A Complete Guide on GSTR – 1
What is GST Return 1?
GSTR-1 is a monthly or quarterly statement of outward supplies (sales) made by a registered taxpayer. It is not a tax payment return, but rather a detailed disclosure of all sales transactions, including B2B invoices, B2C sales, exports, and credit/debit notes.
The data filed in GSTR-1 is critical because it auto-populates the GSTR-2B and GSTR-2A of your buyers, allowing them to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC).
Who needs to fill GSTR – 1?
Every registered person is required to file GSTR-1, regardless of whether there were any sales transactions during the month.
Persons REQUIRED to file GSTR-3B:
Persons NOT REQUIRED to file GSTR-3B:
Steps to File GSTR – 1 Online
- Login to the GST Portal and navigate to Returns Dashboard.
- Choose the relevant Financial Year and Filing Period.
- Click on Prepare Online under the GSTR-1 tile.
- Add B2B Invoices to the respective tables to pass on credit to buyers.
- Enter summary details for B2C Sales, Exports, and Credit/Debit Notes.
- Input the HSN-wise Summary and the total Documents Issued.
- Click Generate Summary to update the tables with your entered data.
- Click File Statement and authenticate using DSC or EVC.
Last date to file
For monthly filers, the due date for GSTR-1 is the 11th of the following month. For taxpayers under the QRMP scheme, the return is filed quarterly and is due on the 13th of the month following the end of the quarter. Taxpayers using the Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF) must also upload their B2B invoices by the 13th of each month.
Mistakes to avoid while filing GSTR – 1
Late Fee for delayed filing
The late fee for filing GSTR-1 after the deadline is ₹50 per day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST) for regular taxpayers and ₹20 per day for Nil returns. These fees are capped at a maximum amount based on your annual turnover. While there is no interest charged (as GSTR-1 is not a tax-payment return), the late fee must be paid before filing the subsequent GSTR-3B.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can GSTR-1 be revised once it is filed?
No, the GST portal does not allow you to revise a filed GSTR-1. However, if you made a mistake (like an incorrect GSTIN or invoice amount), you can fix it in the Amendment Tables of the next month’s GSTR-1. This ensures that the corrected data eventually reaches your buyer.
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What happens if I miss reporting an invoice in the current month?
If you forget to upload an invoice, you can simply add it to the GSTR-1 of the following month. While there is no penalty for the delay itself, your customer will not see that invoice in their GSTR-2B for the current month and will be unable to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) until you file it.
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Is the HSN-wise summary mandatory for all taxpayers?
Yes, reporting the HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) summary is mandatory. Taxpayers with an annual aggregate turnover up to ₹5 crores must report at least a 4-digit HSN code, while those above ₹5 crores must report a 6-digit code. Failing to provide this can lead to errors during filing.
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What is the difference between GSTR-1 and the IFF?
The Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF) is an optional tool for those under the QRMP (Quarterly) scheme. It allows you to upload B2B invoices during the first two months of a quarter so your buyers can claim ITC monthly. GSTR-1 is the final, comprehensive statement filed at the end of the quarter that includes all sales (B2B and B2C).
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Do I need to file GSTR-1 if I have zero sales in a month?
Yes, filing a Nil GSTR-1 is mandatory even if there were no business transactions. If you fail to file a Nil return by the due date, the system will still charge a late fee of ₹20 per day, and you will be blocked from filing your GSTR-3B.
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Does filing GSTR-1 mean I have paid my taxes?
No. GSTR-1 is only a statement of your sales. It does not involve any tax payment. Your actual tax liability is calculated and paid only when you file GSTR-3B. However, the data you put in GSTR-1 should ideally match what you report in GSTR-3B to avoid scrutiny from the tax department.
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