Overview
GST is a self-assessed tax. Each period you report what you sold, calculate the tax payable after setting off credit on purchases, pay it, and file returns that the department matches against your suppliers' and customers' filings.
Two returns do most of the work. GSTR-1 reports your outward supplies, which feed your customers' credit. GSTR-3B is the summary return in which you declare tax liability, claim input credit and pay the balance.
Small taxpayers can opt for the Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme, filing returns quarterly while paying tax monthly. Everyone then files an annual return once the year ends.
Who needs this service?
Any registered taxpayer has to file, including those with no business in a month.
Usually a good fit if
- You have a GSTIN and do not want to track due dates, late fees and reconciliation yourself.
- You are small and eligible for QRMP and want the scheme set up correctly.
- Your credit is not matching what your suppliers have filed.
- You have missed returns and need to regularise them.
Think twice if
- You already have an in-house accountant who files accurately and on time; you may only need periodic review.
Key benefits
No missed deadlines
Every return is filed before its due date, avoiding daily late fees and interest.
Credit you can rely on
We reconcile purchases against the auto-generated statement before you claim.
Fewer notices
Matching and consistent filings reduce the chance of mismatch notices.
Clean records
Sales and purchase data are organised for audit and annual filing.
Clear tax payable
You know the cash needed each period ahead of the due date.
Nil returns handled
Periods with no activity are still filed so your registration stays compliant.
What we need from you
We ask for the same material each period. A simple shared folder or accounting export is enough.
Sales information
- Sales register or all tax invoices issued in the period
- Credit notes, debit notes and any amendments
- E-way bill and e-invoice data, if applicable
- Export invoices and shipping details, if you export
Purchase information
- Purchase invoices and bills received
- Import documents such as bills of entry
- Expense bills on which you intend to claim credit
- Details of any goods or services received under reverse charge
Payments and banking
- Bank statement for the period, so we can match receipts and payments
- Challans or proof of any tax already paid
Access and authority
- GST portal access through authorisation or temporary credentials that you control
- Your registered mobile number available for OTPs at the time of filing
How the process works
Collect the period's data Start of each period
You share sales and purchase records by the date we agree, ideally a few days before the due date.
Prepare GSTR-1 1 to 2 days
We classify sales, rates, HSN codes and place of supply and prepare the outward supply return.
Reconcile credit 1 to 2 days
We compare your purchase records against the auto-drafted credit statement (GSTR-2B) and flag items to claim, hold or chase with suppliers.
Compute tax in GSTR-3B Same day
We set off the credit, calculate cash payable and prepare the summary return.
Approval and payment Before due date
You review the working, approve it and pay the tax through the portal.
File and confirm Same day
We file the returns with your OTP or digital signature and share the acknowledgments.
Annual return Once a year
After year end we prepare the annual return and reconciliation statement if applicable.
How long it takes
| GSTR-1 for monthly filers | By the 11th of the next month |
| GSTR-3B for monthly filers | By the 20th of the next month |
| QRMP: invoice upload and quarterly returns | Dates set by the department each quarter |
| Annual return (GSTR-9 and 9C) | By 31 December after the year end |
Due dates are extended by the government from time to time and can vary for QRMP filers and by state. We confirm the current dates on the GST portal before each filing.
Things that cause problems if ignored
A few common patterns we see.
- Late filingLate fees accrue daily and interest is payable on tax paid late. Returns can also be blocked once several are overdue.
- Claiming credit that is not in your statementCredit generally depends on your supplier having filed. Claiming ahead of that invites notices.
- Mismatched sales figuresSales in GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B should align with your books.
- Ignoring noticesNotices on mismatch or non-filing have response deadlines and should not wait for the next return.
- Not filing nil returnsEven a month with no activity needs a filing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B?
GSTR-1 lists your outward supplies invoice by invoice and feeds your customers' credit. GSTR-3B is a summary return where you declare tax liability, claim credit and pay the net tax.
What is QRMP?
The Quarterly Return Monthly Payment scheme lets eligible small taxpayers file returns quarterly while still paying tax each month. Eligibility depends on turnover and filing history.
Do I have to file if I had no sales?
Yes. A nil return must be filed for each period, otherwise late fees apply.
What happens if I file late?
A late fee is charged per day of delay and interest is payable on any unpaid tax. Repeated default can also restrict your ability to file other returns and e-way bills.
Can I claim credit on every purchase invoice?
Only on invoices that appear in your credit statement and are eligible under the law. Some categories, such as certain personal or blocked items, are not eligible.
Is an annual return mandatory?
Most registered taxpayers must file one, with a reconciliation statement where turnover is above the prescribed limit. Some small taxpayers are exempt from filing it, and we confirm the current rule each year.
This page is general information to help you prepare, not legal, tax or professional advice for your situation. Rules, forms, thresholds and due dates change, so we confirm the current position before we file anything for you. Taxswami Consultants is an independent professional services firm and is not a government body.