Is it mandatory to file GST return every month?

Asked by: Arne Lebsack  |  Last update: October 12, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (11 votes)

It is not strictly mandatory for all businesses to file GST returns every month. While regular taxpayers with an annual turnover exceeding ₹5 crore must file monthly, those with a turnover up to ₹5 crore can opt for the Quarterly Return, Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme to file returns quarterly. However, filing is mandatory for all registered users even if there is no business activity.

Do you have to file GST monthly?

The calendar quarters are the three-month periods ending March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. If your reporting period is monthly or quarterly, you have to file your GST return and remit any amount owing no later than one month after the end of the reporting period.

How often do you have to file GST returns?

Filing GST returns

Most small businesses choose to file two-monthly or six-monthly GST returns. Two-monthly means more paperwork but can be easier to keep track of.

How often should I file GST returns?

Returns must be filed on the GST portal monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on the taxpayer's classification. GST Return is mandatory for all GST-registered businesses. Regular taxpayers file GSTR-1, GSTR-3B monthly or quarterly, plus annual returns (GSTR-9/9C).

What if I don't file GST return for 6 months?

GSTR 3B contains a detailed summary of the tax liabilities of the GST dealer. After modification in GST Rules, 2022, if GSTR-3B is not filed for 6 months consecutively or for two consecutive tax periods will now lead to cancellation of GST registration.

GST Return Filing Compulsory After GST Registration Or Not | GST Return Filing Requirement

45 related questions found

How much can a CA charge to file monthly GST returns?

GST Return Fees: Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 3,000 per month. Professional Filing Services: Rs.

What is the minimum turnover for GST return?

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.

How to check if GST is active or not?

The GST Search Tool and GSTIN Validator enable businesses to verify any GSTIN with a single-click GSTIN search. Most importantly, the tool helps verify GSTIN authenticity and spot fake GSTINs. This feature can be used by anyone free of cost, provided they have the requisite GSTIN on hand.

Do you have to pay GST every 3 months?

Depending on your GST turnover and other eligibility requirements, you report and pay GST monthly, quarterly or annually (your GST reporting cycle). If you report and pay GST quarterly and your GST turnover is less than $10 million, you may be able to elect to pay by the GST instalments method.

Is GST return compulsory?

Filing GST return online is compulsory and assists the government for all registered businesses. GST returns help the government track tax liabilities while allowing businesses to claim input tax credits (ITC). Returns must be filed regularly on the GST portal, ensuring compliance and smooth tax management.

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.

What is the penalty for late GST?

Penalty on Missing the GST Due Date:

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.

Should I file GST monthly or quarterly?

GSTR-1: Filed quarterly, by the 13th of the month following the quarter. GSTR-3B: Filed quarterly, by the 22nd or 24th (depending on the state). Tax payment: Made monthly using Form PMT-06.

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).

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.

How do I active my GST?

How to Reactivate Your Cancelled GST Registration?

  1. Step 1: Log in to the GST Portal. ...
  2. Step 2: Apply for Revocation of Cancellation. ...
  3. Step 3: File All Pending GST Returns. ...
  4. Step 4: Submit Required Documents. ...
  5. Step 5: Pay Applicable Penalties and Late Fees. ...
  6. Step 6: Respond to GST Department Queries. ...
  7. Step 7: Reactivation Approval.

How to know turnover of a company by GST number?

Once you login to the GST Portal, you can view additional details like Name(s) of the Proprietor/Director(s)/Promoter(s), E-way Bill History, Annual Aggregate Turnover, % of Tax Payment in Cash etc. of a taxpayer.

Who needs to register for GST?

You must register for GST if: your business has a GST turnover of $75,000 or more. your non-profit organisation has a GST turnover of $150,000 or more. you provide taxi or limousine travel (including ride-sourcing services like Uber or DiDi) regardless of your GST turnover.

Who can file GST once in 3 months?

This is used by tax authorities to calculate tax liability. Who has to file GST Returns? In the GST regime, any regular business has to file three monthly returns and one annual return.

How much turnover is allowed without GST?

According to Notification No. 10/2019, any business engaged exclusively in the supply of goods must register for GST if the annual turnover exceeds ₹40 lakhs. To qualify for the ₹40 lakh limit, the following conditions must be met: The supplier must not provide any services.

What are the four types of returns?

How to Use Different Kinds of Returns?

  • Absolute Returns – Use these to measure total gains or losses over a specific period. ...
  • Annualised Returns – Use these to compare funds over different timeframes. ...
  • Rolling Returns – Use these to check consistency. ...
  • Trailing Returns – Use these for a quick performance snapshot.

Can I file GST return myself?

The taxpayer is required to log in to the GST portal with their user credentials, navigate to the 'Returns Dashboard', select the relevant tax period and return form, and then fill in all the relevant details before proceeding to file the return form.

Who is liable to file GSTR-1 monthly?

Every registered taxable person, other than an input service distributor/ composition taxpayer/ persons liable to deduct tax u/s 51 / persons liable to collect tax u/s 52 is required to file Form GSTR-1, the details of outward supplies of goods and/or services during a tax period, electronically on the GST Portal.