GSTR 1 - Steps to file GSTR 1, Eligibility, Late Fees & Details

The Goods and Services Tax framework provides multiple forms for taxpayers to file their returns. These forms are categorized based on transaction types and filing frequency.

Presently, there are approximately 15 types of GST return filing forms, with GSTR-1 being one of the most significant.

What is GSTR-1?

GSTR-1 is a mandatory GST return form that must be filed either monthly or quarterly, wherein taxpayers report their outward supplies or sales.

Who Needs to File GSTR-1?

Every registered taxpayer is required to submit GSTR-1, even if no transactions occurred during a particular month.

However, the following registered individuals are exempt from filing this form:

Taxpayers responsible for deducting TDS.
Entities required to collect TCS.
Providers of Online Information Database Access and Retrieval (OIDAR) services, as per Section 14 of the IGST Act.
Non-resident taxable persons.
Taxpayers registered under the GST composition scheme.
Input Service Distributors (ISDs).

Key Points to Consider While Filing GSTR-1

You must be a registered GST taxpayer with a 15-digit PAN-based GSTIN.
Detailed invoices with distinct serial numbers are required.
An OTP verification for your registered mobile number with GST is necessary.

What is the Deadline for Filing GSTR-1?

The deadline for filing GSTR-1 depends on your aggregate turnover. Businesses with sales up to Rs.5 crore can opt for the QRMP scheme, requiring quarterly filings due by the 13th of the month following the respective quarter.

Meanwhile, taxpayers who have not chosen the QRMP scheme or have a turnover exceeding Rs.5 crore must file the return monthly, on or before the 11th of the following month.

For businesses with turnover	Month/Quarter	Due Date
More than Rs.5 crore	Jan 2024	11th Feb 2024
		Feb 2024	11th Mar 2024
		Mar 2024	12th Apr 2024 (earlier 11th Apr 2024)
		Apr 2024	11th May 2024
		May 2024	11th Jun 2024
		Jun 2024	11th Jul 2024
		Jul 2024	11th Aug 2024
		Aug 2024	11th Sept 2024
		Sept 2024	11th Oct 2024
		Oct 2024	11th Nov 2024
		Nov 2024	11th Dec 2024
		Dec 2024	11th Jan 2025
		Jan 2025	11th Feb 2025
		Feb 2025	11th Mar 2025
		Mar 2025	11th Apr 2025
Turnover up to Rs.5 crore (QRMP Scheme)	Oct-Dec 2023	13th Jan 2024
		Jan-Mar 2024	13th Apr 2024
		Apr-Jun 2024	13th Jul 2024
		Jul-Sept 2024	13th Oct 2024
		Oct-Dec 2024	13th Jan 2025
		Jan-Mar 2025	13th Apr 2025

Understanding the GSTR 1 Late Fee

The applicable late fee for GSTR 1 stands at Rs.50 per day and Rs.20 per day for nil returns beyond the due date. Initially, the late fee was Rs.200 (Rs.100 as per the SGST Act and Rs.100 as per the CGST Act).

Steps to File GSTR 1

To understand how to file GSTR 1, follow these steps –

Step 1 – Access the GST Portal and log in.

Step 2 – Navigate to the “Services” tab.

Step 3 – Choose “Returns” followed by “Returns Dashboard”.

Step 4 – Select the correct Financial Year and Return Filing Period from the dropdown options.

Step 5 – Click on “Search”.

Step 6 – Under “Details of outward supplies of goods or services”, choose “Prepare Online” for fewer than 500 invoices or “Prepare Offline” for bulk entries.

Step 7 – Complete the required sections.

The GSTR 1 dashboard features 19 sections, but only the relevant ones need to be completed.

Breakdown of These Sections

4(A,B,C), 6(B,C) – B2B Invoices	This section records sales made to registered businesses. The steps are as follows – Click this section and choose “Add Invoice”. Mark applicable checkboxes like Deemed Exports, SEZ Supplies with/without Payment. Provide GSTIN, invoice details, place of supply (POS), and total invoice value. Select “Supply attract reverse charge” if applicable. Enter the taxable amount, and the tax details will auto-populate. Click “Save” and then “Back” to return to the GSTR 1 dashboard.
5A, 5B – B2C (Large) Invoices	Used for sales exceeding Rs.2.5 lakh to consumers. Follow these steps – Step 1 – Click this section and choose “Add Invoice”. Step 2 – Enter the POS, invoice details, and total invoice value. Step 3 – Input taxable value under the applicable tax rate. Step 4 – Click “Save”. Step 5 – Click “Back” to return to the dashboard.
9B – Credit/Debit Notes (Registered)	For credit/debit notes issued to registered businesses. Steps include – Click this section and select “Add Details”. Enter details like GSTIN, note type, invoice reference, supply type, and taxable value. Click “Save” and return to the dashboard.
9B – Credit/Debit Notes (Unregistered)	Similar to the registered notes section but for unregistered entities.
6A – Export Invoices	For recording export transactions. Follow these steps – Click this section and select “Add Invoice”. Provide invoice details, port code, shipping details, and total invoice value. Enter taxable value under the relevant tax rate. Click “Save” and return to the dashboard. For amending previous entries, update the respective sections – 9A – Amended B2B Invoices. 9A – Amended B2C (Large) Invoices. 9A – Amended Export Invoices. 9C – Amended Credit/Debit Notes (Registered). 9C – Amended Credit/Debit Notes (Unregistered).
7 – B2C (Others)	This section pertains to outward supplies or sales below Rs. 2.5 lakh made to consumers. Steps to complete – Step 1 – Click on this section and choose “Add Details”. Step 2 – Provide the POS and taxable value. Step 3 – Select the appropriate GST rate. Step 4 – Click “Save”. Step 5 – Click “Back” to return to the dashboard.
8A, 8B, 8C, 8D – Nil-rated Supplies	This section covers sales of items that attract zero GST or are nil-rated. Follow these steps – Click on this section and select “Edit”. Enter amounts for Nil Rated, Exempted, and Non-GST Supplies under: Inter-state supply to registered persons Inter-state supply to unregistered persons Intra-state supply to registered persons Intra-state supply to unregistered persons Click “Save”. Click “Back” to return to the dashboard.
11A(1) and (2) – Tax Liability	This section records advances received for outward supplies where invoices are yet to be generated. Steps to proceed – Click the section and select “Add Details”. Choose the POS. Enter the Gross Advance Adjusted amount in the relevant GST rate box. Click “Save”. Click “Back” to return to the dashboard.
11B(1), 11B(2) – Advance Adjustments	This section includes invoices issued in the current period for which advance payment and tax were received in the prior month. The procedure for completing this section is the same as outlined above.
12 – HSN-wise Summary of Outward Supplies	This section details the HSN codes of outward supplies, their GST rates, and quantities. Steps to complete – Step 1 – Click the section and select “Add Details”. Step 2 – Enter HSN, description, UQC, total quantity, total value, and taxable amount. Step 3 – Click “Add”. Step 4 – Click “Save”. Step 5 – Click “Back” to return to the dashboard.
13 – Issued Documents	This section records the number of invoices generated during the return period. Steps to fill – Click this section. Select “Add Document” for each of the 12 sections and enter invoice serial numbers. Click “Save”. Click “Back” to return to the dashboard. Amendments can be made in the following sections – 11A – Modified Tax Liability (Advance Received) 11B – Modified Adjustment of Advances 10 – Modified B2C (Others) Once all sections are completed, follow these steps – Click “Generate GSTR 1 Summary”. Check the acknowledgement box. Click “Submit”. Click “File Return”.

By following these steps accurately, taxpayers can complete GSTR 1 filing seamlessly. Understanding GSTR 1 ensures a hassle-free process based on annual turnover.