Meaning of term GST Returns under GST

Posted on 10 June 2022 Category : GST terms

What is GST Returns under GST

This post explains about GST Returns under GST.

Periodicity of Return Filing:

GST Returns:

The basic features of the returns mechanism in GST include electronic filing of returns, uploading of invoice level information and auto-population of information relating to Input Tax Credit (ITC) from returns of supplier to that of recipient, invoice-level information matching and auto-reversal of Input Tax Credit in case of mismatch. The returns mechanism is designed to assist the taxpayer to file returns and avail ITC.

Under GST, a regular taxpayer needs to furnish monthly returns and one annual return. There are separate returns for a taxpayer registered under the composition scheme, non-resident taxpayer, taxpayer registered as an Input Service Distributor, a person liable to deduct or collect the tax (TDS/ TCS) and a person granted Unique Identification Number. It is important to note that a taxpayer is NOT required to file all types of returns. In fact, taxpayers are required to file returns depending on the activities they undertake.

All the returns are to be filed online. Returns can be filed using any of the following methods:

GSTN portal (www.gst.gov.in )
Offline utilities provided by GSTN
GST Suvidha Providers (GSPs) - If you are already using the services of ERP providers such as Tally, SAP, Oracle etc., there is a high likelihood that these ERP providers would provide inbuilt solutions in the existing ERP systems

A normal taxpayer has to file the following returns:

GSTR-1 (Statement of Outward Supplies):

This return signifies the tax liability of the supplier for the supplies effected during the previous month.
It needs to be filed by the 10th of every month in relation to supplies effected during the previous month. For example, a statement of all the outward supplies made during the month of July 2017 needs to be filed by 10th August, 2017.

GSTR-2 (Statement of Inward Supplies):

This return signifies accrual of ITC (Input Tax Credit) from the inputs received during the previous month.
It is auto-populated from the GSTR-1s filed by the corresponding suppliers of the Taxpayer except for a few fields like imports, and purchases from unregistered suppliers.
It needs to be filed by the 15th of every month in relation to supplies received during the previous month. For example, a statement of all the inward supplies received during the month of July 2017 needs to be filed by 15th August, 2017.

GSTR-3:

This is a consolidated return. It needs to be filed by the 20th of every month. It consolidates the following details

Outward Supplies (Auto-Populated from GSTR-1)
Inward Supplies (Auto-Populated from GSTR-2)
ITC availed
Tax Payable
Tax Paid (Using both Cash and ITC)

NOTE: Payment should be made on or before 20th of every month.

Annual Return

This return needs to be filed by 31st December of the next Financial Year. In this return, the taxpayer needs to furnish details of expenditure and details of income for the entire Financial Year.

This post describes about GST Returns under GST. Comment below your thoughts about this post GST Returns under GST.

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