Filing for GST returns is mandatory for all businesses registered under the GST regime. Of the different GST returns types, GSTR-1 is one of the most commonly filed returns forms. It is a sales returns statement, in which the taxpayer (i.e., seller/supplier/business) needs to furnish complete details on their outward sales or supplies made during a particular month or quarter. Let us understand what is meant by GSTR-1, what is the due date for filing GSTR 1, how GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B are different, eligibility, due dates, and how to file GSTR-1.

What is GSTR-1?

GSTR-1 is a GST returns form that every registered GST business must file (if eligible). It can be filed on a monthly or quarterly basis (as the case may be) and contains details of all the sales and outward supply of goods and services made by the business/taxpayer.

There are 13 sections (15 sections including parts) to the GSTR-1 returns form that must be filled in and filed by all eligible taxpayers within the due dates. Vendors under the composite scheme, non-resident foreign taxpayers, and OIDAR suppliers do not have to file GSTR-1 returns.

With that basic definition of what is GSTR-1, let’s try to answer some frequently asked questions on the same.

Also read: How to download GST registration certificate online

What is meant by GSTR-1?

GSTR-1 is a monthly or quarterly filed returns statement of all outward supplies or sales that every GST registered and eligible business in India must file.

It forms the basis of all GST compliance and input tax credit settlements with other business counterparts. The GSTR-1 form is crucial for accurately processing GST returns and captures complete transaction details of the specified period.

Also read: Exemption under GST – Know the list of GST exempted items

Is Gstr-1 a purchase or sale?

GSTR-1 is a sales return statement to be filed by every eligible GST registered taxpayer. It has 13 sections (15 sections including parts) and contains complete details of sales and outward supplies of goods and services done by the business/taxpayer for the particular month or quarter.

With regular filing of GSTR-1 returns therefore businesses can stay transparent and compliant in their accounts and operate smoothly.

Is Gstr-1 monthly or quarterly?

GSTR-1 can be filed by a business on a monthly or quarterly basis based on its aggregate turnover and whether or not the business has opted for the QRMP scheme.

• Businesses with aggregate turnover (sales) of up to ₹5 crores can opt to file returns on a quarterly basis under the QRMP scheme
• Due date is 13^th of the month following the quarter (i.e., 13^th of July, for April-June quarter)

Also read: Documents required for GST registration

What is the due date for filing GSTR-1?

The due date for filing GSTR-1 for taxpayers differ based on the period of filing, i.e., whether the taxpayer is filing returns on a monthly or quarterly basis.

• Monthly: For those taxpayers filing their returns on a monthly basis (i.e., businesses with over ₹5 crores in sales turnover), GSTR-1 must be filed within the 11^th of the succeeding month (e.g., GSTR-1 for April 2024, must be filed by 11^th of May 2024)
• Quarterly: For businesses that have opted for the QRMP scheme and file their returns on a quarterly basis, GSTR-1 must be filed by the 13^th of the succeeding month following the quarter (e.g., for April-June 2024 quarter, GSTR 1 must be filed by the 13^th of July 2024)

However, in certain cases, the date might be extended by the Government/GST Council only through notification.

The table below will illustrates this.

Time period for GSTR-1 filing:

For businesses with sales turnover of up to ₹5 crores and having opted for the QRMP scheme, GSTR-1 to be filed within the 13^th of the month following every quarter.

For businesses with sales turnover of over ₹5 crores: Due date for filing GSTR-1 is the 11^th of the following month.

Exception: For March 2024, due date for GSTR-1 filing was extended by a day and changed to 12^th April 2024 (instead of 11^th April 2024).

Note: GSTR-1 cannot be filed for beyond 3 years of its due date (as per amendment to Section 37 of CGST Act)

Also read: Types of GST in India – IGST, SGST, CGST and UTGST

Who should file GSTR-1? Eligibility and exemptions

GSTR-1 filing is a must for every registered business, regardless of their earnings (that is, GSTR-1 must be filed even if there have been zero sales and no earnings). It helps to detail every sales transaction and stay GST compliant.

However, there are some exceptions to GSTR-1 eligibility:

• Those businesses opting for GST Composition Scheme do not have to file GSTR-1 (i.e., they have to file GSTR-4 on a quarterly basis)
• Non-resident taxable people do not have to file GSTR-1 (i.e., they follow a different filing procedure using GSTR-5)
• An Input Service Distributor (ISD)
• Taxpayers liable to collect tax at source (TCS) and those liable to deduct tax at source (TDS)
• OIDAR suppliers

What happens if GSTR 1 is not filed?

It’s essential that you file GSTR-1 within the due dates to avoid penalties and late fees. This is based on the number of days of delay and the tax liability. In general, a late fee of ₹50 per day is levied on regular taxpayers and ₹20 per day is levied on those with NIL returns. A maximum late fees of ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 can levied on businesses based on their turnover.

We explain the structure of late fees payments below.

Late fees for regular taxpayers

• ₹50 late fee in total for every day of delay (i.e., ₹25 each under CGST Act and SGST/UTGST Act respectively)
• ₹2000 maximum late fees for businesses with up to ₹1.5 crores in annual turnover in the previous FY (i.e., ₹1000 maximum late fees each under CGST Act and SGST/UTGST Act respectively)
• ₹5000 maximum late fees for businesses with annual turnover of ₹1.5 crores to ₹5 crores in the previous FY (i.e., ₹2500 maximum late fees each under CGST Act and SGST/UTGST Act respectively)
• ₹10000 maximum late fees for businesses with annual turnover over ₹5 crores in the previous FY (i.e., ₹5000 maximum late fees each under CGST Act and SGST/UTGST Act respectively)

Late fees for NIL status

For businesses with NIL status for GSTR-1 filing, the late fees are nominal.

• ₹20 late fee in total for every day of delay (i.e., ₹10 each under CGST Act and SGST/UTGST Act respectively)
• ₹500 maximum late fees (i.e., ₹250 maximum late fees each under CGST Act and SGST/UTGST Act respectively)

How to file GSTR-1?

Having understood what is GSTR-1, who is eligible, the due dates and late fees payable, let’s understand how to file GSTR-1 online.

• Login to the official GST portal using your credentials (Username and password)
• Navigate to the ‘Return Dashboard’ to begin the filing process (Follow the path: Services > Returns)
• Select the Financial Year (FY) and the period you are filing returns for (i.e., month and year) and click on GSTR-1
• Prepare GSTR-1 (You can manually enter details by clicking on Prepare Online and filling in the details; or can upload a JSON file by preparing the GSTR-1 using offline tools)
• Declare the validity of the information uploaded and verify using your DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) or EVC (Electronic Verification Code)
• Submit GSTR-1 post verification to complete the returns filing process
• Collect the acknowledgement or reference number for any future communications

You can follow these steps to ensure that you file GSTR-1 accurately and stay compliant. It’s recommended that you check for any updates on GST returns filing norms to ensure that you are following the latest and correct returns filing procedure. You should also keep any reference documents close by to make the process smooth.

Alternatively, you can also consider hiring the services of a GST practitioner or tax consultant or Chartered Accountant to help you with the GST returns filing process.

Is Gstr 1 and 3B same?

GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B are different forms. Understanding the difference between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B is helpful to keep businesses compliant with GST norms.

Also read: Advantages and Disadvantages of GST – How it impacts small businesses

Why it is important to file GSTR-1?

We’ll conclude our discussion on what is GSTR-1 by understanding its importance and why businesses/taxpayers should file in on time. Filing GSTR-1:

• Keeps business compliant with GST laws
• Facilitates businesses to claim Input Tax Credit accurately
• Improves transparency in the taxation process
• Enables the government to calculate tax liability accurately based on sales
• Maintains robust records required for auditing and other financial assessments

*This article is for informational purposes only. All are requested to consult with a GST practitioner/CA or relevant for professional advice.

Author: Sohini Banerjee

Sohini is a seasoned content writer with 12 years’ experience in developing marketing and business content across multiple formats. At Tata nexarc, she leverages her skills in crafting curated content on the Indian MSME sector, steel procurement, and logistics. In her personal time, she enjoys reading fiction and being up-to-date on trends in digital marketing and the Indian business ecosystem.