of the following month.

10. GSTR-7: Monthly Return for TDS Deductors

GSTR-7 is a monthly return filed by businesses registered under GST who deduct tax at source (TDS) on certain payments made to suppliers for goods and services. This report contains the details of TDS liability, payments made, refunds claimed, and the total amount of TDS deducted.

Filing Frequency of GSTR-7 and Due Dates in 2024:

• 10th Day of Every Month: The due date to file GSTR-7 is 10th of the following month.

11. GSTR-8: Monthly Return for E-commerce Operators

GSTR-8 is a monthly return filed by e-commerce operators registered under GST. This statement details Tax Collected at Source (TCS) information. It includes details of taxable supplies made by other sellers through the platform, the total consideration collected (transaction value), and the amount of TCS collected on those transactions.

Filing Frequency of GSTR-8 and Due Dates in 2024:

• 10th Day of Every Month: The due date to file GSTR-8 is 10th of the following month.

12. GSTR-9: Annual Return for All Taxpayers

GSTR-9 is an annual return filed by all regular GST taxpayers, including SEZ units, SEZ developers, and those who opted out of the composition scheme during the year. This return summarizes all outward and inward supplies, input tax credit availed, refunds claimed, and any tax liabilities for the financial year.

Filing Frequency of GSTR-9 and Due Dates in 2024:

• Annually: The due date to file GSTR-9 is 31st December of following financial year.

13. GSTR-9A: Annual Return for Composition Scheme Taxpayers

GSTR-9A is an annual return that taxpayers who opted for the composition scheme during the financial year could file. It summarized details like outward and inward supplies, taxes paid, refunds claimed, and any adjustments to input tax credit due to opting in or out of the scheme.

Filing Frequency of GSTR-9A and Due Dates in 2024:

• Annually: The due date to file GSTR-9A is 31st December of following financial year.

14. GSTR-9C: Annual Reconciliation Statement

GSTR-9C is an annual reconciliation statement filed by regular taxpayers (including SEZ units and developers) with a turnover exceeding Rs. 5 crore. This form reconciles the figures declared in the audited annual financial statements with the corresponding figures in the annual GST return (GSTR-9). It requires verification and digital signature by a Chartered Accountant or Cost Accountant. The statement specifically focuses on reconciling discrepancies in turnover, tax paid, and input tax credit (ITC).

Filing Frequency of GSTR-9A and Due Dates in 2024:

• Annually: The due date to file GSTR-9 is 31st December of following financial year.

15. GSTR-10: Final Return

GSTR-10, also known as the final return, is a mandatory filing for regular taxpayers whose GST registration gets cancelled or surrendered. This return details the taxpayer’s closing stock (inventory) on the day before the cancellation becomes effective.

Filing Frequency of GSTR-10 and Due Dates in 2024:

It must be filed within three months of the cancellation date or the date of the cancellation order, whichever comes later.

16. GSTR-11: Quarterly Return For UIN Holder

GSTR-11 is a quarterly return filed by holders of a Unique Identity Number (UIN) to claim tax credits or refunds on GST for inward supplies (goods or services received). Filing GSTR-11 isn’t mandatory if there are no inward supplies during the quarter. However, it is necessary for claiming a refund through Form GST RFD-10 in the relevant quarter.

Filing Frequency of GSTR-11 and Due Dates in 2024:

UIN holders can file GSTR-11 anytime after the end of the relevant quarter, though there’s no specific due date.

Late filing of GST Returns

Filing GST returns on time is mandatory. Even if there have been no transactions during the period, filing a ‘Nil’ return is essential to ensure compliance.

An important point to keep in mind is that the current month / quarter’s return cannot be filed without first filing the previous month / quarter’s return.

If GST returns are filed late, there can be repercussions, such as penalties and further complications. A late fee of ₹50 per day (₹20 for Nil returns) applies, with a cap of ₹5,000. Furthermore, there are interest charges of 18% p.a..

Late filing also affects the submission of GSTR-1 since its late filing fee is reflected in the liability ledger of GSTR-3B, filed after delays. It is crucial to meet deadlines to avoid these penalties and comply with GST regulations.

Interest and Late Fees to be Paid

1. Interest Rate

You must pay 18% p.a. interest on the outstanding tax amount.

2. Calculation

Interest is calculated from the day after the filing due date until the actual payment date, based on the net tax liability in the ledger.

3. Late Fee

Late fee is ₹100 per day per Act (CGST and SGST), totalling ₹200/day (with a maximum limit of ₹5,000 per Act). There is no separately prescribed late fee under the IGST Act.

4. GSTR-9 / 9C Late Fee

The late fee for GSTR-9 / 9C is capped at 0.25% of turnover in the state or Union Territory.

5. Government Relief Schemes

The government may offer relief schemes that could potentially reduce late fee amounts.

Related Read: What is the Difference Between CGST, SGST and IGST

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Gstr-1 monthly or quarterly?

Small taxpayers with an aggregate turnover of up to ₹5 crore can choose between monthly or quarterly filing of GSTR-1.

2. What is the limit of GST?

The GST registration in India is capped at ₹40 lakh for normal category states and ₹20 lakh for special category states. Ensuring proper registration for GST for online business is crucial for the seamless operation of online ventures.

3. What is monthly GST filing?

Monthly GST filing involves submitting returns like GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B every month.

4. How to calculate GST?

You can calculate GST online by applying the GST rate to the taxable value of the goods or services sold.

5. What are GST due dates?

The due dates for filing GST returns, such as GSTR-1, depend on your business’s turnover.

6. How do you determine which type of GST return to file?

The particular type of GST return to file is normally based on more than one factor. like the turnover of your business, the nature of your transactions, and the specific terms and conditions of tax authorities.

7. Are there other specialised GST returns apart from the common ones?

GST returns such as GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B are mandated. Specialised returns forms, like IFF and PMT 06, can be filed every quarter.

8. Do composition dealers follow the same GST return filing process as regular taxpayers?

No, composition dealers have a simplified GST return filing process compared to regular taxpayers.

9. What are the key differences between GSTR-3B and GSTR-1?

GSTR 3B, being a compilation tax return, is consumed by the taxpayer and contains the tax obligations and payment summary. GSTR-1, which is a detailed tax return, is self-assessed and used by a taxpayer to summarise the sales made.

10. Can you explain the role of GSTR-11 for persons with a Unique Identification Number (UIN)?

People with UIN must register to GSTR-11 on supplies received from their suppliers in the tax period.

11. What are the consequences of non-compliance with the filing of different types of GST returns?

Non-compliance of the submission of GST returns can result in penalties and late fees. This may lead to non-competitiveness and operational efficiency. Ensuring accurate filing and timely submission of GST returns to avoid these penalties.