GST Return Filing Services in India – Monthly, Quarterly & Annual Filing
Goods and Services Tax (GST) return filing is a mandatory compliance requirement for businesses registered under the GST regime in India. A GST return is a document that contains details of a taxpayer’s sales, purchases, output tax liability, and ITC. All registered businesses must file their GST returns periodically, either monthly, quarterly or annually, depending upon the type of business registration and the amount of turnover.
Timely filing of returns allows businesses to accurately report all liabilities owed to government tax authorities, claim eligible ITCs, and maintain a proper record of all transactions. In addition, regular compliance establishes credibility with government authorities and helps businesses avoid unnecessary audits, inspections, notices, or other governmental pressure related to the tax department.
Kanakkupillai is here to make the entire GST return filing experience as painless as possible for you. Our expert staff will work with you from the collection and verification of your financial records through the reconciliation of accounts and the accurate filing of your returns through the GST portal.
GST Return Filings Packages & Pricing
Basic
- GSTR-1 Filing
- GSTR-3B Filing
- Sales & Purchase Reconciliation
- ITC Verification
- Gbooks GST Software
- Email & Call Support
Standard
- 12 Months GSTR-1 Filing
- 12 Months GSTR-3B Filing
- Monthly Compliance Reminders
- Basic GST Notice Support
- Dedicated GST Expert
- Gbooks GST Software – 1 Year
Essential
- Dedicated Accountant
- GSTR-1 Filing – 12 Months
- GSTR-3B Filing – 12 Months
- Income Tax Filing
- Financials preparation & Finalisation
- Tax Expert Consultation
- Gbooks Software – 1 Year
- Priority Support
What is GST Return Filing?
GST Return Filing is an essential part of tax compliance for businesses in India. It consists of reporting your income, purchases, and tax bills to the government. This procedure is mandatory for all organisations and individuals registered under GST, and it is important to file your data well and on time to avoid penalties and fines. The GST return submission process includes information on outward and inward supplies and tax payments made during a particular period, typically a month or a quarter.
Types of GST Returns and Due Dates
| GST Return | Who Should File | Frequency | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GSTR-1 | Regular taxpayers | Monthly | 11th of the following month |
| GSTR-1 (QRMP Scheme) | Regular taxpayers | Quarterly | 13th of the month following the quarter |
| GSTR-3B | Regular taxpayers | Monthly | 20th / 22nd / 24th of the following month (based on state under QRMP) |
| GSTR-4 | Composition dealers | Annually | 30th April of the following financial year |
| GSTR-9 | Regular taxpayers | Annually | 31st December of the following financial year |
| CMP-08 | Composition dealers | Quarterly | 18th of the month following the quarter |
| GSTR-9C | Applicable businesses (turnover threshold) | Annually | 31st December of the following financial year |
Note: GST return due dates may be extended by the GST department through notifications.
Why is GST Return Filing Important?
Timely filing of GST returns is important to ensure that business operations run smoothly, while maintaining compliance for annual audits. Here are some reasons why timely GST filing is important to you:
- Avoiding significant penalties and interest - If you do not file GST returns on time or you file incorrect GST returns, you may incur significant daily penalties and interest on amounts owing to the CRA. By filing your GST returns on time, your business can mitigate any payment burden.
- Maintaining your compliance level - Your GST return filings showing compliance with GST regulations will allow your business to have a good relationship with government agencies and associated tax authorities, as well as provide a foundation for your upcoming audits.
- Ability to claim ITC - Filing your GST return correctly will allow your business to claim eligible ITC to reduce tax liability, providing an overall positive impact on your cash flow.
- Avoid receiving notices from the GST office - If you do not file your GST return on time or file incorrect GST returns, you will be more likely to receive an unanticipated notice of audit from the CRA, resulting in additional time constraints and ongoing legal issues.
- Improve business reputation with clients, vendors, and financial institutions - Timely and accurate filing of GST returns can significantly enhance your reputation as a reputable business, improving your overall credibility with clients, vendors and lenders.
Who Should File GST Returns in India?
Submitting GST returns is required for all registered companies and professions operating under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) System. By understanding your requirements, you can meet your obligations in a timely manner and avoid penalties. The following types of entities are required to file GST returns:
- Businesses with GST Registration: Any business registered with a valid GST number must submit the appropriate return type, based on its category and sales volume.
- Standard Taxpayers: The standard taxpayer, following the standard GST tax system, must submit either monthly or quarterly returns, GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B, in addition to an Annual Return.
- Dealers Filing Under Composition Tax System: Dealers who qualify for the Composition Tax System and enjoy a simplified tax system are still required to submit periodic returns, in accordance with the prescribed deadlines.
- Sellers on E-Commerce Platforms: Sellers who sell products through E-commerce platforms are responsible for reporting their sales and collecting applicable GST, and are required to submit returns based on this activity.
- Freelancers Or Service Providers (Over Threshold): If you are a freelancer or service provider, and your sales exceed the threshold limit, you are required to register under the GST system and submit GST returns as required.
- Businesses Making Interstate Sales: If your business sells products or services to customers in other states across India, you are required to file GST returns to keep accurate records of your taxes.
Who is Not Required to File GST Returns?
Certain taxpayers will not have to file their GST returns, even though the majority of taxpayers participate in this endeavour under the rules and regulations of the GST System. Here are those taxpayers who are exempt from filing GST Returns:
- Businesses Not Registered for GST Purposes: A business or person whose total revenue is lower than the threshold applicable to obtaining a GST registration certificate will not be required to file GST Returns.
- Providers of Exempt Supply: Businesses that sell only goods or services that have been completely exempted from GST such as some agricultural models or educational services will not have to file their GST Returns.
- Composition Scheme Small Business Taxpayers: Small business taxpayers that have a Gross Revenue below the prescribed limit for composition scheme registration may not have to file certain GST Returns depending on their Tax Liability.
- Casual Taxable Persons With No Supplies Made: Casual Taxable Persons who are registered for GST for one or more accounting periods but have not made any taxable supplies during that same accounting period shall be exempt from filing GST Returns.
- Individuals or Entities That Are Not Taxable Under GST: An individual or entity that only does GST-Taxable-Income Tax-Free from government operations will not be required to file GST Returns.
Documents Required to File Your GST Return in India
Accurate GST return filing depends on proper documentation. Having all the necessary documents ready ensures error-free submissions and helps maximise ITC. The key documents are required include:
- GSTIN Details: Your GST Identification Number and related registration details are essential for filing all returns.
- Sales Invoices: Complete records of sales made during the return period, including invoices raised to customers, are needed to report outward supplies.
- Purchase Invoices: Invoices for all purchases and expenses incurred to calculate the Input Tax Credit accurately.
- Input Tax Credit (ITC) Details: Documentation supporting ITC claims, including invoices, debit/credit notes, and relevant payment records.
- Bank Statements: Bank statements help verify transactions, reconcile payments, and ensure accuracy in reporting taxable supplies.
- Previous GST Returns (if applicable): Past GST filings are important for reconciliation, error correction, and maintaining compliance continuity.
Checklist for GST Return Filing
Here is a checklist to help you file GST returns accurately and easily.
Verify Sales and Purchase Data
- Review your sales and purchase data
- Cross-check bills, papers, and transaction records to ensure all information is right.
Ensure Accurate Tax Calculations
- Double-check your tax amount to avoid errors.
- Verify that input tax benefits and tax payments are calculated correctly.
Submit All Required Documents
- Gather and send all necessary papers, including bills, buy orders, bank records, and tax payment receipts.
- Make sure you have all the information in the prescribed manner.
Step-by-Step Process: How to File GST Returns Online?
The online filing of GST returns can seem complicated, but following a systematic approach makes the task easy and error-free. Here's how Kanakkupillai assists you in filing your GST return in a more efficient manner:
Step 1. Gather All the Necessary Documents
Before beginning the filing process, the first step is to collect all the necessary documents, including invoices for sales and purchases, bank statements, tax invoices, and payment receipts.
Step 2. Choose the Correct GST Return Form
The next step is to select the appropriate GST return form. The form that you will need to file your GST return will depend on your business type and taxpayer category.
- GSTR-1: Businesses are required to report their sales.
- GSTR-3B: It is a summary return for reporting tax payments and to claim ITC
- GSTR-9: It is an annual return for taxpayers who need to file a comprehensive GST return for the entire financial year.
- GSTR-4: It is required for businesses registered under the Composition Scheme.
- GSTR-5: It is required for non-resident foreign taxpayers.
Step 3. Login to the GST Portal
Once your documents are ready, visit the GST portal at www.gst.gov.in and log in by using your credentials. After logging in, a new dashboard will open, and here, you need to fill in the necessary information as required.
Step 4: Reconcile your Data
After entering all the information, it is important to cross-check all the information entered, especially the sales figures. It should match the tax payments in GSTR-3B. Any mismatch in the figures can cause complications.
Step 5: Submit the Returns
Once you have entered all the information, click the File button to submit your returns. If you are filing GSTR-3B, you will be asked to make the payment of taxes. If there’s any outstanding amount, you need to clear it before filing.
Step 6: Pay Any GST Due
If your GST return shows that you owe any taxes, you will need to make the payment. You can pay GST using online banking, credit/debit cards, or through other accepted payment methods.
Step 7: Acknowledge Receipt of Filing
Once your GST return is submitted and payment is made, an acknowledgement receipt from the GST portal will be sent to you.
Step 8: Reconcile the Payment and Tax Credit
Once the return is filed, the tax authorities will validate the details. If there are any discrepancies or errors, the authorities will ask for clarification.
GST Return Filing Timeline
At Kanakkupillai, we ensure a quick and efficient GST return filing process so your business stays compliant without delays. Our streamlined workflow helps complete the filing within a short turnaround time:
- Document Review Time: Our staff will review your GST documentation to confirm that all of your sales invoices, purchase records and Input Tax Credits have been accurately recorded, within 24-48 hours.
- Filing Time: After preparing the draft return and receiving your confirmation, our team files the GST return on the official GST portal on the same day.
- Total Time to File your GST Return: From document submission to final filing confirmation, the entire GST return filing process is usually completed within 2-3 working days, ensuring fast and hassle-free compliance.
Penalty for Not Filing GST Returns in India
Failure to file GST returns promptly has serious consequences for businesses, both financially and legally, including the need to comply to avoid penalties, the continued registration under GST, and the continued smooth operation of the business. The following illustrates the primary impacts of the failure to file GST returns:
- ₹50 Per Day Late Fee (₹20 for Nil Return): For the late filing of GST returns, businesses are subject to a late fee of ₹50 per day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST). In the case of nil returns, businesses will be subject to a penalty of ₹20 per day until the return is filed.
- 18% Per Annum Interest on Unpaid GST: Businesses that have an outstanding GST liability will incur charges of interest at the rate of 18% per annum on the amount of unpaid tax until the payment is made.
- Suspension of GST Registration: If businesses do not file GST returns for an extended period, their GST registration may be suspended or cancelled by the tax authority.
- Disqualification from Claiming ITC: If businesses do not file their GST returns on time, they will not be able to claim ITC and will thus increase their overall tax liability.
- Notice Issued by the GST Authority: Failure to file or improperly filing GST returns may create a situation in which a business will receive a notice from the GST authority, which may lead to further scrutiny, penalties, or legal issues.
Benefits of Filing Your GST Returns Through Kanakkupillai
If you're looking for a hassle-free, accurate, and streamlined process when filing your GST returns, you should consider using Kanakkupillai. With our GST experts on your side, you can be assured of being compliant in a timely fashion with minimal effort. Below are the top benefits of using Kanakkupillai for your GST return filing needs:
- A Dedicated GST Expert: With the help of our experienced GST professionals, you will receive personalised assistance to file your GST returns and ensure you are complying accurately with all GST requirements.
- Automated Reconciliation Support: With our advanced automated reconciliation support, you can efficiently match your sales and purchase data, reducing the chances of errors and ensuring that you are claiming your Input Tax Credits (ITC) correctly.
- GST Notice Handling Services: If you receive any GST notices or questions from the tax department, our GST experts will provide you with professional guidance and support to quickly resolve any issues.
- Transparent Pricing: There is no hidden cost with our pricing structure; we believe in providing our clients with a clear and simple pricing structure, giving our clients full confidence in our services.
- Compliance Reminders: With our compliance reminder system, we will send you timely reminders regarding the due date of your GST return to help you avoid late penalties and fees.
Common GST Filing Mistakes to Avoid
To file GST returns accurately, it is vital to reconcile all financial data properly. Even minor errors can result in GST penalties, GST notices, or loss of GST ITC. Here are some examples of common errors that businesses should avoid when filing their GST returns:
- Incorrectly Entering GSTIN: When businesses fail to enter the right GSTIN when reporting transaction activity, the result is the occurrence of mismatches, which could lead to incorrect Input Tax Credit claims being rejected.
- Mismatch Between GSTR-1 & GSTR-3B: Various discrepancies between the information reported by businesses on GSTR-1 (outward supplies) and GSTR-3B (summary return) can trigger compliance issues and notices from the GST department.
- Excessive Claiming of ITC: Penalties and reversal of ITC will result if businesses claim Input Tax Credits with no verified invoices or beyond eligibility limits.
- Late Filing Penalties: If businesses do not file their GST returns before the statutory due dates, they will incur daily late fines, as well as day-by-day and interest penalties depending on how long they take to file.
- Ignoring the Need to Reconcile: By not reconciling the business's actual sales/purchases and data from the GST portal, businesses create erroneous net tax payable (or refundable).
Why Choose Kanakkupillai Over Other GST Filing Platforms?
Selecting the right GST filing service provider can significantly impact the accuracy, speed, and reliability of your tax compliance. Kanakkupillai stands out by combining expert support with efficient processes, ensuring businesses receive personalised assistance rather than relying solely on automation.
|
Feature |
Kanakkupillai |
Other Platforms |
|
Dedicated GST Expert |
Yes |
Mostly automated |
|
Transparent Pricing |
Yes |
Add-on charges |
|
Turnaround Time |
24-72 hrs |
3-5 days |
|
Notice Support |
Included |
Extra cost |
|
ITC Reconciliation |
Detailed review |
Basic automation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is required to file GST returns in India?
All businesses and individuals registered under GST, including regular taxpayers, composition dealers, e-commerce sellers, and service providers above the threshold limit, are required to file GST returns.What is the due date for filing GSTR-1?
GSTR-1 is generally due on the 11th of the following month for monthly filers and the 13th of the month following the quarter for quarterly filers under the QRMP scheme.What is GSTR-3B?
GSTR-3B is a monthly summary GST return where taxpayers report total sales, Input Tax Credit (ITC), and tax liability.What happens if GST return is not filed?
Non-filing of GST returns can result in late fees, interest on unpaid taxes, GST registration suspension, and notices from the GST department.Can I file GST return after the due date?
Yes, GST returns can be filed after the due date, but late fees and interest on pending tax liabilities will apply.What is the penalty for late GST filing?
The late fee is ₹50 per day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST) and ₹20 per day for nil returns, subject to a maximum limit.How many GST returns need to be filed in a year?
Regular taxpayers typically file 12 GSTR-1 and 12 GSTR-3B returns annually, along with an annual return (GSTR-9).Is GST filing mandatory for nil return?
Yes, even if there are no transactions during a period, registered taxpayers must file a nil GST return.What is GSTR-9 annual return?
GSTR-9 is the annual GST return that summarizes all monthly or quarterly returns filed during the financial year.Who should file GSTR-4?
GSTR-4 is filed by taxpayers registered under the GST Composition Scheme as their annual return.Can composition dealers claim ITC?
No, taxpayers under the Composition Scheme cannot claim ITC.What is ITC?
ITC allows businesses to reduce the tax they have already paid on purchases from their total GST liability on sales.How do I reconcile GSTR-2A and GSTR-3B?
Reconciliation involves matching purchase invoices in GSTR-2A with ITC claimed in GSTR-3B to ensure accuracy and avoid ITC mismatches.Can I revise GST returns after filing?
GST returns generally cannot be revised, but corrections can be made in subsequent returns.What is GST audit and who is liable?
A GST audit is a review of financial records and GST filings to ensure compliance. Businesses crossing the prescribed turnover threshold may be required to undergo an audit.How long does GST filing take?
GST return filing typically takes 2–3 working days, depending on document verification and reconciliation.What documents are required for GST return filing?
Key documents include GSTIN details, sales invoices, purchase invoices, ITC details, bank statements, and previous GST returns.What if I miss multiple GST returns?
If multiple GST returns are missed, taxpayers must file pending returns with applicable late fees and interest to restore compliance.Can GST registration be cancelled due to non-filing?
Yes, continuous non-filing of GST returns may lead to suspension or cancellation of GST registration.How to respond to a GST notice?
A GST notice should be responded to by reviewing the issue, preparing the required documents, and submitting a reply on the GST portal or through professional assistance.Is GST filing required for freelancers?
Freelancers must file GST returns if their annual turnover exceeds the GST threshold limit or if they provide interstate services requiring registration.What is CMP-08?
CMP-08 is a quarterly statement filed by composition taxpayers to report turnover and pay GST liability.Why should I hire a professional for GST filing?
Hiring a professional ensures accurate GST return filing, proper ITC claims, timely compliance, and expert assistance in case of notices or reconciliation issues.What makes Us Different
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