GSTR-3B is one of the most important GST returns that must be filed by every GST registered business in India. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about GSTR-3B including due dates, late fees, filing process, eligibility and more.
Table of Contents
What is GSTR-3B?
GSTR-3B is a monthly (or quarterly) summary return that must be filed by all regular GST taxpayers. It contains details of:
- Outward taxable supplies
- Inward supplies liable to reverse charge
- Input tax credit (ITC) claimed
- Tax liability
- Tax paid
GSTR-3B must be filed even if there are no transactions in a particular tax period. The tax liability must be paid before filing GSTR-3B to avoid interest.
Key Points:
- GSTR-3B is a self-declared summary return, no invoice matching is done
- It must be filed monthly (or quarterly for QRMP scheme) for every GSTIN
- Details can’t be revised once filed
- Nil returns also need to be submitted if there are no transactions
- Taxes due must be paid before filing GSTR-3B
GSTR-3B was introduced as an interim measure while the invoice matching system is implemented. It allows taxpayers to claim ITC and pay taxes on a self-declaration basis without uploading invoice details.
Who Should File GSTR-3B?
All regular taxpayers registered under GST must file GSTR-3B. This includes:
- Normal taxpayers
- SEZ units and developers
- Casual taxable persons
- Input service distributors
- Persons liable to deduct TDS under GST
- Persons liable to collect TCS under GST
The following taxpayers are not required to file GSTR-3B:
- Composition scheme taxpayers
- Non-resident taxable online suppliers (filing GSTR-5)
- Non-resident service providers (filing GSTR-5A)
GSTR-3B Due Dates
The due date to file GSTR-3B is as follows:
- Up to Dec 2019: 20th of next month
- Jan 2020 onwards: Staggered due dates – 11th, 13th or 15th of next month depending on turnover
- QRMP Scheme: 24th of month after quarter end (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec)
The due date for payment of tax remains 20th of next month (6th for March) irrespective of the GSTR-3B due date.
For updated due dates, refer the GST calendar. The government may extend dates in case of technical issues on the portal.
GSTR-3B Late Fee & Penalties
If GSTR-3B is filed after the due date, late fees and penalties are applicable as under:
- Late fees – Rs. 50 per day (Rs. 20 for nil filers)
- Interest – 18% per annum on late tax payment
If tax liability was paid before the due date, only late fees apply. If tax was paid late, both late fees and interest are charged.
There are also penalties for non-filing GSTR-3B for 2+ months – Rs. 200 per day up to a maximum of 100% of tax liability.
How to File GSTR-3B?
Follow these steps to file GSTR-3B:
- Login to the GST Portal using credentials
- Go to Returns > Returns Dashboard
- Select month and click Search
- Click File Return under GSTR3B tile
- Prepare JSON file in online/offline tool
- Upload JSON file on GST Portal
- Submit the GSTR-3B return
- File using EVC or DSC
GSTR-3B must be filed electronically – physical filing of returns is not allowed.
GSTR-3B Filing Format
GSTR-3B contains 6 main sections with summary values to be reported:
- GSTIN & Period: Give GSTIN and tax period
- Supplies: Report total taxable value and tax liability
- ITC: Report total ITC available and ITC claimed for the tax period
- Values of exempt, nil-rated, non-GST supplies
- Tax payment: Declare tax paid and interest/fee payable if any
- Verification: Digitally sign the GSTR-3B before submission
No invoice-level details are required in GSTR-3B. Only consolidated values are reported under each section.
GSTR-3B Eligibility and Rules
Here are some important rules regarding GSTR-3B eligibility and filing:
- GSTR-3B can only be filed online, physical filing is not allowed
- A separate GSTR-3B must be filed for each GSTIN
- Actual tax payment must be done before filing GSTR-3B to avoid interest
- Taxpayers must self-assess taxes accurately to avoid penalties
- Invoice matching is not done for GSTR-3B so ITC claims are not validated
- Once filed, no changes are allowed in GSTR-3B – it is a static return
Make sure to reconcile ITC claims in GSTR-3B with purchases shown in GSTR-2A to avoid discrepancies. Maintain proof of tax paid to ensure seamless credit if scrutinized.
GSTR-3B vs GSTR-1 vs GSTR-2A vs GSTR-2B
| Return | Details | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| GSTR-1 | Outward supplies | Report sales |
| GSTR-2A | Inward supplies | Auto-populated ITC statement |
| GSTR-2B | Inward supplies | Revised ITC statement |
| GSTR-3B | Summary return | Pay tax & claim ITC |
GSTR-3B should be reconciled with GSTR-1, GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B to ensure consistency of reported values. This helps avoid tax demands or loss of eligible ITC claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is GSTR-3B filing mandatory?
Yes, all regular GST taxpayers have to file GSTR-3B for every tax period.
Q. What is the consequence of not filing GSTR-3B on time?
Late filing fees, high interest rates, penalties, adverse GST compliance rating and risk of tax scrutiny.
Q. Can I revise a filed GSTR-3B?
No, a filed GSTR-3B cannot be revised or amended in any way. Ensure accuracy before filing.
Q. Do I need to provide invoice-level details in GSTR-3B?
No, only consolidated values for each section are required in GSTR-3B.
Q. I have no transactions this month. Still do I need to file GSTR-3B?
Yes, even nil GSTR-3B must be filed confirming no transactions for the tax period.
Accurate and timely filing of GSTR-3B is crucial for maintaining a good GST compliance score and avoiding penalties. Reconcile with other returns, pay taxes on time and file before the due date.
For any assistance with GST registration, return filing, and compliances, make the right choice — FilingWala. Get end-to-end GST solutions including registration, return filing, invoice matching and more from tax experts at affordable prices. Focus on your business while FilingWala handles your GST work.
