Mastering GSTR 3B Filing: Due Date, Format & Comparison with GSTR-1

India’s Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection in September 2024 was over 1.73 lakh crores. Do you know that a GSTR-3 return enables you to determine the tax liability in the given tax period? This return calculates how much tax you have to pay, making it one of the most important returns for businesses. 

In this blog, we will explain GSTR-3B, the GSTR 3B filing format, and other important information that you must know as a business owner, accountant, or consultant. 

What is GSTR 3B? 

GSTR-3B is a self-declared form introduced in July 2017 to furnish net tax liability. The net tax liability is calculated taking into account, sales and ITC claims. All these data are to be updated in the GSTR 3B form, and the net payable tax will be calculated. 

Here are the key features of GSTR-3B that every business owner should know:

Mandatory Filing: It is compulsory to file GSTR-3B even if there are no transactions during the period.

NIL Returns: Businesses with zero liability must file NIL returns.

GSTIN Requirement: A separate GSTR-3B must be prepared and filed for each GSTIN within the stipulated deadline.

No Revision: Once submitted, GSTR-3B cannot be revised.

Quarterly Filing for Composition Scheme: Businesses opting for the composition scheme must file GSTR-3B on a quarterly basis.

Due Dates of GSTR 3B

Following are the due dates of GSTR-3B filing for two different categories of businesses: 

• Regular business: GSTR-3B return should be filed on or before the 20th of every month. (if annual turnover is more than 5Cr)

• Business opted for Composition Scheme: Either 22nd or 24th, depending on which State or UT you belong to.   

Late Fee for GSTR-3B 

A late fee for GSTR-3B is charged when returns are filed post-due date. It is levied as mentioned below: 

• Regular Returns: Rs. 50 per day of delay
• Nil Returns: Rs. 20 per day of delay 

Difference between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B

Here is the difference between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B in detail:

Format/Details to Include 

GSTR-1 

• Invoice Details
• Exempt Supplies
• Exports
• Overview of Supplies
• Account Receivables and Repayment

GSTR-3B

• Turnover
• Exempt Supplies
• Exports
• Tax Details
• Input Tax Credit (ITC)
• Inward Supply under Reverse Charge

Read More: GSTR-1A: Benefits, Format & Deadline

Purpose

GSTR-1

Used to furnish details of the outward supplies, ensuring that it matches with the record of the recipient 

GSTR-3B

Used for declaring and the payment of tax liability on a monthly/quarterly basis. 

GSTR-3B Format

In the following section, we will discuss the GSTR 3B format and the details to be filled in each section. 

Section #1 Basic Details 

• Year – Year for which you are filing GSTR-3B.
• Period – Month or quarter for which the return is being filed. 
• GSTIN – GST registration number of your business.
• Legal name – Write the registered name of your company as per GST records.
• ARN – Application Reference Number (ARN) of your return filed 
• Date of ARN – Date of ARN return filed will be reflected after filing the return 

Section #2 Details of Outward supplies and inward supplies liable to reverse charge

In this section, specify the total taxable value, IGST, CGST and SGST of the supplies falling into any of the below-mentioned categories:

• Outward taxable supplies
• Outward taxable supplies (zero-rated)
• Other outward supplies (nil rated, exempted)
• Inward supplies (liable to reverse charge)
• Non-GST outward supplies

Section #3 Details of supplies notified under section 9(5) of the CGST Act, 2017 and corresponding provisions in IGST/UTGST/SGST acts

In this section, specify the total taxable value, IGST, CGST and SGST of the supplies falling into any of the below-mentioned categories:

• Taxable supplies on which electronic commerce operators pay tax
• Taxable supplies made by registered persons through electronic commerce operators on which electronic commerce operators are required to pay tax 

Section #4 Details of Interstate Supplies 

Mention the IGST and total taxable value of the supplies falling into any of the below-specified categories:  

• Supplies made to Unregistered Persons
• Supplies made to composition Taxable Persons
• Supplies made to UIN holders

Section #5 Eligible ITC

In this section, specify the total taxable value, IGST, CGST and SGST of the supplies falling into any of the below-mentioned categories:

• ITC Available (whether in full or part)
• ITC Reversed
• Net ITC available 

Section #6 Values of exempt, nil rated and Non-GST inward supplies

Details of inter- and intra-state purchases that are exempted, non-GST, or zero-rated are mentioned in this section. 

Section #7 Interest and Late fees for the previous tax period

In the section, the data is auto-populated based on the previous months of return filing, if any. 

Section #8 Payment of Tax 

This is the most important section of the GSTR-3B form. It compiles data from all the previous sections and calculates the actual tax liability.

Section #9 Breakup of tax liability declared (for interest computation)

The data from Section no.8 is carried forward separately for IGST, CGST, and UTGST/SGST to calculate interest. 

Section #10 Verification

Once the form is filled and tax liability is computed, it is duly signed by the authorized person in the company.

Conclusion

After reading this blog on GSTR-3B return filing, we hope all your questions related to GSTR-3B will be answered. If you still have any questions, you can contact us. If you are filing a GST return and want to simplify the process, sign up with Munim GST Return Filing software. With this software, you can file GST returns with or without OTP. 

Frequently Asked Questions on GSTR-3B Return Filing

1. Can GSTR-3B be filed without filing GSTR 1?

No, you cannot file GSTR-3B if GSTR-1 for the same tax period has not been filed.

2. How to file GSTR 3B NIL return​?

Following are the steps to filing a GSTR-3B NIL return. 

• Step 1: Log in with your credentials to the GST portal.
• Step 2: Navigate to Services > Returns > Returns Dashboard.
• Step 3: Select the correct financial year and the tax period you want to file the returns.
• Step 4: Click ‘Prepare Online’ under the GSTR-3B heading. 
• Step 5: Confirm that you want to file a Nil return by checking the correct box.
• Step 6: From the drop-down list, select the authorized signatory. 
• Step 7: Click on ‘File GSTR-3B With EVC’ or ‘File GSTR-3B With DSC’, whichever option is best for you. 
• Step 8: Click on ‘Proceed’ 

3. How do you file the GSTR 3B revised return?​

There is no provision for filing revised GSTR 3B returns. However, you can reset the return, which will change its status from ‘Filed’ to ‘Yet to be Filed’. If you do so, you need to file the return once again. 

4. Can we file GSTR 3B after the due date? 

Yes, you can file ​GSTR-3B after the due date, but you must pay a late fee.  

5. How do you check the GSTR 3B filing date​?

If you want to check GSTR 3B filing, then follow the steps explained below: 

• Step 1: Log in with your credentials to the GST portal.   
• Step 2: Navigate to  Services > Returns > View Filed Returns
• Step 3: Select the appropriate financial year and tax period, and under the return type, select ‘GSTR-3B’. 
• Step 4: Click on ‘Search’