What is the time limit for filing GST returns?

Asked by: Dr. Mack Stehr DVM  |  Last update: August 16, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (22 votes)

In India, the maximum time limit for filing GST returns is three years from the original due date, starting from July 2025, after which the GST portal will block filing, preventing the claim of Input Tax Credit (ITC). For regular monthly filings like GSTR-1/3B, this is usually by the 11th or 20th of the next month, with the 3-year limit applying to any pending, older returns.

What is the time limit for GST return?

Applicability of the Three-Year Rule

As per the advisory, no GST return can be filed after three years from its original due date.

How long do you have to file a GST return?

If your GST frequency is annual, your GST returns are due within three months after the end of the fiscal year. For GST collected in the financial year ending December 31, your GST payment is due by April 30. However, you can file your GST returns by June 15 of the following year.

What happens if GST return is not filed for 3 months?

If GSTR are not filed for a continuous period of6 months, GST portal will suspend the GST registration which will initiate a suo-moto for cancellation of GST registration. If the proper reply is not submitted and GSTR are filed within the period of 7 days the GST registration can be cancelled by the concerned officer.

Is GST return time barred after 3 years from July 2025?

Barring of GST Return on expiry of three years

The GST network issued another advisory on 7th June 2025, implementing the rule of time-barring of GST return filing beyond three years from the due date. By this update, taxpayers will not be able to file GST returns after three years from the due date of such return.

GST Suo Moto Cancellation ? Here’s What to Do. #gst #registration

28 related questions found

Can I claim GST after 4 years?

Once four years have passed, neither party can typically reopen GST matters related to that period, except in the case of fraud or evasion. This creates a level of certainty that benefits everyone involved in the tax system.

What are the new rules for GST in October 2025?

India's GST reforms in 2025 focus on simplifying GST slabs. 99% of items in the 12% slab moved to 5%, and 90% of those in the 28% slab reduced to 18%. This reform has greatly reduced the burden of taxation and make goods more reasonable for consumers.

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.

Can GST return be filed without CA?

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.

How many months can we file a Nil GST return?

There is no specific limit on the number of times a Nil GST return can be filed. As long as the taxpayer has no transactions to report, Nil returns can be filed for consecutive periods without any restrictions.

What is the oldest tax return I can file?

There is no hard limit on how many years you can file back taxes. However, to be in “good standing” with the IRS, you should have filed tax returns for the last six years. If you're due a refund or tax credits, you must file the return within three years of the original due date to claim it.

Is it compulsory to file GST returns?

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. 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).

Is there a penalty for filing GST late?

If you collect GST/HST, penalties also apply for filing late. The CRA calculates the late filing fee for your GST/HST taxes using the formula A + (B x C). In this formula, A is 1% of the amount you owe, B is 25% of A, and C is the number of months the return is late.

What is the 180 day rule of GST?

Section 16(2) and Rule 37

If he made payment within 180 days to the supplier within 180 days than no reversal is required. If he made proportionate payment to supplier with GST within 180 days then he has to reverse ITC proportionately . If No payment is made within 180 days, then whole the ITC has to be reversed.

What are the new rules for GST return?

What is the new 3-year filing rule? Starting from December 1, 2025, the GST portal will bar taxpayers from filing any return that is more than three years past its original due date. This means November 2025 is the last chance to file returns for periods like October 2022 or the FY 2020-21 annual return.

What is the maximum late fee for GST return?

The late fee is capped at 0.25% of the taxpayer's turnover in the state or union territory per Act (i.e., up to 0.5% total for both CGST and SGST). For example, if turnover is ₹1 crore, the maximum late fee can be up to ₹50,000 (₹25,000 under CGST and ₹25,000 under SGST).

How much does a CA charge for filing an ITR?

ITR Filing Charges:

Salaried ITR Filing: ₹1,000/- Capital Gain / Share Gain-Loss ITR: ₹1,500/- Business ITR – 44AD Return: ₹2,000/- All other ITR Filing: ₹3,000/-

Who is the no. 1 richest CA in India?

Richest Chartered Accountants in India. 1. Kumar Mangalam Birla (Net Worth: $19 billion) 2.

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.

Can I file my GST return myself?

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.

Does CA have free tax filing?

File directly with us — for free

Use CalFile to e-file your state tax return directly to the Franchise Tax Board. Get real-time confirmation and the fastest refund possible. And best of all, it's free. File your federal taxes for FREE with the IRS.

How much does an accountant charge for a GST return?

On average, CAs may charge anywhere between Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 15,000 per year for filing GST returns.

What are the 4 types of GST?

Types of GST in India

CGST (Central Goods and Services Tax) SGST (State Goods and Services. IGST (Integrated Goods and Services Tax) UTGST (Union Territory Goods and Services Tax)

Is GST still 9% in 2025?

For any standard-rated supplies of goods or services that you make on or after 1 Jan 2024, you must charge GST at 9%. For instance, if you issue an invoice and receive payments for your supply on or after 1 Jan 2024, you must account for GST at 9%.

Is there 40% GST?

India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) system has entered a new era with the rollout of GST 2.0, effective from September 22, 2025. The Council has simplified the structure into a 5% slab for essentials, 18% for standard goods, and 40% for luxury/sin items, replacing the earlier complex categories.