GST Return Filing in Chennai
GST return filing is a legal obligation for businesses registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, 2017 in India. It involves reporting sales, purchases, taxes collected, and taxes paid. Filing GST returns on time ensures compliance, avoids penalties, and helps businesses claim Input Tax Credit (ITC). Whether you are a small business owner, a startup, or a large enterprise, staying GST-compliant is crucial to maintaining smooth business operations. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about GST return filing, including the process, types of returns, penalties, and FAQs.
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What is a GST Return?
A GST return is a document that businesses file with the tax authorities to report their:
✅ Sales and purchase transactions
✅ Tax collected from customers (Output Tax Liability)
✅ Tax paid on business expenses (Input Tax Credit – ITC)
✅ Overall GST liability and payment details
Every GST-registered business, whether selling goods or providing services, must file periodic GST returns based on its business category.
Benefits of Timely GST Return Filing
Avoids Penalties – Late filing leads to heavy penalties and interest charges.
✔️ Ensures Smooth Business Operations – GST-compliant businesses build trust with customers and suppliers.
✔️ Enables Input Tax Credit (ITC) – You can easily claim refunds on taxes paid for business purchases.
✔️ Legal Protection – Reduces risks of GST audits, investigations, and compliance issues.
✔️ Enhances Business Credibility – GST registration improves brand trustworthiness.
Types of GST Returns
GST returns depend on the different types of businesses and their annual turnover. The important GST Returns are as follows:
GSTR-1 | Who Needs to File? | Due Date | Details to be Reported |
GSTR-3B | Businesses with turnover above ₹5 crores (monthly) OR opt-in quarterly filers | 11th of the following month (monthly) Or, 13th of the following month (quarterly) | Details of outward supplies (sales) |
GSTR-4 | All regular taxpayers | 20th of the following month | Summary of sales, ITC claims, and tax liability |
GSTR-9 | Composition scheme taxpayers | 30th April of the next financial year | Quarterly summary return |
GSTR-9C | All regular taxpayers with turnover above ₹2 crores | 31st December of the next financial year | Annual summary of all GST transactions |
Businesses with turnover above ₹5 crores | 31st December of the next financial year | GST audit & reconciliation statement |
Interest on Late Payment of GST
Failing to file GST returns or delaying payment can lead to financial penalties.
Penalties for Late Filing
- ₹50 per day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST) for regular taxpayers.
- ₹20 per day (₹10 CGST + ₹10 SGST) for NIL returns.
Interest on Late Payment
If GST is not paid on time, an 18% interest per annum is charged on the pending amount, calculated daily.
Example: If your GST due is ₹50,000 and you delay payment by 30 days, the interest calculation will be:
(₹50,000 × 18% ÷ 365) × 30 = ₹739.73
To avoid these charges, businesses must ensure timely GST payments and return filing.
Process for GST Return Filing
Follow the step-wise procedure to file a GST Return:
Step 1: Collection & Verification of Invoices: Gather all sales invoices and purchase bills for the period. Make sure that the invoices contain the correct GSTIN, tax rates, and amounts.
Step 2: GST Return Preparation: Our GST experts review transactions and prepare your GST return. We ensure that all eligible Input Tax Credits (ITC) are correctly claimed.
Step 3: Upload Invoice Details: Log into the GST portal (www.gst.gov.in). Upload sales and purchase invoice details. Make sure that there are no mismatches with suppliers’ GST records.
Step 4: Tax Payment Calculation: After adjusting ITC, compute the final GST payable. Pay the tax amount online via net banking, NEFT, or UPI.
Step 5: File the GST Return: Submit the return via the GST portal.
After filing the GST Return, you will receive an Acknowledgment Reference Number (ARN) as proof of filing.
Step 6: Post-Filing Compliance: Keep records of filed returns for audits. Respond to any GST notices or queries if received.
What’s Included in Our GST Return Filing Service?
Business Document Verification: It ensures all documents are in order. Preparation & Filing of GST Returns: GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and others.
ITC Reconciliation: It maximises the input tax credit claims.
GST Payment Assistance: It helps with tax calculation & online payment.
Responding to GST Notices: It handles department queries.
Regular Compliance Updates: It keeps you informed of GST law changes.
Expert Consultation: You will get dedicated support from GST professionals.
If you are looking for hassle-free GST return filing in, our expert team is here to assist you with error-free filing, ITC claims, and compliance solutions. Contact us today!
FAQ's
Who needs to file GST returns?
All GST-registered businesses, including traders, manufacturers, service providers, e-commerce sellers, and exporters, must file GST returns periodically.
2. What happens if I don’t file GST returns?
Failure to file returns results in late fees, interest, and penalties. Continuous non-compliance may lead to business de-registration by the GST authorities.
3. Can I revise my GST return after submission?
No, GST returns cannot be revised once filed. Any errors must be corrected in the next month’s return.
4. How much time does it take to file a GST return?
With our expert assistance, your GST return can be filed within 24-48 hours, provided all documents are in place.
5. What is the due date for GST return filing?
The due dates depend on your business type and GST return category. For example:
- GSTR-1 (Sales Return): 11th of the following month.
- GSTR-3B (Summary Return): 20th of the following month.
- GSTR-9 (Annual Return): 31st December of the next financial year.
6. Can I claim an Input Tax Credit (ITC) if I miss filing GST returns?
No, ITC can only be claimed if GST returns are filed on time. Delayed filing may lead to loss of ITC benefits.
7. How can I check my GST return status?
You can check your GST return filing status on the GST portal (www.gst.gov.in) by adding your login credentials.