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What is a GST Return?

A GST return is a document containing details of all income/sales and/or expenses/purchases that a GST-registered taxpayer (every GSTIN) is required to file with the tax administrative authorities. This is used by tax authorities to calculate net tax liability.

Under GST, a registered dealer has to file GST returns that broadly include:

  1. Purchases
  2. Sales
  3. Output GST (On sales)
  4. Input tax credit (GST paid on purchases)

Preparing Goods and Services Tax (GST) returns in India involves several steps to ensure compliance with GST regulations. Here’s a general guide to help you with GST return preparation:

  1. Understand Your Business Type and GST Filing Frequency:
    Identify your business type (regular taxpayer, composition taxpayer, etc.) and determine your GST filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, or annually) based on your turnover.
  2. Maintain Accurate Records:
    Keep detailed records of all your sales, purchases, and expenses in a digital or physical format. Ensure that your invoices and accounting records comply with GST regulations, including invoice format and mandatory fields.
  3. Calculate Your Tax Liability:
    Calculate the GST liability for each tax period based on your taxable supplies (sales) and input tax credit (ITC) available on your purchases. GST liability is calculated by applying the applicable GST rates (e.g., 5%, 12%, 18%, or 28%) to your taxable supplies.
  4. Claim Input Tax Credit (ITC):
    Ensure that you claim eligible input tax credit (ITC) on your purchases of goods or services used in your business activities. Verify that your suppliers have uploaded their sales invoices correctly on the GST portal to claim ITC.
  5. File GST Returns Online:
    Log in to the GST portal using your GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) and password. Navigate to the “Returns” section and select the appropriate return form based on your filing frequency (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, etc.).
  6. Prepare and Verify GSTR-1:
    GSTR-1 is the return for outward supplies (sales). Enter details of all your outward supplies, including B2B (business-to-business), B2C (business-to-consumer), exports, and nil-rated or exempt supplies. Verify the summary and file GSTR-1 by the due date.
  7. Prepare and Verify GSTR-3B:
    GSTR-3B is a monthly summary return that includes details of both outward supplies and input tax credit. Enter your total sales, ITC availed, and other relevant details in GSTR-3B. Verify the summary and file GSTR-3B by the due date.
  8. Reconcile GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B:
    Reconcile the data reported in GSTR-1 with GSTR-3B to ensure accuracy and consistency between the two returns. Make any necessary corrections or adjustments to rectify any discrepancies.
  9. File Nil Returns (If Applicable):
    If you have no sales or purchases during a tax period, file nil GST returns to comply with GST regulations.
  10. Pay GST Liability:
    After filing GSTR-3B, pay any GST liability using the available payment modes on the GST portal, such as online payment through net banking, credit card, debit card, etc.
  11. File Annual Return (GSTR-9):
    For regular taxpayers, file the annual return (GSTR-9) by the specified due date. GSTR-9 provides a summary of all GST transactions for the entire financial year.
  12. Maintain Documentation:
    Keep copies of all filed GST returns, invoices, and supporting documents for future reference and audit purposes.
    It’s essential to stay updated with GST regulations and compliance requirements to ensure accurate and timely filing of GST returns. If you’re unsure about any aspect of GST return preparation, consider seeking assistance from a GST consultant for guidance.

If you are looking for a reliable and efficient partner to help you with GST Filling services, look no further than HELIOS GLOBAL. We are a leading firm of chartered accountants in providing comprehensive and customized solutions to our clients. Whether you are a new business or an existing one, we can guide you through the entire process of GST filling, from eligibility criteria to documentation requirements to filing returns. We can also help you with GST advisory services to ensure that you comply with the latest rules and regulations. At HELIOS GLOBAL, we believe in delivering quality service at affordable rates. Contact us today at https://heliosglobal.in/
and let us take care of your GST needs.