Ankit Rahangdale is a seasoned finance professional with a distinguished background as a Chartered Accountant. Currently, he leads the Finance Department at Pice. With over five years of invaluable experience in the banking and finance sector, honing his expertise through esteemed institutions such as ICICI Bank and Standard Chartered Bank.
24 Sep 25
12 mins
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How to Check GST Return Filing Status: A Step-by-Step Guide
GST return filing status helps taxpayers track compliance and avoid late fees or penalties.
You can check GST return status online through the GST portal using GSTIN and return period.
Return statuses like “To be filed,” “Submitted but not filed,” “Filed-valid,” and “Filed-invalid” indicate compliance progress.
GST return status can also be checked without login using GSTIN or PAN of a business.
Monitoring GST return filing status ensures ITC claims, accurate reporting, and smooth GST compliance.
Staying updated with your GST compliance is essential for every taxpayer to avoid penalties and ensure smooth business operations. When one files a GST return, one needs to stay updated regarding its status to see if any issue arises in compliance. One of the key aspects of this is monitoring your return status regularly.
By understanding how to check GST return filing status, one can confirm whether the returns have been filed successfully, identify any discrepancies and take timely corrective actions. This blog will provide you the easy steps to check your GST return status.
What is a GST Return?
A GST return is a form or a document that includes information regarding all of the purchases/expenses and/or sales/income which a GST-registered taxpayer or every GSTIN needs to file. This needs to be done so that the tax administrative authorities of India can calculate your net tax liability to the government.
In short, GST return filing keeps all of the records of business transactions that relate to GST. The primary details that GST filing includes are sales, purchases, output GST (on sales), and input tax credit (ITC) (GST paid on purchases).
How to Check GST Return Filing Status Easily?
After knowing what is GST return, let’s get to how to check GST return filing status after you have filed the same. Below are the steps you can follow to check the filing status:
Step 1: Visit the GST Portal
First of all, you will need to visit the official GST portal. The use of this portal is for many GST-related activities, including GST return filing and checking the GST return status.
Step 2: Log In with Your GSTIN
Then you will need to access your GST account. To do so, you can log in with the use of your GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) and password. In case you do not have your GST account, you will need to register.
Step 3: Go to ‘Return Dashboard’
After logging in, select the ‘Services’ tab from the landing page. Then go to the drop-down list and click on ‘Returns’ and finally select the ‘Returns Dashboard’.
Step 4: Choose the Filing Period
Then you will see an option to select the return filing period for which you want to check the GST return status, which can be either monthly or quarterly. Then, after you choose the right time period, go to the Search button and click on it.
Step 5: Check the Status of Your Return
After selecting the period, a list of returns in that particular time frame will appear on your screen. You can check the status of each return. These returns might have any one of these statuses:
To Be Filed: It means that the due date for this return has passed and filing is still pending.
Submitted but Not Filed: It means the validation of the return is done, but submission is still not complete.
Filed– valid: It means the return is submitted successfully.
Filed– invalid: It means the return was submitted successfully; however, the right amount of tax was not paid.
How to Check GST Return Filing Status Without Logging In?
There might be a case where you need to check the GST return filing status for other businesses. In these scenarios, checking GST return filing without logging in can be opted for. You can follow these steps in that case:
Firstly, you will need to visit the official GST government portal.
Then select options in the following sequence: ‘Services’ > ‘Search Taxpayer’ > ‘Return Filing Status’.
Then enter the PAN or GSTIN of the business for whom you want to check the GST return status.
After doing that, select the time period for which you would like to check the status.
Finally, click on ‘Search’ and you will be able to see the return filing status for the particular business.
Why Is Filing a GST Return Important?
There are multiple reasons that make filing a GST return important. These points are as follows:
Avoid Penalties: If a person does not file their GST return or if they are late in doing so, they can incur penalties. These penalties include a late fee and interest.
Claim Input Tax Credit (ITC): Filing a GST return also reduces the tax that you are liable to pay to the government. This is ITC, and it subtracts the tax you paid for purchasing certain things from your total liable tax amount.
Tax Reporting: Filing a GST return also helps in reporting the tax compliance of a business. This is because it keeps the past record of the tax one paid while purchasing and the tax one collected while selling.
Types of GST Returns You Need to Know
The table below presents the 13 returns under the GST regime in India.
Type
Description
GSTR-1
Details regarding services affected and/or outward supplies of taxable goods.
GSTR-3B
Information regarding input tax credit and tax payment, along with the summary return of outward supplies.
GSTR-4
Section 10 of the CGST Act has a composition scheme under which taxpayers are registered, and they use this to file a return.
GSTR-5
A non-resident taxable person files GST returns using this.
GSTR-5A
A non-resident OIDAR service provider files a return using this.
GSTR-6
An input service distributor (ISD) uses this to distribute the input tax credit (ITC) to its branches.
GSTR-7
Return to be filed by registered persons deducting tax at source (TDS).
GSTR-8
E-commerce operators who collect details regarding tax collected at source (TCS) and supplies affected use this to file returns.
GSTR-9
A normal taxpayer can use this to file their yearly return.
GSTR-10
A taxpayer who has their GST registration cancelled can use this to file a final return.
GSTR-11
Any person who claims a refund or has a UIN needs to provide information regarding inward supplies using this.
CMP-08
This is a statement-cum-challan used to make a tax payment by any taxpayer who is registered under the composition scheme under Section 10 of the CGST Act.
ITC-04
A job worker/principal uses this to file a return regarding the goods received from/ sent to the job worker.
Common Problems When Checking GST Return Status
It is possible that you might be facing some issues while checking the GST return filing status. There are a few common problems that arise with many while doing the same. These are as follows:
Technical Issues on the GST Portal
There are times when the GST portal might be slow or might have some other technical issue which is hindering the process. This can happen due to high traffic at a certain time or if the website is under maintenance. So, in these cases, you can try looking for the filing status at a different time. However, if this issue continues, you can contact the GST Helpdesk or raise a support ticket on the GST portal.
Forgot Password
There can also be a case where you have forgotten the login password for your GST account. In this scenario, you just need to reset your password by going to the ‘Reset Password’ option. This will help you regain access to your account.
Wrong Filing Period
You can face confusion or issues in finding the correct GST filing status if you have entered an incorrect time period. This is possible as, after you have put in the time, the page might not show any returns filed for that time, creating unnecessary panic in your mind. So, be careful while entering the time period and if this happens, just go back and select the period.
Return Not Visible
It might be a possibility that your return is not visible on the GST portal. This can happen if there is a delay from the government’s side in updating the status. Just make sure that your filing is done on the provided deadline. Then wait for the status to be updated first and check again after 24 hours.
Incorrect Return Status Displayed
In some cases, the wrong GST return filing status is shown on the GST portal. This can happen due to your browser cache problems. To mitigate this issue, just clear the history and cache of your browser.
ARN Not Found
You receive an Acknowledgement Reference Number (ARN) after submitting the GST return successfully. If you did not receive the ARN, it means that the processing of your filing is delayed. This will thus stop your GST return filing status from changing (progressing any further).
In these cases, you need to wait for your ARN and then try again after some time. You can contact GST support if this issue continues.
Rejected Return
If your GSR return is rejected, then its status will not update. Rejection can happen due to several reasons, such as filing errors, incorrect details or mismatched invoices.
If this happens, then you need to rectify all of the mistakes in the filing process and provide correct return details and accurate information. Always remember to verify all of the information before submitting the return.
How to Fix Errors in GST Returns?
Anyone can make a mistake in their GST returns. If you have made a mistake as well, you can follow these points to fix the errors:
Find the Error: Identify where the mistake is, whether in your sales data, purchase entries, or reported tax amount.
Amend the Return: Submit a revised return for the tax period in which the error was made.
Pay Extra Tax (if required): If you underreported your tax due to the error, make sure to pay the additional amount along with interest.
Reduce Risk of Errors by Self-verification: Always double-check your return before submitting it to reduce the risk of making such errors.
Why Filing GST Returns on Time is Important?
Taxpayers need to file their GST return on time to avoid various future issues and maintain compliance. Some primary points highlighting the importance of timely filing are as follows:
Avoid Late Fees: You can avoid paying any penalties or interest charges by filing your GST returns on time.
Claim Input Tax Credit: When you file late, you risk losing the input tax credit (ITC), which may increase your overall tax liability.
Maintain Compliance: By filing regularly, maintain your business' direct tax compliance with GST rules and reduce the chances of receiving notices or facing audits from the authorities.
Monitoring your GST return status helps you maintain accurate records and avoid potential compliance issues. Thus, by learning how to check GST return filing status, you can stay informed, correct errors promptly and keep your tax filings in order.
This simple habit ensures greater transparency and smoother tax management for your business.
💡If you want to streamline your payment and make GST payments via credit, debit card or UPI, consider using the PICE App. Explore the PICE App today and take your business to new heights.
FAQs
What is GST return filing status?
The GST return filing status reflects the stage of your filed return on the GST portal. It shows whether the return is yet to be filed, submitted but not filed, filed-valid, or filed-invalid. This helps taxpayers stay informed about their GST compliance status and ensures that taxes, ITC, and filings are correctly reported without delays.
How can I check GST return filing status online?
To check your GST return status online, log in to the official GST portal using your GSTIN and password. From the dashboard, select the ‘Returns’ option, choose the return period (monthly/quarterly), and view the status of each return. This process helps you confirm if the return has been filed correctly and accepted by the system.
Can I check GST return filing status without logging in?
Yes, you can check GST return filing status without login on the GST portal. Navigate to ‘Services’ > ‘Search Taxpayer’ > ‘Return Filing Status’. Enter the GSTIN or PAN of the business, select the relevant filing period, and click on search. This option is useful for checking the return compliance of vendors, suppliers, or other businesses.
Why is it important to monitor GST return filing status regularly?
Monitoring the GST return filing status ensures timely compliance, accurate tax reporting, and smooth claim of Input Tax Credit (ITC). It also helps avoid penalties, late fees, or cancellation of GST registration. Regular tracking reduces the chances of facing show cause notices or audits from the GST department, thereby keeping business operations hassle-free.
What should I do if my GST return status shows invalid or rejected?
If your GST return shows invalid or rejected, it usually indicates issues like unpaid tax, mismatched invoices, or filing errors. In such cases, taxpayers should identify the error, rectify the details, and file a revised return for the same tax period. Paying any pending tax with interest ensures that the return is accepted as valid and keeps GST compliance intact.
Ankit Rahangdale is a seasoned finance professional with a distinguished background as a Chartered Accountant. Currently, he leads the Finance Department at Pice. With over five years of invaluable experience in the banking and finance sector, honing his expertise through esteemed institutions such as ICICI Bank and Standard Chartered Bank.
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