For business owners in India, filing GST returns is more than just a compliance requirement, it’s a way to keep your business running smoothly and avoid penalties. The shift to GST filing online has made the process more convenient, but for many entrepreneurs, it can still feel confusing at first.
Understanding how to file GST return online correctly is essential to staying compliant with the Goods and Services Tax law.
Platforms like LegalWiz.in, a trusted online service provider for business compliance in India, simplify GST filing with expert assistance, helping you save time and avoid costly errors.
What Is GST Filing?
The process of GST filing requires businesses to provide all sales details along with purchase records and tax information directly to government authorities. The government mandates all registered businesses to submit GST returns according to their registration classification which determines whether they must submit monthly or quarterly or annual returns.
The government uses these returns to monitor tax obligations and input tax credit requests as well as maintain clear business transaction visibility.
Why File GST Return Online?
Filing GST returns online offers several advantages:
- Online filing enables you to submit your returns from any location.
- Time-saving process because it reduces paperwork together with automated processing.
- The use of automation technology decreases human errors during data entry.
- You can monitor your filings through instant updates which provide a straightforward tracking system.
For startups and small businesses, online GST filing makes compliance less overwhelming while keeping the process fully digital.
Step-By-Step Guide To File GST Return Online
1. Log In To GST Portal
Use your ID and password to access the portal. Navigate to Services > Returns > Returns Dashboard.
2. Select Return Period
Choose the Financial Year, Quarter, and Month from the dropdown menu and click Search.
3. Select Relevant Return Form
Depending on your taxpayer category, the dashboard will show forms like GSTR-1, GSTR-2A, GSTR-2B and GSTR-3B, etc.
4. Fill Return Form
Select Prepare Online for the required form. Fill in the necessary details, save, and click Submit. Check the status under Track Return Status (it should show “Submitted”).
5. Check Return Status And Payment Details
After the return status changes to ‘Submitted’, click on ‘Payment of Tax’. Then, select ‘Check Balance’ to view your available credit and cash balances.
6. Offset Liability And Make Payment
Click on ‘Offset Liability’ to apply your input tax credit first. Pay any remaining tax amount using cash payment.
7. Complete Filing And Submit Return
Once payment is done, tick the declaration box, select the authorized signatory, and click ‘File Form with DSC’ or ‘File Form with EVC’, depending on your preferred signing method.
This guide explains the basic steps to file your GST return. Make sure to follow any extra instructions for your specific form and taxpayer category.
Types Of GST Returns
| Taxpayer Category | Form Name | System-Generated? | Filing Frequency | Due Date | Purpose |
| Regular Taxpayers | GSTR-1 | No | Monthly/Quarterly | – 11th of next month (monthly)- 13th of the month after the quarter (QRMP) | Outward supply details of goods and services issued by the taxpayer |
| Regular Taxpayers | GSTR-1A | No | Monthly/Quarterly | Available after GSTR-1 filing, up to GSTR-3B filing | Updates or corrections to GSTR-1 information before final submission |
| Regular Taxpayers | GSTR-2A | Yes | Monthly | Real-time dynamic update as vendors upload data | Auto-drafted record of inward supplies and eligible Input Tax Credit (ITC) |
| Regular Taxpayers | GSTR-2B | Yes | Monthly | Generated on the 14th of the following month | Static ITC statement for a specific tax period |
| Regular Taxpayers | GSTR-3B | No | Monthly/Quarterly | 20th of the next month (monthly)- 22nd / 24th after quarter (QRMP, depending on state) | Summary return for declaring outward supplies, ITC claims, tax due and paid |
| Composition Scheme Dealers | GSTR-4 | No | Annually | 30th June of the following financial year | Consolidated return for outward supplies and taxes paid under the composition scheme |
| Non-Resident Taxpayers | GSTR-5 | No | Monthly | 13th of the succeeding month | Declaration of all supplies, inward and outward, tax liability, and payments made |
| OIDAR Service Providers | GSTR-5A | No | Monthly | 20th of the succeeding month | Details of taxable supplies and tax dues for online services provided to Indian consumers |
| Input Service Distributors (ISD) | GSTR-6 | No | Monthly | 13th of the next month | ITC received and distributed by ISD among its branches or units |
| TDS Deductors | GSTR-7 | No | Monthly | 10th of the following month | Information on TDS deducted, liability, payments, and claims if applicable |
| TCS Collectors (e-Commerce Operators) | GSTR-8 | No | Monthly | 10th of the following month | Supplies made via the e-commerce platform and tax collected at source (TCS) |
| Regular Taxpayers | GSTR-9 | No | Annually | 31st December of the next financial year | Consolidated annual return of all supplies and purchases with tax summary |
| All Taxpayers (Requiring Audit) | GSTR-9C | No | Annually | 31st December of the next financial year | Reconciliation of GSTR-9 with audited financial statements |
| Taxpayers with Cancelled/Surrendered GSTIN | GSTR-10 | No | Final Return (One-time) | Within 3 months of cancellation or surrender | Final declaration after termination of GST registration |
| UIN Holders (e.g., Foreign Embassies) | GSTR-11 | No | Monthly | 28th of the following month | Report of inward supplies for refund claims on GST paid |
Tips For Hassle-Free GST Filing Online
- Maintain accurate records of invoices and transactions.
- Reconcile input tax credits regularly.
- Don’t wait until the last date; file early to avoid server issues.
- Use professional help if unsure about return types.
Conclusion
Filing GST returns doesn’t have to be complicated. By choosing GST filing online, businesses can save time, minimize errors, and stay fully compliant with GST rules. Through LegalWiz.in, small startups and big corporations can access expert assistance for their online GST filing procedures. Compliance with regulations serves dual purposes since it prevents fines and establishes business credibility which leads to future success.