GST compliance is non-negotiable for Indian businesses. Missing deadlines results in late fees (Rs 50/day for nil returns, Rs 100/day for others), interest at 18% per annum, and blocked input tax credits that directly impact your cash flow. Here is the complete checklist.
Monthly Filing Obligations
GSTR-1 (Outward Supplies) - **Due Date**: 11th of the following month - **What to File**: Details of all outward supplies (sales) including B2B invoices, B2C large invoices, credit/debit notes, exports, and amendments - **Key Action**: Ensure all invoices are uploaded by the 10th to avoid last-minute rush
GSTR-3B (Summary Return) - **Due Date**: 20th of the following month (varies by state for small taxpayers) - **What to File**: Summary of output tax liability, input tax credit claimed, and net tax payable - **Key Action**: Reconcile ITC claimed with GSTR-2B before filing
Quarterly Options (QRMP Scheme)
Businesses with turnover up to Rs 5 crore can opt for the QRMP scheme: - File GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B quarterly instead of monthly - Use the Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF) to upload B2B invoices monthly - Pay tax monthly using the fixed sum method or self-assessment method
Annual Compliance
GSTR-9 (Annual Return) - **Due Date**: 31st December of the following financial year - **Applicable To**: All registered taxpayers with turnover above Rs 2 crore - **What to File**: Consolidated summary of all monthly/quarterly returns for the year
GSTR-9C (Reconciliation Statement) - **Due Date**: 31st December (along with GSTR-9) - **Applicable To**: Taxpayers with turnover above Rs 5 crore - **What to File**: Self-certified reconciliation between books of accounts and GST returns
Reconciliation Checklist
- GSTR-2B Reconciliation: Match ITC claimed in GSTR-3B with auto-populated GSTR-2B every month
- E-way Bill Reconciliation: Ensure all inter-state movements above Rs 50,000 have valid e-way bills
- HSN Summary: Verify HSN codes and quantities match your invoicing system
- Credit Note Tracking: Ensure all credit notes are reported within the prescribed timelines
Common Penalties to Avoid
- Late filing of GSTR-3B: Rs 50/day (nil return) or Rs 100/day (with liability) - Interest on late payment: 18% per annum on the tax amount - Incorrect ITC claim: 100% penalty on wrong ITC plus interest - Non-generation of e-way bill: Penalty equal to tax amount or Rs 10,000 (whichever is higher)
How Nitisha Financial Services Helps
Our compliance management includes a proactive calendar with automated reminders, monthly reconciliation of all GST returns, and regular audit-readiness checks. We ensure your business maintains zero compliance gaps — so you can focus on growth while we handle the regulatory burden.