Filing a GST return involves logging into the GST portal, navigating to the returns dashboard, entering sales and purchase details, calculating tax liability, claiming Input Tax Credits (ITC), and submitting using a digital signature or EVC. Key steps include reporting all revenue, tax collected, and tax paid on business expenses, typically before the monthly or quarterly 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.
Documents Required for GST Return Filing
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.
Preparing Your GST Return
We recommend assembling supporting documents, such as sales invoices and expenses, and records of GST collected and paid. You should also calculate your output taxes and input taxes. Accounting software such as Xero can streamline this process and improve tracking and reporting.
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.
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. The taxpayer will be required to pay interest on late payment of GST at a rate of 18% annually in addition to the late payment penalty.
Filing GST returns is a simple task as taxpayers just need to follow a few steps and furnish relevant details in the prescribed formats.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For a $70,000 income in Canada (using 2025 rates), you'll pay roughly $13,000 to $20,000 in total taxes (federal, provincial, CPP, EI), depending on your province, resulting in a take-home pay around $50,000-$59,000, with federal tax around 14.5% or 20.5% depending on the portion, plus provincial tax and deductions like CPP and EI.
Subtracting GST from Price
To calculate how much GST was included in the price, divide the total price by 11 ($1000∕11=$90.91). To calculate the price without GST, divide the price by 1.1 ($1000∕1.1=$909.09).
You have to start charging GST/HST on the supply that made you exceed $30,000. You exceed the $30,000 threshold 1 over the previous four (or fewer) consecutive calendar quarters (but not in a single calendar quarter).
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.
2,000 to Rs. 15,000 per year for filing GST returns. The cost can go up to Rs. 25,000 or more if the return is complex or if there are a large number of transactions involved.
When you complete a GST return, you'll need to 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.
1. How can I claim refund of excess amount available in Electronic Cash ledger?
The following documentary evidence is required to claim a refund under GST by registered tax payer.