GSTR-8: Importance for E-Commerce Operators, Due Date & Penalty

Since E-commerce operators are so busy in their day-to-day operations, they often delay or even forget their compliance obligations. As a result, they have to pay late fees or penalties. In rare cases, this may attract scrutiny from tax authorities. 

Here’s the solution: Read this blog on GSTR-8 e-commerce GST return to learn how to stay compliant with GST regulations. 

What is GSTR-8? 

GSTR-8 is an e-commerce GST return relevant to e-commerce operators. Similar to Job Work, e-commerce transactions possess unique arrangements compared to ordinary transactions; thus, special considerations are provided for them under GST. 

The GST regime requires e-commerce operators to deduct TCS (Tax Collected at Source) for suppliers selling goods or services through the corresponding e-commerce platform. 

The TCS collected is paid to the government via this return filing. The tax liability is calculated based on the value of supplies made through e-commerce platforms.  

Why is GSTR-8 Important for E-Commerce Operators? 

The following section highlights the importance of GSTR-8 return filing for e-commerce operators: 

TCS Declaration: In the GSTR-8 return, e-commerce operators report all outward supplies made through their platform and the TCS amount collected, as required by the tax authorities.

Input Tax Credit (ITC) Claim: Suppliers whose sales go through e-commerce platforms can claim ITC on TCS collected, provided they are registered taxpayers.

Compliance Obligation: Filing GSTR-8 is a statutory requirement, with significant penalties for non-compliance.

GSTR-8 Due Date

GSTR-8 is a monthly GSTR that should be filed on the 10th day of the following month. Let’s understand it better with an example: 

For October 2024, you need to file GSTR-8 on 10th November 2024. Delaying further can attract late return filing penalties. 

GSTR-8 Late Filing Penalty 

If you fail to file GSTR-8 on time, you must pay a penalty of Rs. 100 under CGST & Rs. 100 under SGST per day. The total penalty would be Rs. 200/ day of late filing. However, the penalty is capped at Rs. 5000. 

Additionally, interest at 18% per annum is levied on the total amount of tax to be paid. The interest is calculated from the day after the return filing due date up to the day the return is filed. 

Eligibility Criteria for GSTR-8 Filing

To file GSTR-8, you must meet the following criteria:

1.Have an active GSTIN and be a resident taxpayer of India.

2.Have an annual turnover above Rs. 20 lakh.

3.Operate an e-commerce business selling goods or services online.

4.Ensure TCS details for all applicable transactions.

Read More: GST Registration Process

GSTR-8 Return Filing Format 

In the GSTR-8 return filing format, there are a total of nine sections, which are as follows: 

1. GSTIN 

Provide your 15-digit PAN-based GST registration number 

2. Legal Name

Your legal as per GST registration will be auto-populated 

3. Details of supplies made through e-commerce operator 

Furnish the details of outward supplies made to the registered or unregistered entities via e-commerce operators and details of outward supplies returned from registered and unregistered persons. The difference in value between the supplies made and supplies returned will be the net sales. TCS will apply to the net sales.

4. Amendments to details of supplies in any of the previous statements

If there is any correction in the data submitted in the returns of previous months, do mention it in this field. 

5. Details of interest

If you have any unpaid TCS, tax authorities have the right to levy interest. The details of the interest will be reflected in this field. 

6. Tax payable and paid 

This field shows the total amount of tax payable under each head (SGST, CGST, and IGST) and also shows the amount of tax paid to date. 

7. Interest payable and paid

The interest payable on late payment of TCS will appear here. You can also see the record of interest paid in the past. 

8. Refund claimed from electronic cash ledger.

You can claim a refund from the electronic cash ledger only when all the TCS liabilities for the given tax period have been fulfilled. 

9. Debit entries in the cash ledger for TCS/interest payment [to be populated after payment of tax and submissions of return 

The amount of TCS collected will be reflected in Part C of GSTR-2A of the corresponding taxpayer on the filing of GSTR-8. 

Read More: Avoid Common Mistakes When Filing GST Returns

Over to You

We hope that after reading this blog, you will know everything about the GSTR-8 return filing for e-commerce operators. If you have any questions, you can write to us. If you want complete GST return filing software, consider subscribing to Munim GST return filing software. You can also get two months of free trial, no credit card required, and no conditions attached. 

Frequently Asked Questions on GSTR-8 

How do I file GSTR-8 online? 

• Login to the GST Portal with your valid credentials
• Then go to ‘Returns’ and select ‘GSTR-8.’
• Fill in all the necessary details
• Verify the details and pay the outstanding tax amount

Which GST return is filed by an e-commerce operator?

GSTR-8 is the GST return to be filed by e-commerce operators in India. It is due on the 10th of next month. Non-filing or missing the due date can incur a penalty. 

How to revise GSTR-8 after filing? 

Once the GSTR-8 return is filed, it cannot be revised. If you want to make any corrections, the rectification can be done in the next month’s return. 

Is it mandatory to file a Nil GSTR-8 return? 

Yes, it is compulsory to file Nil GSTR-8; otherwise, you can be penalized for not complying with the GST rules and regulations.