Why Timely GST Filing Matters
Late GST filing results in:
- Automatic late fees
- Interest on tax liability
- Blocked refunds
- E-way bill generation issues
- ITC claim problems for your customers
GSTR Filing Due Dates
| Return | Due Date | Who Files |
|---|---|---|
| GSTR-1 | 11th monthly | All regular taxpayers |
| GSTR-3B | 20th-24th monthly | All regular taxpayers |
| GSTR-9 | December 31 | Annual (turnover > ₹2 Cr) |
| GSTR-4 | April 30 | Composition dealers |
Late Fee Structure
GSTR-1 (Sales Return)
- ₹50/day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST)
- Maximum: ₹10,000 per return
- Nil return: ₹20/day (₹10+₹10)
GSTR-3B (Monthly Summary)
- ₹50/day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST)
- Maximum: ₹10,000 per return
- Nil return: ₹20/day (₹10+₹10)
GSTR-9 (Annual Return)
- ₹200/day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST)
- Maximum: 0.5% of turnover in the state
Interest on Late Payment
| Scenario | Interest Rate | Calculated On |
|---|---|---|
| Tax paid late | 18% p.a. | Tax amount |
| Excess ITC claimed | 24% p.a. | ITC amount |
| Wrong refund taken | 24% p.a. | Refund amount |
How to Calculate Late Fee
Example: GSTR-3B filed 45 days late with ₹50,000 tax liability
- Late fee: 45 × ₹50 = ₹2,250
- Interest: ₹50,000 × 18% × (45/365) = ₹1,109
- Total penalty: ₹3,359
GST Amnesty Schemes
Government periodically announces waiver schemes:
- Reduced late fees (e.g., ₹500 cap)
- Waiver of interest for early compliance
- One-time settlement options
Recently announced waivers (check for current schemes):
- Late fee waiver for returns pending from 2017-2020
- Reduced maximum late fee during COVID period
How to Avoid Penalties
HCS GST Compliance Services
HCS Business Solutions provides:
- Monthly GST return filing
- Penalty reduction applications
- Interest waiver applications
- Amnesty scheme assistance
- Tally Prime with GST reminders