Types of GST Returns: Forms, Due Dates & Penalties

There are many different types of taxpayers which include normal taxpayer, e-commerce operators, casual taxable persons, TDS deductor, non-resident taxpayer, composition taxable persons, Input Service Distributor (ISD), etc. They are required to file different types of GST returns.

What Are GST Returns?

Every registered individual who pays GST must submit an electronic return every month. They must submit various monthly, quarterly, and annual return forms under GST. This shows how much a taxpayer earns, and the amount of tax to be paid which is mentioned in the GST return. 

The taxpayers have to fill out the following details in various GST returns under the GST Return filing procedure:

• Outward Supplies (Sales)

• Inward Supplies (Purchases)

• GST on Output

• GST on Input (Input Tax Credit)

• Other particulars 

Also Read: GST Return - Who Should File, Due Dates & Types of GST Returns

Types of Taxpayers

There are many different types of taxpayers who are required to file different types of GST returns. They include: 

Normal/ Registered/ Regular Taxpayer – Any individual who registers or is obliged to register under GST for the purposes of paying taxes, submitting returns, obtaining credit, and other related compliance is referred to as a normal taxpayer.

E-commerce Operator – As per Section 2(45) of the CGST Act, 2017, any person who owns, maintains or operates an electronic or digital platform for online commerce is an e-commerce operator.

Casual Taxable Person – Any individual who provides taxable products or services on a one-time basis in a taxable place where he has not set up a permanent shop is a casual taxable person. The individual can supply goods or services for the purpose of business as a principal or agent, or in any other role.

TDS Deductor/Deductee – A form of tax that is deducted at source is called TDS (Tax Deducted at Source). The person who subtracts it is the deductor and the one whose tax is subtracted is the deductee.

Non-resident Assessee – An individual who pays tax in a region or country where they do not have a place of business or residence.

Composition Taxable Person – Any taxpayer who has to pay tax under the composition scheme is a composition taxable person. The taxpayer would be obliged to pay CGST and SGST/UTGST at the rate stipulated by the relevant CGST/SGST/UTGST Act, 2017 as a percentage of turnover in a State/UT.

Input Service Distributor (ISD) – A taxpayer who receives bills for services utilised by its branches is known as an Input Service Distributor (ISD). The ISD invoices distribute the tax paid, known as the Input Tax Credit (ITC), to such branches in a proportionate manner.

Also Read: GST Rates in India - List of Goods and Service Tax Rates, Slab

Importance of Filing GST Returns

The filing of GST Returns is important in the following ways:

For Registered Businesses: 

• Helps in following GST rules and requirements 
• Helps in calculating an accurate tax liability 
• A tool for claiming ITC

For Government:

• Source for collecting financial information of organisations 
• A basis for future policies
• Tracks data for tax evasions
• Effective mode of getting information from the taxpayers

Different Types of GST Returns

There are 22 types of GST returns under the GST Rules. Out of which, 11 GST returns are active, 3 are suspended, and 8 are view-only in nature. 

GSTR-1: a return form filed by every regular taxpayer. The form contains detailed information on invoices, revised invoices, debit and credit notes from sales of products and services.

GSTR-2: Provides all the information a taxpayer submits (from both taxpayers who have registered and not registered) and data about debit and credit notes.

GSTR-2A: A view-only document that gets automatically filled when a business registers for GSTR-1 and helps the buyer verify data submitted by the seller. The buyer or the recipient can accept, reject, keep, or modify the pending invoices depending on the details submitted by the agent.

GSTR-3: Includes data from both the GSTR-1 and GSTR-2 forms, as well as other liabilities from past tax years.

GSTR-3B: A return form that enables taxpayers to pay their tax liabilities on schedule.

A monthly list of orders and distribution reports filed separately by sellers and vendors.

CMP-08: Any taxpayer who has opted in for the GST Composition Scheme must file this form.

GSTR-4: Under the composition scheme, this form is used to file quarterly returns for taxpayers who make more than 1.50 crores. They must pay a set rate of tax and file a quarterly return

GSTR-5: Includes information about purchases and sales, the tax charged or payable, interest or fees paid, and any other amounts due under the GST Act. The return is filed by a non-resident taxable person.

GSTR-6: It lists the invoices that the ISD has provided as well as the credit that has been paid. Also, the form summarises the total amount of input tax credit that is required for delivery.

GSTR-7: Includes information on TDS liabilities, interest, and fees charged or payable, as well as tax deducted at source and TDS refunds (if any). It is a return for government authorities.

GSTR-7A: An automatically produced form gets generated once the deductor provides details in Form GSTR-7 and they are accepted by the deductee.

GSTR-8: The form provides information about the goods and services offered by e-commerce sites, as well as the tax received from vendors.

GSTR-9: Casual taxable individual, Inbound tax credit person who has to pay tax under section 51 or 52, and non-resident assessee information are all included.

GSTR-9A: The form includes information on tax refunds, taxes collected, late fees, inbound and outbound materials, and input tax credits used or changed.

GSTR-9B: Annual return for e-commerce sites that are allowed by section 52 to collect tax at source.

GSTR-9C: When a registered taxpayer has their accounts audited, they must file a reconciliation document. This is the 9C form

GSTR-10: The primary goal of this return is to ensure that the taxpayer has paid off all unpaid tax debts. The liability is higher of:

1. Output tax on finished products, semi-finished goods, capital goods, or plant and machinery. 
2. Input tax on the products listed previously. 
3. Three months from the date of registration getting cancelled, or  
4. Date of order of cancellation.

 GSTR-11: Users who have been assigned a UIN should fill out this form. The UIN is provided to the registered individual for them to receive GST refunds on purchases of goods and services.

Organizations who can get UIN are:

1. A consulate or embassy of foreign countries 
2. Multilateral Financial Institutions and Organizations which are notified in the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947.
3. Specialized agencies of the United Nations Organizations
4. Any other class of user or person as may be specified by the Commissioner

Also Read: GST Invoice – Learn About GST Invoice Rules And Bill Format

GST Due Dates

Suspended GST Return Forms

The following are the suspended GST forms:

What are the steps involved in filing GST returns? 

The steps involved in the filing of GST returns are as follows:

1. Providing Sales Details/Invoice 
2. Automatically filling of purchase information
3. Automatically filling and replacing of ITC
4. E-filings of returns

Options for GST Filing: 

GST returns can be filed using any of the below methods:

Online

The return can be filed online through

• Government Portal
• Third-Party Softwares

Offline

The GST returns can be filed offline using:

• Utilities available on Government Portal
• GSPs: GST Suvidha Providers

Also Read: All you need to know about the GST State Code and how it affects you

GST Filing Online on the GSTN

According to the GST rule, there are over ten distinct categories of GST returns that must be completed by various types of users for various purposes. The GST portal makes the process of filing any such return as simple as following these steps:

1. Step 1: The first step is to successfully register with the GST portal and obtain a unique fifteen-digit GST identification number. 

2. Step 2: Next, visit the GST site. 

3. Step 3: Enter the account using the information given while registering such as username, captcha is shown, and the password. 

4. Step 4: After submitting the account details, click on the tab that reads ‘Return Dashboard’. 

5. Step 5: The next screen displays different forms based on one's identification and company type that they must fill out.

6. Step 6: Select the return form that needs to be filed.

7. Step 7: In the next screen, upload all of the requisite invoices. 

8. Step 8: Now, enter all the debit and credit notes as required in the form

9. Step 9: After all the necessary data is filled in the form, file the return by selecting the ‘Submit’ tab.

Penalties of not Filing GST Returns

Non-filing or delayed filing of GST Returns can result in:

• Overdue Amount

• Penalty

Overdue Amount

• It applies to any enrolled person who is required to file a GST return under sections 37,38,39, or 45. If they do not do so by the due date, they will be charged a late fee of Rs 100 per day, up to a limit of Rs 5000, as per Section 47(1) of the CGST Act.
• Furthermore, under Section 47(2) of the CGST Act, any individual who fails to file an annual return by the due date will have to pay a late fee of Rs 100 per day. 
• No late fees shall be applicable under IGST Act.
• In addition to the late charge, interest at the rate of 18 per cent a year is due on the gross amount of tax due during that year. The interest calculation cycle begins on the next business day after the due date.

Penalties

Furnishing GST returns with incomplete or wrong information can lead to a penalty of up to Rs 25,000. 

Also Read: Missed the GST Notifications? We have it for you!

Conclusion:

The filing of GST returns is important to the tax structure reform in this country. In the long run, GST marks a positive change in most business sectors. Filing returns in a timely manner would benefit businesses in many ways. There can be a prominent reduction in the cost of transportation and a reduction in the cost of locally sourced products. Every taxpayer needs to be well-informed about the different types of GST returns.