Introduction

GSTR-3B is a monthly/quarterly return for every registered person. It contains all details related to a month/quarter like summary of outward supplies, inward supplies under reverse charge, eligible ITC and net payment of tax etc.

GSTR- 3B does not require invoice-wise details of outward supplies. It can be filed electronically through GST portal.

However, following category of persons are not required to file GSTR-3B-

• Input service distributor
• Non-resident taxable person
• Composition taxpayer
• Person deducting tax at source
• Person collecting tax at source
• Electronic commerce operator
• Supplier of OIDAR services (non-resident)

Due Date

Time limit for filing GSTR- 3B is as follows-

Here we can see that two dates are mentioned in the case of the QRMP scheme. It depends upon different states -

Maximum Time limit for furnishing GSTR-3B

Maximum Time limit up to which a registered person can furnish the return in Form GSTR-3B for a tax period is 3 years from the due date of furnishing such details. However, this time limit can be extended by the government subject to some conditions and restrictions.

Contents of GSTR-3B

Broad contents of GSTR-3B are as follows-

1. Summarized details of outward supplies and inward supplies liable to reverse charge
2. Summarized details of interstate supplies made to unregistered persons, composition taxable persons and UIN holders
3. Eligible and Ineligible ITC
4. Values of exempt, nil rated and non-GST inward supplies
5. Payment of tax
6. TDS/TCS credit

Rectification of errors/omissions

Any of the GST returns including GSTR-3B cannot be revised or amended.

If there is any error/omission in GSTR-3B then it can be corrected in the next GSTR-3B you are filing. There are no separate tables in GSTR-3B for amendments like GSTR-1, but you can adjust the amount accordingly. For example, if you have forget to consider a credit note for sales return, you can reduce the amount of sales in the next GSTR-3B you files.

Any short payment of tax will be paid along with interest.

It is to be noted that errors or omissions discovered on account of scrutiny, audit, inspection or enforcement activities by tax authority cannot be rectified.

Time limit for making rectification

The maximum time limit within which rectification is permissible is earlier of the following -

1. 30th day of November following the end of the financial year to which such details pertain or
2. Actual date of filing of the relevant annual return

Eligibility for GSTR-3B

• Filing of returns for the current month is possible only when returns for previous tax periods and GSTR-1 for the said tax period have been furnished by him.
• A taxpayer needs to electronically sign the submitted returns otherwise it will be considered not filed.
• Taxpayers can electronically sign their returns using a DSC, E-sign or EVC.
• Payment of all GST amount, late fees and interest is to be paid and only afterwards GSTR-3B can be filed.

Nil GSTR-3B

Filing of GSTR 3B is mandatory even if there is no business activity in a particular tax period. For such tax period a Nil GSTR-3B is required to be filed.

A nil GSTR-3B does not have any entry in any of its tables. So, the government has given facility to file a nil GSTR-3B through an SMS using a registered mobile number (OTP facility).

Late Fees

If a registered person does not file GSTR-3B on the due date, then a late fee is charged as per limits specified in CGST and SGST act.

If a taxpayer has nil tax liability for the month, then it is 20 rupees per day up to a maximum of Rs. 500 and in other cases it is 50 rupees per day up to a maximum of Rs. 2000 (in case turnover is up to 1.5 crores). If turnover is between 1.5 crores to 5 crores, then the maximum late fee is Rs. 5,000 and if turnover is more than 5 crores then the late fee is a maximum of Rs. 10,000. (These late fees per day and maximum limit in inclusive of both CGST and SGST).

Late fees are payable at the time of filing the next GSTR-3B.

Interest

When the amount of tax is overdue then interest will be charged @18% p.a.

Important sections/notifications