How to File GST Return Online? & Types of GST Returns

When GST was rolled out finally from July 1, 2017, many couldn’t understand the complexities attached with the new tax regime. However, GST return filing is an easy process that can be completed through the GST portal on the internet. Since it has subsumed most of the central and state’s indirect taxes, GST has eliminated the need for filing other indirect taxes separately.

GST is a form of an indirect, destination-based tax regime, that has subsumed most of the indirect taxes prevalent prior to it. It eliminated the cascading effect of tax on taxes, which proved to be the major problem with the Value Added Tax (VAT) system. GST returns are different types of form required to offset the tax liability; it needs to be filed by a GST-registered firm with the tax authority.

It is important to get an overview of the types of GST returns available before understanding the process of filing them.

• GSTR 1: It contains the details for all the outward supplies of goods and services.
• GSTR 2A: It contains the details of inward supplies of good and services. One can claim input tax credit from these receipts.
• GSTR 3B: It is the summary of outward and inward supplies and tax liabilities.
• GSTR 4A: These are filed by firms who have opted for the GST Composition scheme.
• GSTR 5: It is filed, by every non-resident taxable person.
• GSTR 6: It is filed by input service providers who accept and ratify the terms of the auto-populated GSTR 6A form.
• GSTR 7: It is filed by those who are entitled to deduct TDS for certain payments made by them.
• GSTR 8: It is filed by E-Commerce players who collect taxes at source.
• GSTR 9: This is the annual return that needs to be filed by a regular taxpayer. Composition traders file the GSTR 9A instead.
• GSTR 10: For firms whose registrations have been annulled are to submit the final return through GSTR 10.
• GSTR 11: It is filed to claim a refund on purchases. The refund is done through a Unique Identification Number.

Steps to follow:

• Login to the GST portal (https://gst.gov.in) and go to the return section under the services tab.
• Select the month for which the GST return is to be filed.
• Input the invoices and fill in the details of the return form you are required to submit. Take the help of the information provided above to know about the different return forms.
• Submit the return and validate the details through one of the options such as DSC and EVC
• Make the payment for tax liability , if any.

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The information contained herein is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and should seek independent professional advice prior to making any investment decision in relation to any financial product. Aditya Birla Capital Group is not liable for any decision arising out of the use of this information.