GST Return: What is it, What are the Types, and How to File It?

GST-registered businesses must file monthly, quarterly, and annual GST returns depending on the business type and nature of the transaction. Filing GST returns helps business entities remain compliant with the law, safeguarding them against potential legal complications.

If you are a business owner and need to file your GST returns, read this blog to learn how to file a GST return and all the associated details to pay your taxes on time.

What is a GST Return?

A GST return refers to the periodic statement that summarizes key business details like income, sales, purchases, output tax (taxes received on sales), and input tax (tax paid on purchases) for a specific period. Tax administrative authorities analyze these details to evaluate the net tax liability.

On-time GST filing has various benefits. It helps businesses maintain a strong relationship with their suppliers and buyers while boosting the credibility of the company. As a result, it proves beneficial when the company applies for credit. 

Also, since the GST return keeps a record of all the transactions, it helps business owners make strategic business decisions regarding expansion and future investment.

Check out: Calculate GST Amount Effortlessly with Online GST Calculator

How to File GST Returns Online? 

• Step 1: If you are a new user, you must first register for GSTIN to obtain a 15-digit GST identification number.
• Step 2: Once registered, log in to the GST portal using your credentials and go to the ‘Services’ tab.
• Step 3: Access the ‘Returns dashboard’ and select the financial year for which you are filing the GST return.
• Step 4: Choose the desired return and select the ‘Prepare Online’ option.
• Step 5: Enter all the required details accurately, including any pending late fees.
• Step 6: Save and submit the form, ensuring its status changes to ‘Submitted’.
• Step 7: Click on ‘Payment of Tax’ and check the balance, which will display the credit and cash balance.
• Step 8: Offset the liability by selecting the ‘Offset Liability’ option.
• Step 9: Tick the relevant declaration boxes, choose ‘File Form with DSC’ or ‘File Form with EVC’, and make the payment.

Read More: GST Registration: A Step-by-step Guide

How to Check the Status of Your GST Return on the GST Portal? 

Step 1: After logging in to the official GST Portal (https://www.gst.gov.in/), go to ‘Services’ and select ‘Track Application Status’.

Step 2: Choose the ‘Refund’ option from the available options.

Step 3: Enter the ‘ARN (Application Reference Number)’ associated with your refund application.

Step 4: Click on ‘SEARCH’ to track the status of your refund application.

Step 5: Note that you can track your refund application without logging into the GST Portal only by using the ARN.

How to File NIL GST Return?

You can file a ‘Nil’ return for a specific tax period if you haven’t engaged in any outward supply (sales) or received any inward supply (purchases) of goods/services, and therefore, do not owe any tax for that particular period.

Step 1: Access the GST Portal at www.gst.gov.in.

Step 2: Login to the GST Portal with valid credentials.

Step 3: Click the Services > Returns > Returns Dashboard

Step 4: Select the Financial Year and Return Filing Period for which you want to file the return.

Step 5: Click the search button.

Step 6: This page displays the due date for filing returns, which taxpayers must submit using the respective tiles. Click the ‘Prepare Online’ button.

Step 7: Answer the questions to display the relevant sections applicable to you. Select Yes for option A ‘Do you want to file Nil return?’.

Step 8: Click the next button.

The tax filing page is displayed.

Step 9: Click the ‘Preview Draft GSTR-3B’ button to view the summary page of the form for your review.

Step 10: This button downloads the draft summary page of your form. All entries will be zero. As no payment is involved, Table 6.1 will not be present.

Step 11: Select the declaration checkbox

Step 12: From the Authorised Signatory drop-down list, select the authorized signatory.

Step 13: Click the ‘FILE GSTR-3B WITH DSC’ or ‘FILE GSTR-3B WITH EVC’ button.

Step 14: Click the proceed button.

Step 15: FILE Form GSTR-3B WITH DSC:

a. Select the certificate and click the ‘SIGN’ button.

FILE Form GSTR-3B WITH EVC:

a. Enter the OTP sent to the email and mobile number of the Authorized Signatory registered on the GST Portal and click the ‘VERIFY’ button.

How to Download the GST Return?

Here are the steps that will help you download the GST return from the GST portal:

• Step 1: Go to the official GST Portal and log in to your account on the GST Portal.
• Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Services’ section.
• Step 3: Click on ‘Returns’, then select ‘View e-Filed Returns’.
• Step 4: Choose the relevant ‘Financial Year’ for which the GST Return was filed.
• Step 5: Select the ‘Return Filing Period’ (Annual, Quarterly, or Monthly).
• Step 6: Choose the ‘Period’ for which the return was filed.
• Step 7: Select the specific ‘Return Type’ (GSTR Form) that you want to download.
• Step 8: Alternatively, you can search for all e-filed GST returns for the selected Financial Year.
• Step 9: View the ‘Acknowledgment Number’ and ‘Date of Filing’ for the GST Return.
• Step 10: Click on ‘VIEW’ to access the Review page of the GST Return.
• Step 11: Click on ‘Download Filed GSTR’ to download the GST Return in PDF format.

Types of GST Return

The following table shows details of various types of GST returns, their filing frequency, and respective due dates: