Table of contents:

• Introduction
• What is GST Return Status
• Different Types of GST Return Status
• Why Checking GST Return Status is Important?
• How to Check GST Return Status on GST Portal?
• How to check GST return status with GSTIN?
• GST return due date
• GST return filling fees
• How to view e-filed GST return status online?
• Understanding the GST Portal Dashboard
• Common Issues and Troubleshooting GST Return Status
• Conclusion

As a registered GST taxpayer, you will have to file GST returns (make sure, you are aware of type of returns to be filed) on a monthly/quarterly basis to stay GST compliant. But, to ensure that your filing has been successful, or the stage it is in, you must also check GST return status. This will ensure that you have not missed any GST return due date, your returns filing has been processed correctly, and that you do not have any late fees or penalty charged. 

Let’s understand the meaning of GST return status, the frequency of filing returns, and how as a taxpayer you can track and check the status of your GST returns filing on the GST portal (or if you are using any other tool)

What is GST Return Status?

The GST return status is an indication of whether a GST return has been filed, processed, or is pending. It helps businesses track compliance, confirm tax liability, and take necessary actions if issues arise.

This status is essential for businesses to avoid late fees, interest charges, or penalties. A clear understanding of the return status ensures smooth tax filing and reconciliation.

Different Types of GST Return Statuses

Each GST return goes through different stages and knowing what each status means can help businesses take the right action. Below are the primary GST return statuses:

• Filed – The return has been successfully submitted and acknowledged by the GST system.
• Not Filed – No return has been filed for the given period, leading to non-compliance and potential penalties.
• Pending for Processing – The return has been submitted but is under verification by the GST system.
• Filed with Errors – Errors have been detected in the return that require correction before final acceptance.
• Rejected – The return has been rejected due to incorrect details, non-matching invoices, or compliance failures.
• Processed with Demand – The return has been assessed, and additional tax liability is identified.
• Processed with No Demand – The return has been successfully processed with no further tax liability.

Why Checking GST Return Status is Important?

Regularly monitoring your GST return status is crucial for several reasons:

• Ensures compliance with GST regulations and avoids non-filing penalties.
• Helps in identifying errors in return submissions and allows rectifications.
• Avoids late fees, interest charges, and compliance issues with tax authorities.
• Provides transparency on tax liabilities, helping in financial planning.
• Ensures smooth processing of GST refunds and prevents unnecessary delays.

How to Check GST Return Status on GST Portal?

As a taxpayer, it’s recommended to track GST return status to check if your return filing has been processed correctly in time, or not. You can check the status of your GST return filing on the GST portal. Listed below are the different return filing status types for your reference.

With that understanding on given statuses, let’s take a look at the return filing status check process on the GST portal.

Steps to check GST return status on GST portal:

For any clarity or information, always visit the official GST portal website: //www.gst.gov.in//

Also read: GST registration process

Here are the steps to check GST return status on the GST portal online:

• Visit the GST portal and use your credentials to log in 
• Follow the path: Services > Returns > Return Dashboard
• Select the financial year and return filing period and click on Search for the results
• View the list of GST returns and their corresponding returns status in the relevant column

Following the steps you can easily track the status of your GST returns and enable you to take action against any issues promptly.

Checking GST return status of vendor:

In cases where data is auto-populated, the GST portal will naturally fetch the data for your GST returns. For instance, if your supplier has deducted TDS under GST, once they file GSTR-7, your TDS deduction certificate in Form GSTR-7A will automatically be generated.

Tracking GST Return status:

As a taxpayer, once you have filed your GST returns, it’s recommended to check its application status, i.e., whether or not it has been filed and processed successfully on the GST portal. Here’s how you can do so:

• Log in to your account on the GST portal
• Follow the path: Services > Returns > Track Return Status 
• Select the option you want to check status with: ARN, Return Filing Period, Status
• Enter ARN if searching for return status with ‘ARN’ number
• Choose the period from the calendar if searching with ‘Return Filing Period’
• Select the right option from the dropdown (i.e., Filed – Valid) if using the ‘Status’ option
• Click on ‘Select’ to view the relevant result
• View the status of GST returns filed based on your selection

Note: Details on Return type (e.g., GSTR-9), Financial year and period (monthly/quarterly), ARN, filing date, status (e.g., Filed – Valid, To be filed, etc.), and mode of filing will be displayed.

How to check GST return status with GSTIN?

A commonly asked question is – How to do GST return status check with GSTIN number. Every taxpayer receives a unique GST identification number, which they can use to easily track their GST return status. However, taxpayers need to use third-party tools if they wish to access this facility unlimited times.

You can search online for such a portal and enter the GSTIN number to check and track GST return status. You can check the status for yours and any other valid GSTINs. However, you must ensure that the tool is approved and integrated with the GST portal for accurate results/information.

Also read: What is the GSTN – Understand the difference between GSTN and GSTIN

What are GST return due dates?

As a taxpayer, to keep your business GST compliant you must ensure to file your GST returns within its timelines. Here’s a brief table to enable to keep to the relevant GST return filing dur dates.

GST return filing due date:

What is GST return filling fees?

There are no GST return filing fees on the portal unless you are hiring a GST professional/CA for filing your returns who will charge fees for their professional services.

Depending on the scope of the services, duration of filing, annual turnover, type of business and other factors, the CA or tax consultant can charge fees ranging between ₹6,000 to ₹15,000 on an average and higher.

How to view e-filed GST return status online?

As a taxpayer, you must track your GST return status on the GST portal. After filing your return, you can log in to view and confirm its status. You should regularly check the portal to verify timely submission. This will also ensure that you don’t have any pending sums or penalties and are able to keep your business GST compliant. Here’s what you can do:

• Visit the GST portal and click ‘Login’ to log in to your account using valid credentials
• Follow the path from the menu: Services > Returns > View e-filed Returns 
• Select financial year, return filing period, and return type
• Select the frequency of filing returns: Monthly/Quarterly 
• Select the specific period of filing: Quarter (e.g., Jan-Mar), Month (e.g., Jan)
• Click ‘Search’ to view the results
• Click on ‘View’ option to download/view the return e-filed

Note: Those who have opted for the QRMP scheme will file returns quarterly.

Understanding the GST Portal Dashboard

The GST portal presents return statuses using color-coded indicators:

• Green – Successfully filed and accepted by the GST system.
• Red – Rejected or not filed, requiring urgent action.
• Yellow – Pending for processing, verification is ongoing.

Each status reflects the stage of the GST return, guiding businesses on further actions if needed.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting GST Return Status

1. Return not visible

If your return is not visible on the GST portal, ensure that it was filed within the stipulated deadline. Sometimes, there is a delay in updating the status. Wait for at least 24 hours and try checking again.

2. ARN not found

The GST portal generates an ARN (Acknowledgement Reference Number) once you submit your return successfully. If you don’t receive the ARN immediately, processing delays might have occurred. You should wait for a few hours and then try again. If the problem persists, contact GST support.

3. Incorrect return status displayed

Sometimes, the GST return status may display incorrect information due to a cache issue in your browser. Clear your browser cache and history, then try again. Also, ensure that you have selected the correct return period before searching.

4. Technical glitches

The GST portal occasionally faces server downtime or technical issues. If you have trouble accessing the return status, try again after some time. If the issue persists, contact GST Helpdesk at 1800-103-4786 or raise a support ticket on the GST portal.

5. Rejected return

A return may get rejected due to incorrect details, mismatched invoices, or filing errors. If this happens, carefully review the return details, correct any errors, and refile the return with accurate information. Always cross-check before submission to avoid rejection.

Conclusion

Tracking your GST return status is a crucial step in ensuring compliance, avoiding penalties, and maintaining seamless business operations. Businesses should regularly monitor their return status via the GST portal, SMS service, or GST Helpdesk to prevent filing errors and late fees.

By staying updated with the latest GST regulations and technological changes, businesses can simplify their tax filing process and avoid unnecessary legal complications. Make GST return tracking a routine practice to ensure hassle-free tax compliance.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Tax regulations are subject to frequent changes; always consult the official GST portal (www.gst.gov.in).

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