GST Returns (GSTR)
Periodic filings that report a business's sales, purchases, and tax liability under GST, most commonly GSTR-1 for outward supplies and GSTR-3B for the summary tax payment.
GST compliance runs through several distinct return forms rather than one filing. GSTR-1 reports outward supplies (sales) for the period in detail, invoice by invoice for B2B transactions. GSTR-3B is a summary return where the actual tax liability is computed and paid, netting output tax against eligible input tax credit. GSTR-2B is an auto-generated statement of eligible ITC based on what suppliers have reported in their own GSTR-1, used to reconcile purchases.
Filing frequency, monthly or quarterly, depends on turnover and the scheme a business has opted into. Consistently late or mismatched returns are one of the most common triggers for GST notices, since the department's systems increasingly cross-check GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and GSTR-2B against each other automatically.
This glossary entry is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax, legal, or financial advice. Rules and rates change, so consult a qualified Chartered Accountant for advice specific to your situation.