Filing a GST return involves logging into the GST portal, navigating to the Returns Dashboard, and submitting sales/purchase data (GSTR-1/3B). Key steps include entering invoice details, calculating Input Tax Credit (ITC), offsetting tax liability, and filing with a Digital Signature (DSC) or EVC before deadlines to avoid penalties.
File your GST/HST return
You can file the GST return online as follows.
No, a Chartered Accountant (CA) is not required to submit a monthly Goods and Services Tax (GST) return in India. The GST return filing procedure is made to be simple to use and enables taxpayers to submit their returns on their own.
GST return filing is done through the GST portal and documents need not be attached to the GST return. However, the taxpayer would need to submit information pertaining to B2B invoices issued, B2C invoices issued, credit notes issued, debit notes issued and HSN summary of goods sold.
When you complete a GST return, you'll need to know:
In GST, if any person or business violates any provision prescribed in the GST Act or rules, would also be subject to penalty. Therefore, upon non –filing of GST returns or missing out the GST due dates, the GST law prescribes a general penalty. The maximum penalty that may be imposed is Rs. 5,000.
Did you know? Filing GST returns requires detailed documents such as B2B and B2C invoices, GSTIN, HSN summaries, and credit/debit notes. Ensuring accurate documentation can make your GST filing process smoother and error-free.
If your GST turnover is below the $75,000 threshold, you may choose to register. But if you do, regardless of your turnover, you must: include GST in the price of most goods and services you sell. claim GST credits for most business purchases you make.
What is the Minimum Turnover Limit for GST Registration? Businesses are required to register for GST and pay tax on their annual turnover if their annual revenue exceeds Rs. 40 lakhs in the case of goods supplied and Rs. 20 lakhs for the supply of services.
Late submission penalty. A late submission penalty of $200 is imposed immediately when the GST return is not filed by the due date. A further penalty of $200 is imposed for every completed month that the GST F5/F8 return remains outstanding. The maximum penalty amount for each outstanding F5/F8 return is $10,000.
GST Return is a document filed by GST-registered businesses containing details of sales, purchases, input tax credit, and taxes payable/paid. Filing is mandatory for all GST taxpayers. Returns must be filed on the GST portal monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on the taxpayer's classification.
Filing GST returns is a simple task as taxpayers just need to follow a few steps and furnish relevant details in the prescribed formats.
To qualify for the GST/HST credit, your adjusted net family income must be below a certain threshold, which for the 2023 tax year ranges from $54,704 to $72,244, depending on your marital status and how many children you have.
When you use the quick method. When you use the quick method, you still charge the GST at 5% or the HST at the applicable rate on your supplies of taxable property and services (other than zero-rated supplies), but you remit only a portion of that tax. The HST rate can vary from one participating province to another.
To file your first GST return, log into the GST portal, navigate to the return section, and fill out the required forms such as GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B with accurate details of your transactions. Can I file my GST return myself? Yes, you can file your GST return yourself through the GST portal.
On average, CAs may charge anywhere between Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 15,000 per year for filing GST returns.
You must register for the GST/HST. Your effective date of registration is no later than the day of the supply that made you exceed $30,000. You have to start charging GST/HST on the supply that made you exceed $30,000.
Login to the GST Portal. Navigate to Services > Returns > New Return (Trial). 2. Select Financial Year, Return Filing Period, Form/Return and Preparation Mode from the drop- down list.
GSTR-4 (For Composition Scheme Businesses)
This is for small businesses that have chosen the GST Composition Scheme (yearly sales up to ₹1.5 crores, or ₹75 lakhs in special states). These businesses pay a small, fixed percentage of their sales as tax and have simpler rules. How Often to File: Annually.
The answer to this question is yes. It is not mandatory to hire a CA for paying GST. The government has provided an online platform called the GST portal, where taxpayers can register and file their GST returns themselves.
The GST law requires that every claim for refund is to be filed within 2 years from the relevant date.
All GST/HST registrants, except charities and selected listed financial institutions (SLFIs), are required to file returns electronically. This applies to all GST/HST returns for periods ending in 2024 and later. If you continue to file a paper return, you will be charged a penalty.
At a glance
The minimum income amount to file taxes depends on your filing status and age. For 2025, the minimum income for Single filing status for filers under age 65 is $15,750 . If your income is below that threshold, you generally do not need to file a federal tax return.