GSTR-3B: Due Date, Late Fee, Format, Return Filing, Eligibility & Rules

Under current GST laws and regulations, it is mandatory for every registered dealer to file GST returns, providing details on key aspects such as sales, purchases, output tax (GST collected on sales) and input tax credit (GST paid on purchases). To file such a return, Form GSTR-3B was introduced. Filing GSTR-3B is crucial for ensuring compliance with GST regulations.

In this blog, we will walk you through a comprehensive guide on this GST return form, highlighting the steps on how to file GSTR-3B online and other relevant details. 

What Is GSTR 3B?

GSTR-3B is a self-declared summary return that vendors file every month to manage their GST obligations. This form helps them discharge their GST liabilities and requires them to report summary figures for sales, input tax credit (ITC) claimed, and net tax payment.

A separate Form GSTR-3B has to be filed for each GSTIN, with taxpayers required to pay their GST liability on or before the filing date, which is the due date. Even if there is no tax liability, Form GSTR-3B must still be filed. Once submitted, it cannot be revised.

Late Fee & Penalty for GSTR-3B

GSTR 3B late fees are charges you incur if you miss the due date for filing your tax returns. The fees differ based on whether you file normal GSTR 3B returns or nil returns.

Additionally, all taxpayers are charged 18% interest per year on the unpaid tax amount. The maximum late fee for filing Form GSTR-3B (except for nil returns) is based on their annual turnover.

On the other hand, the maximum late fee for filing a nil return for GSTR 3B is ₹500 per return (₹250 for CGST and ₹250 for SGST).

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Due Dates for GSTR-3B Filing

The due date for filing the Form GSTR-3B varies based on the taxpayer's aggregate turnover in the previous financial year.

• In case of aggregate turnover exceeding ₹5 crore in the previous financial year

In case of aggregate turnover up to ₹5 crore in the previous financial year without opting for the QRMP scheme

In case of aggregate turnover up to ₹5 crore in the previous financial year under the QRMP scheme

GSTR-3B vs GSTR-2A & GSTR-2B: Comparison

Let us now discuss the key differences between GSTR-3B, GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B to understand how they each play a role in the current GST regime.

GSTR 3B Format

The standard GSTR-3B format helps taxpayers report their GST liabilities and claim input tax credits in a streamlined manner. It includes:

• GSTIN Number
• Legally registered name of taxpayer’s business
• Details of sales and purchases applicable for reverse charge
• Details of inter-state sales made to buyers under the composition scheme, unregistered buyers and UIN holders
• Eligible Input Tax Credit (ITC)
• Value of NIL-rated, non-GST and inward supplies
• Payment of Tax
• TCS/TDS Credit

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Who Needs to File GSTR 3B?

If you are registered under the current GST regime, GST return filing is mandatory, even if you do not owe any tax liabilities for the current month. However, the following registrants are exempt from filing GSTR-3B:

• A taxpayer registered under the composition scheme
• A non-resident supplier of an Online Information Database Access and Retrieval (OIDAR) service
• An input service distributor
• A non-resident taxable person

Sections Under GSTR-3B

On the GSTR-3B form, taxpayers need to provide their GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) and the legal name of their business, along with other tax-related details. Here is an outline of each section/table of GSTR-3B and the details required in each:

Section 1: Preliminary Details

In this section, taxpayers mention their GSTIN Number or provisional ID if they do not have a valid GSTIN number.

Section 2: Preliminary Details

This field is automatically populated after entering the GSTIN. It displays the legal name of the registered business as per GST records.

Section 3.1: Details of Outward Supplies and Inward Supplies Liable to Reverse Charge

This section is further broken down into the following:

• Section 3.1(a): Outward taxable supplies (other than zero-rated, NIL-rated and exempted) including sales within states and across states where GST is charged.
• Section 3.1(b): Outward taxable supplies (zero rated) such as exports or supplies made to Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
• Section 3.1(c): Other outward supplies (nil rated, exempted) including supplies exempt from GST or those with a nil GST rate, such as salt, fresh milk, curd, lassi and puja samagri.
• Section 3.1(d): Inward supplies (liable to reverse charge) purchases made by unregistered dealers on which taxpayers must pay the applicable GST rate directly.
• Section 3.1(e): Non-GST outward supplies or supplies that are exempt from GST, such as alcohol and petroleum.

Section 3.2: Of the supplies shown in 3.1 (a) above, details of inter-State supplies made to unregistered persons, composition taxable persons and UIN holders

In this section of the GSTR-3B form, there is a breakdown of 'Outward Taxable Supplies', including inter-state supplies made to unregistered persons, composition dealers and individuals holding a UIN.

Section 4: Eligible ITC

Under this section, Input Tax Credit details are specified separately for IGST, CGST, SGST, UTGST and Cess, without the need for invoice-level information or reporting the total value in the form. It includes ITC availed from import of goods, import of services and other eligible ITCs. 

Section 5: Values of Exempt, NIL-Rated and non-GST Inward Supplies

This section includes all purchases of goods or services made by the taxpayer from a composite dealer, which are either exempt, NIL-rated or not covered by GST. It categorises these purchases separately for both interstate and intrastate supplies.

Section 6: Payment for Tax

In this section, taxpayers must declare the final tax payable on their supplies as per Section 3.1(a) and 3.1.1, detailing taxable amounts separately for IGST, CGST, SGST and UTGST. It also records the Input Tax Credit (ITC) availed and includes all fees and interest associated with late filing.

GSTR-3B Online Filing in the GSTN portal

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Here is a step-by-step guide on how to file GSTR-3B online via the GSTN portal.

Step 1: Log in to the GST portal using toy registered credentials and navigate to the homepage.

Step 2: The return filing status for the last 5 tax periods will be displayed on the screen. From the ‘Services’ menu, tap on ‘Returns’ and choose ‘Returns Dashboard’.

Step 3: On the ‘File Returns’ page, select ‘Financial Year’, ‘Quarter’ and ‘Return Filing Period -Month or Quarter’ for which you intend to file the return.

Step 4: Click on the ‘Search’ tab.

Step 5: Choose the ‘Prepare Online’ option from the ‘Monthly Return GSTR-3B’ tile.

Step 6: Answer the set of questions displayed on the screen and tap on ‘Next’.

Step 7: Enter the values in each tile, the total under each head and interest/late fees as applicable.

Step 8: Once you have added all the details, click on the ‘SAVE GSTR 3B’ tab displayed at the bottom of the page if you want to edit or click on the ‘SUBMIT’ button to proceed.

Step 9: Navigate to the ‘PREVIEW DRAFT GSTR-3B’ tab on the bottom and click on it.

Step 10: Click on the ‘Proceed to Payment’ tab to make GST payment and offset liability successfully.

Step 11: Select 'Authorised Signatory' from the drop-down menu.

Step 12: Choose the 'FILE GSTR-3B WITH DSC/ FILE GSTR-3B WITH EVC' option.

Step 13: Click on the 'Proceed' button to finalise and submit your GSTR-3B return securely.

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Conclusion

Timely filing of GST Return 3-B is crucial for businesses to steer clear of penalties and stay compliant with GST regulations. If taxpayers delay filing, they will incur daily fines and interest charges. Understanding how to file GSTR-3B online enables them to submit their returns promptly and accurately, thereby avoiding late fees and penalties.

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