Once you have GST registration, you file two main returns: GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B. Here is what each one is and when it is due.
What the two returns are
- GSTR-1 lists your sales: every invoice to registered buyers and a summary of sales to consumers. Your buyers' input tax credit depends on it.
- GSTR-3B is the summary return where you pay the tax: total sales, the input tax credit you claim, and the tax payable in cash.
Monthly filing
If your turnover was above ₹5 crore last year, you must file every month:
| Return | Due date |
|---|---|
| GSTR-1 | 11th of the next month |
| GSTR-3B | 20th of the next month |
Quarterly filing (QRMP scheme)
If your turnover is up to ₹5 crore, you can choose the QRMP scheme and file returns once a quarter:
| What | When |
|---|---|
| GSTR-1 | 13th of the month after the quarter |
| GSTR-3B (West Bengal) | 24th of the month after the quarter |
| Tax payment (PMT-06) for the 1st and 2nd month | 25th of the next month |
Under QRMP you still pay tax every month. You can also upload invoices for your big customers in the first two months (IFF), so they get their credit sooner.
What happens if you file late
- Late fee for each day of delay, for every return, with a lower fee for nil returns.
- Interest at 18% a year on the tax paid late.
- If returns are not filed for several months, the department can cancel your registration, and your buyers stop getting credit, which quickly costs you customers.
- You cannot file GSTR-3B for a month before the previous month's return is filed.
Simple habits that prevent problems
- Send sales and purchase data to your accountant by the 5th of every month.
- Check purchases against GSTR-2B before claiming credit.
- File nil returns on time, even when there are no sales.
- Keep the acknowledgement of every return filed.
Let us file for you
We prepare and file GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B for businesses across Kolkata. You upload your data, and we file it, send you the acknowledgement and remind you before every due date. Get a free quote.
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