Is filing GST compulsory?

Asked by: Mrs. Leonor Wiegand  |  Last update: August 29, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (43 votes)

Yes, filing GST returns is compulsory for all entities registered under the GST regime, regardless of whether they have transactions during a particular period. Even with zero sales or purchases, a "Nil" return must be filed to avoid penalties, which can range from ₹20 to ₹200 per day.

Is it mandatory to file a GST return?

GST return filing is mandatory even if there's no transaction during the period (NIL return). Important: You cannot file the current return if the previous return is pending. Late filing attracts interest & late fees, impacting compliance.

Do I have to pay GST if I earn under $75000?

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 happens if GST is not filed?

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.

Is it mandatory to apply for GST?

GST registration is mandatory for all eCommerce Sellers Citizen can apply for New GST by Registrating online without Visiting the Govt. office.

GST Workshop 2026: Complete Guide for Ecommerce Beginners (Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Shopify)

19 related questions found

What is the minimum turnover for GST?

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.

Do I have to file a GST return?

If you are registered for GST/HST, you must file a GST/HST return for each reporting period.

What happens if I'm not registered for GST?

If you don't register for GST and are required to, you may have to pay GST on sales made since the date you were required to register. This could happen even if you didn't include GST in the price of those sales. You may also have to pay penalties and interest.

When must GST be filed?

You must file a GST return for every taxable period using the accounting basis you've chosen, even if it's a nil return. You cannot get an extension of time to file a GST return, so you must file it on time. A GST return is due by the 28th of the month after the end of your taxable period.

Do I have to pay GST if I make less than $30,000?

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).

Who is exempt from GST?

Small businesses in Australia who turn over less than $75,000 per year don't have to pay GST. If you're a registered not-for-profit, you also don't have to pay GST as long as your turnover is less than $150,000. If you run a taxi service or are an uber driver, for example, you must always pay GST, regardless of income.

What is the minimum income before GST?

When to register for GST. You must register for GST as soon as you think you'll earn more than $60,000 in 12 months – whether you're a sole trader, a contractor, in partnership or a company. You may be charged penalties if you don't register when you need to.

Who is exempted from filing GST?

Businesses dealing in goods are exempt from GST if their annual aggregate turnover is below INR 40 lakhs. For businesses in hilly and northeastern states, this threshold is reduced to INR 20 lakhs to address regional challenges. Service providers are exempt from GST if their turnover is under INR 20 lakhs annually.

Who is not required to file GST annual return?

Composition taxpayers can file Annual Return in Form GSTR-9A. Annual Return is not required to be filed by casual taxpayer / Non Resident taxpayer / ISD/ OIDAR Service Providers.

Do I need GST if my turnover is below 20 lakhs?

GST is leviable only if aggregate turnover is more than 20 lacs. (Rs. 10 lacs in 11 special category States). For computing aggregate supplies turnover of all supplies made by you would be added.

Who all need to file GST?

Under the GST Act, any individual or entity supplying goods or services with an annual turnover exceeding the threshold must file GST returns. This includes businesses, traders, manufacturers, service providers, and e-commerce operators. Entities registered under the GST composition scheme also need to file returns.

How do I know when to file GST?

GST/HST Filing

  1. QUARTERLY FILER. ​ Filing deadline: One month after the end of the reporting period. ​ Payment deadline: ...
  2. ANNUAL FILER. with a December 31 fiscal year-end. ​ Payment deadline: April 30. ​ ...
  3. ANNUAL FILER* with a *non-December 31 fiscal year-end. ​ Payment deadline: 3 months after fiscal year-end. ​

What is the minimum income to pay GST?

In India, businesses with annual turnover over Rs. 40 lakhs (Rs. 20 lakhs in special category states) must register for GST.

Do you have to pay GST if you earn under $75000 ATO?

Short answer. If you're registered for GST, you must charge and collect GST. Sole traders and businesses who estimate they'll make $75,000 or more in business income in any given 12-month period have to register for GST.

What happens if you don't file your GST?

If you miss the filing deadline and owe GST, the CRA will charge: Late Filing Penalty: 1% of the amount owing, plus 0.25% of the amount owing for each full month your return is late (up to 12 months).

How to stop being GST registered?

Log in to myIR

You can also cancel your GST registration by sending us a message in myIR or calling us on 0800 377 776.

What happens if I just don't file?

A failure-to-file penalty is 5% of the unpaid tax obligation for each month your return is late. This penalty can't exceed 25% of your total unpaid taxes, and will max out after five months.

What is the minimum turnover for GST annual return?

GST Annual Return is to be filed by the registered taxpayer whose turnover for the year exceeds Rs. 2 crores. GSTR 9 is basically a compilation of GSTR 1, GSTR 3B, GSTR 2A and purchase data for the respective financial year.

What is the income threshold for GST?

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.