GST returns are periodic statements that report a taxpayer’s outward and inward supplies, tax liability, and input tax credit. While the portal provides online tools, professional GST return filing services ensure that each step is executed correctly and backed by proper records.
1. Understanding types of GST returns
- Regular taxpayers typically deal with GSTR‑1 for outward supplies and GSTR‑3B for summary tax payment and ITC claim, along with annual returns.
- There are separate returns for composition taxpayers, input service distributors, TDS deductors, and non‑resident taxpayers.
- Identifying the correct forms, periodicity, and due dates is the first step in building a robust compliance calendar.
2. Data collection and preparation
- Businesses need to collate invoice‑wise sales data, purchase registers, debit/credit notes, advances, and adjustments for the relevant tax period.
- Professional services help in standardising formats, validating GSTINs, tax rates, place of supply, and HSN/SAC codes.
- Clean and well‑organised data reduces rejection, mismatch, and re‑work at later stages of filing.
3. Login and access to returns dashboard
- Taxpayers log into the official GST portal with their credentials and navigate to the “Returns Dashboard”.
- The financial year and return period are selected from the drop‑down menus, after which the relevant return forms become available.
- Professional filers ensure that the correct period and return type are chosen to avoid misreporting.
4. Preparation of GSTR‑1 (outward supplies)
- For GSTR‑1, details of B2B, B2C, exports, and other supplies are uploaded invoice‑wise or through bulk utilities.
- Professionals verify tax rates, place of supply, and classification to ensure correct reporting of inter‑state and intra‑state supplies.
- After validation, the return is saved and submitted within the due date so that recipients can see invoices in their auto‑drafted statements.
5. Preparation of GSTR‑3B (summary return)
- GSTR‑3B summarises outward supplies, eligible and ineligible ITC, and the net tax payable for the period.
- Service providers reconcile books and GSTR‑1 data with GSTR‑2B to determine correct ITC that can be availed in GSTR‑3B.
- Once figures are finalised, tax is paid through cash or utilisation of ITC, and the return is submitted with electronic verification.
6. Payment of tax and challan generation
- The GST portal allows creation of challans detailing tax, interest, and late fees, if any, which can be paid via internet banking or other authorised modes.
- Professionals calculate liability carefully to avoid short‑payment, which could attract further interest and notices.
- After payment, the electronic cash ledger is updated and used for offsetting liability in GSTR‑3B.
7. Verification, submission, and tracking
- Returns are verified using digital signature or electronic verification code, depending on the entity type.
- The status of the return can be tracked on the portal, and successful filing is indicated by a “Submitted” or equivalent status.
- Professional services also maintain internal records and working papers to support the figures filed.
8. Post‑filing reconciliations and corrections
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- After filing, differences between books, returns, and auto‑generated statements are periodically reviewed.
- Genuine mistakes can often be corrected in subsequent returns through amendments, subject to legal limits.
- Professional filers advise on the correct manner and timing of such corrections to minimise penalty exposure.
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