What is the penalty for not filing GST return?

Asked by: Prof. Dillon Ledner  |  Last update: August 9, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (39 votes)

Not filing GST returns by the due date results in late fees, interest on unpaid tax, and potential legal action. Penalties typically include a daily fee (e.g., ₹50 per day in India, or up to $200-$250 per month in some jurisdictions). Continued non-filing can lead to cancellation of GST registration, 18% annual interest on tax due, and hefty penalties.

What happens if you don't file GST?

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.

What is the penalty for failing to file GST return?

The penalty for late GST/HST filing is 1% of any amount you owe, plus an extra 0.25% for each full month your payment is overdue, up to 12 months. If the CRA issues a formal demand to file and you ignore it, they add another $250 penalty even if you don't owe any tax.

Is GST return filing mandatory?

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 penalty for not filing GST annual return?

Levy of late fee:

Therefore, effectively the late fee for delay in filing Annual Return by the due date is R 200/- per day subject to a maximum of an amount calculated at 0.50% of his turnover in the State or Union Territory.

Penalty for GST return ( late e-filing) , penalty in gst

29 related questions found

Can GST penalty be waived?

Legal Waivers/Reductions: Sections 73 and 74 of the CGST Act give discretionary powers to the authorities to waive penalty in case the tax payable is paid before assessment, or the default was not intentional and due to real causes.

Is GST suspended for not filing return?

When can the GSTIN get suspended? A taxpayer's GST registration or GSTIN can be suspended when they fail to file their GST returns for six consecutive months as monthly filers and for two consecutive quarters as quarterly filers.

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.

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.

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 liable to file a GST return?

All business owners and dealers who have registered under the GST system must file GST returns according to the nature of their business or transactions. Regular Businesses. Businesses registered under the Composition Scheme.

What is the penalty for filing GST late?

Late filing penalties for goods and services tax (GST)

There is a late filing penalty of $50 if you're on the payments basis. There is a $250 penalty for late filing on the hybrid or invoice basis. These penalties are usually due on the 28th day of the month after the return was due.

How to pay penalty for late filing of GST return?

Login to GST Portal and select the option - Services - Then select - Payment. Select Create Challan and window will be opened showing tax particulars, interest, penalty and fees details. Select Penalty and pay the same according to category - CGST, SGST or IGST. Q.

What is the penalty for not filing GST returns electronically?

The penalty amount you will be charged for not filing electronically if you are required to is: $100 for the first time. $250 for each subsequent return you do not file electronically.

Can I claim GST after 2 years?

The GST law requires that every claim for refund is to be filed within 2 years from the relevant date.

What is the fee for filing GST return?

Here's a breakdown of the typical expenses for small businesses: GST Return Fees: Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000 per month for online filing via the GST portal.

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.

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.

What is the minimum income to file 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.

What happens if you don't pay GST?

An offender not paying tax or making short payments must pay a penalty of 10% of the tax amount due subject to a minimum of Rs. 10,000. Consider — in case tax has not been paid or a short payment is made, a minimum penalty of Rs 10,000 has to be paid. The maximum penalty is 10% of the tax unpaid.

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.

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).

What is the 100 percent penalty in GST?

An offender not paying tax or making short-payments has to pay a penalty of 10% of the tax amount due, subject to a minimum of Rs. 10,000. Therefore, the penalty will be high at 100% of the tax amount when the offender has evaded i.e., where there is a deliberate fraud.

What if GST annual return not filed?

What happens if I don't file GST returns? If you don't file the GST returns, then late fees will apply for every day of default that occurs. Further, if there is any tax due, then interest will apply at the rate of 18% per annum on the tax liability.

How to clear suspended GST?

This can be done through the “Application for Revocation of Suspension” option available on the GST portal. You will need to provide all the necessary details and supporting documents, such as proof of payment of outstanding dues. After submitting the revocation application, the GST officer will review your case.