Online process to file GST returns effectively and quickly  

Introduction

GST has made the tax return filing procedure simple by merging the information about the products and services of the sellers and customers under one head. The GST Council and the Finance Ministry developed the GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network), a system where taxpayers are required to record all information on invoices, purchases, sales, dates, and locations. This provides a convenient platform for GST-registered taxpayers to connect and file the GST return form, claim ITC, and so on.

What is Goods and Services Tax?

GST stands for Goods and Services Tax. It is an indirect tax that is applicable to the goods and services sold domestically for consumption in India. The companies that offer the goods and services are responsible for repaying the money to the government on behalf of the customers and it is paid via GST return. In India, the idea of establishing the GST law was initiated in the year 2000, and it took 17 years for the country to create a comprehensive GST law that became effective on July 1, 2017. The cascading effect of taxes on the sale of goods and services has been reduced as a result of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and the tax base in India has increased.

What are GST returns?

GST return is a document that will comprise all the details of sales, purchases, tax collected on sales (output tax), and tax paid on purchases (input tax). Once you file GST returns, you will need to pay the following tax liability (money that you owe the government).The tax authorities will examine this return after receiving it and the purpose is to determine the total amount of taxes paid by the taxpayer.

Who is responsible for filing GST return?

Individuals who have not opted for the QRMP scheme and business who have annual aggregate sales of at least Rs.5 core must file 25 different GST returns annually. It consists of 2 monthly returns and 1 annual return.

On the other hand, the taxpayer who has opted for QRMP program and has a annual turnover of less than Rs. 5 crore are required to file 9 different GST return annually. This program is available to the taxpayers who qualify all the requirements.

Steps to file GST return online

All taxpayers, from manufacturers and suppliers to retailers and consumers, are required to file GST returns annually. In the digital world, the government is constantly looking for innovation and automation, and has started to offer e-filing or filing GST returns online on the main portal of GST.  The returns can be submitted online using the software and an application launched by the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN).  

A person can effectively file a GST return by fulfilling the eight-step shown below:

• Go to the GST website and select the "Services" option.
• Select the financial year and return filing deadline from the drop-down box, then click the "returns dashboard" option to go to the following step.
• Select the return form you need to file, then select the option "Prepare Online."
• Enter the required information, including the amount, and then click the "Submit" option.
• Save your complete information you have to fill while filing your GST return and then click the "Submit" option at the bottom of the page.
• If your GST return filing status has been upgraded to "Submitted," scroll down and select "Payment of Tax" option.
• Before paying tax under each head, you may check your cash and credit balance by selecting the "Check Balance" option. Select "Offset Liability" to finish the transaction on your browser window afterward.
• Make sure the box next to the specified statement is checked before selecting the "File Form with DSC" or "File Form with EVC" option, and then pick an authorized signature from the list provided and at last complete the payment for your GST return.

Penalty for late submission of GST return

If the taxpayers fails to submit the GST returns within due date, then he liable is pay penalty for late filing and any applicable interest incurred. The taxpayers will be charged with interest rate of 18% per year on the entire amount besides the unpaid tax. A late fee of Rs. 100 for CGST and SGST, for a sum of Rs. 200 per day, is also applicable to each of GST return mentioned in this blog.

Bottom line

Now you know the process to file GST returns effectively and quickly. The taxpayer should file as per process and within the due date to avoid fine. Connect with experts to maintain up-to-date GST return filing of your company.