GSTR: Full Form, Types, and Deadlines

What is the Full Form of GSTR?

The full form of GSTR is Goods and Services Tax Return.

What is GSTR?

GSTR (Goods and Services Tax Return) is a detailed statement that every registered GST taxpayer in India must file with the tax authorities before the deadline.

It includes information about outward supplies (sales), inward supplies (purchases), input tax credit (ITC) claimed, & taxes paid during a specific period. GSTR filing ensures transparency between businesses & the government by enabling proper tax reconciliation and preventing tax evasion.

Depending on business type, turnover, and registration category, taxpayers may be required to file monthly, quarterly, or annual GSTR forms as prescribed under the GST law.

What are the Types of GSTR?

1. GSTR-1: Details of outward supplies of goods & services.
2. GSTR-2A/2B: Auto-generated details of inward supplies from sellers.
3. GSTR-3B: Monthly summary return of sales, input tax, and payments.
4. GSTR-4: Return for taxpayers under the Composition Scheme.
5. GSTR-5: Filed by non-resident taxable persons.
6. GSTR-6: Filed by ISD (Input Service Distributors).
7. GSTR-7: Filed by taxpayers necessitated to deduct TDS under GST.
8. GSTR-8: Filed by e-commerce operators collecting TCS.
9. GSTR-9: Annual return for regular taxpayers.
10. GSTR-10: Final return filed when GST registration is cancelled.

Who Files Which GSTR?

1. Regular Taxpayers: File GSTR-1, 3B, and 9.
2. Composition Dealers: File GSTR-4 annually.
3. Input Service Distributors: File GSTR-6 monthly.
4. E-commerce Operators: File GSTR-8 for TCS collected.
5. Non-resident Taxpayers: File GSTR-5 for transactions in India.
6. TDS Deductors: File GSTR-7 for tax deducted.
7. Cancelled Registration Holders: File GSTR-10 as final return.

What are the Deadlines and Penalties for GST Returns?

1. GSTR-1: 11th of next month; Rs. 50/day penalty for delay.
2. GSTR-3B: 20th of next month; Rs.50/day late fee plus interest.
3. GSTR-4: 30th April of the next financial year; Rs. 200/day penalty.
4. GSTR-9: 31st December; Rs. 200/day late fee or 0.25% turnover.
5. GSTR-10: Within 3 months of cancellation, Rs. 100/day late penalty.

FAQs

1. Can I revise a filed GSTR?

No, GSTR once filed cannot be revised; corrections are made in subsequent returns.

2. Is GSTR filing mandatory for zero transactions?

Yes, even nil returns must be filed to stay GST compliant.

3. Can late fees be waived under GST?

Yes, the government occasionally waives or reduces late fees during compliance relief periods.