GST R1 Return is an important filing under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system in India. If you are a business owner registered under GST, you must file this return to report your sales (outward supplies) every month or quarter.
GSTR 1 is a monthly, or quarterly GST returns filing form that all taxpayers have to file. It is a document that provides details of outward supplies made by a registered taxpayer. These supplies may include sales, sales returns, exports, and other relevant transactions. GSTR-1 must be filed by the monthly or quarterly of each cycle to report transactions for the previous month or quarter. Once you file GST R1, the details of your sales are reflected in your buyers’ GST returns (GSTR-2A).
Who Should File GST R1?
All registered businesses under GST that sell goods or services must file GST R1. However, the following businesses are exempt:
- Composition Scheme Dealers (They file GSTR-4 instead)
- Input Service Distributors (ISD)
- Non-resident taxable persons
- Taxpayers who file GST under QRMP (Quarterly Return Monthly Payment) Scheme
Due Dates for Filing GST R1
The due dates for GSTR-1 are based on your aggregate turnover. Businesses having sales up to Rs.5 crore have the option to file quarterly returns under the QRMP scheme. These are due by the 13th of the month following the relevant quarter.
On the other hand, taxpayers who have not opted for the QRMP scheme or have a total turnover above Rs.5 crore are required to file the return every month on or before the 11th of the next month.
- Monthly Filers: 11th of the following month (e.g., July’s return is due by August 11th)
- Quarterly Filers (under QRMP Scheme): 13th of the month following the quarter (e.g., for April-June, the due date is July 13th)
Late Fees and Penalties
The current late fee for GSTR 1 is Rs.50 per day and Rs.20 per day for nil returns after the due date. The original late fee was Rs.200 (Rs.100 as per SGST Act and Rs.100 as per CGST Act). If you fail to file GST R1 on time, you have to pay a late fee:
- Rs. 50 per day (Rs. 25 CGST + Rs. 25 SGST) for normal taxpayers
- Rs. 20 per day (Rs. 10 CGST + Rs. 10 SGST) for NIL returns
- Interest at 18% per annum on the outstanding tax amount
Considerations While Filing GSTR – 1
- You need to be a registered taxpayer under GST, and also have a 15-digit PAN-based GSTIN.
- You need to have detailed invoices with their unique serial numbers.
- You also need an OTP to verify your registered mobile number with GST.
Frequently Asked Questions on GSTR-1
Should I file GSTR-1 even if there are no sales in a month?
Yes, filing GSTR 1 is mandatory even if there were no sales during a month/quarter. In this case, you have to file Nil GSTR-1.
Can I upload an invoice only while filing the return?
You can upload invoices anytime. It is highly advised that you upload invoices at regular intervals during the month to avoid bulk upload at the time of filing a return. This is because bulk upload takes a lot of time.
Can I change a bill/ invoice uploaded on the GST portal?
After uploading bills you can make changes multiple times. There is no restriction on changing invoices after uploading them. But you can change an invoice only before submitting a return. Once submitted, the numbers are frozen.
Can I file GSTR-1 after the due date?
Yes, you can file the GSTR-1 even after the due date. However, you have to pay a late fee based on the delayed number of days.
What is the difference between GSTR-1 & GSTR-3B?
You have to report all the sales detail in GSTR-1, whereas you have to report summarised figures of sales, ITC claimed, and net tax payable in GSTR-3B return.
Can I file GSTR-1 even after filing GSTR-3B?
No, with effect from 1st January 2022, you have to file GSTR-1 before filing the GSTR-3B return.
I have opted for the composition scheme. Should I file GSTR-1?
You should not file GSTR-1. However, you have to use Form CMP-08 to make tax payments on a quarterly basis.
Should I make a GST payment after filing GSTR-1?
GSTR-1 is a return where details of sales are filed with the government. Hence, there is no need to pay tax after filing this return. However, you have to pay the tax due while filing GSTR-3B.
I have been filing GSTR-1 on a quarterly basis so far. My annual sales are below Rs. 1.5 crore. What happens if I choose the QRMP scheme?
You need to continue filing GSTR-1 on a quarterly basis and the GSTR-3B will also need to be filed on a quarterly basis with monthly tax payments. For more information about the QRMP scheme, read our article on “All about the QRMP scheme.”
How can I upload invoices under the QRMP scheme?
You can upload the invoices related to the first two months of the quarter using the Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF) and last month’s invoices in the quarterly GSTR-1.