The government has been making strides towards innovation and automation and has instituted facilities for the online filing of GST returns on the government’s GST portal, through the Goods and Service Tax Network (GSTN).

• Step 1: Go to the GST portal – www.gst.gov.in
• Step 2: Obtain a 15-digit GSTIN (GST Identification Number), which is issued based on your state code and PAN
• Step 3: Upload the relevant invoices on the GST portal. An invoice reference number against each invoice will be allotted to you
• Step 4: Once all the invoices, inward returns, outward returns, and cumulative monthly returns are uploaded, verify all the data you have inputted and file your returns.

With Actolegal, you can do your GST filing with a few simple steps. Actolegal is well-known for its user-friendly online platform with which you can avail of GST filing services from the comfort of your home. The dedicated representatives of Actolegal will be in constant touch with you right from the word go. They will collect from you all the documents required and do the needful.

Types of GST Return Application Status Tracking

The status of the GST return application depends upon the performance of the obligation, and the status available would make the taxpayer aware of their filing.

FILED-VALID: When the return is being filed by the registered taxpayer and has fulfilled all the requirements

FILED-INVALID: When the tax is partly or fully remains unremitted

TO BE FILED: Return is due but has not been filed

SUBMITTED BUT NOT VALID: In cases where the return has been validated but the filing is pending.

Ways to Check GST Returns Status

• Through Application Reference Number (ARN)
• By selecting the Return Filing Period or
• By selecting the Status Option.

When Tracking Through ARN

When submitting the tax return, taxpayers are allotted a unique number called an ARN number which helps in tracking the status of the tax return which is to be done every month. Steps to view the status through ARN are:

Step 1: Visit the official GST portal and log in to your user portal by filing down the required credentials or entering the valid details

Step 2: Click of the Services>Returns>Track Return status

Step 3: Enter the ARN number which been sent to the registered e-mail address of the taxpayer and click on the search command.

On clicking on the search option, there would be a full display of the return application status which will be having all the relevant details.

When Tracking through Return Filling Period

Step 1: Visit the official GST portal and log in to your user portal by filing down the required credentials or entering the valid details

Step 2: Click of the Services>Returns>Track Return status

Step 3: Click on the Return Filling period and enter the dates with the help of the calendar available. Click on the search option

On clicking on the search option all the relevant details would be displayed on the screen.

When Tracking Through the Status

Step 1: Visit the official GST portal and select the search taxpayer option.

Step 2: You will see GSTIN/UIN option, enter your GSTIN ID and fill in the exact captcha code and then click on the search command. Captcha Code will appear only when you will enter your GSTIN ID.

Once all of the information is submitted, the page will display all of the relevant information about the company, including the legal name, jurisdiction, date of registration, GSTIN/UIN status, and data from all recent GST returns filed under various sub-headings.

Steps to Download GST Returns Online

Here is a step by step guide on how to download the GST returns online:

• Step 1: Enter your login details and click on ‘Login’
• Step 2: Click on ‘File Returns’
• Step 3: Select year and month, then click on ‘Search’
• Step 4: Click on ‘View GSTR 1’
• Step 5: Next click on ‘Preview’
• Step 6: Save in folder and right-click to show in folder.

Benefits of GST Return Filing

GST eliminates cascading effect

Earlier there were many instances where tax on tax was paid for a single transaction. As GST did away with several other taxes like central excise duty, service tax, customs duty, and state-level value-added tax, you no longer are subjected to paying tax on tax. This saves you money.

Higher threshold

The threshold for GST is aggregate turnover exceeding 40 lakhs for sale of goods and aggregate turnover exceeding 20 lakhs for sale of services. This means small businesses falling below this threshold limit are not subject to GST.

Easier for startups and e-commerce businesses

The GST system has made it easier for startups and e-commerce companies to manage their taxes. E-commerce particularly suffered from different tax laws across different states which are now eradicated by GST.

More organised system

Before GST the tax filing system was disorganized. Now, all taxes are paid online and major hassles that were a part of tax filing have been eliminated in the process of introducing GST.

Documents Required

• Invoices issued to persons with GSTIN or B2B invoices.
• Invoices issued to persons without GSTIN or B2C invoices. This needs to be submitted only when its total value is above 2.5 lakhs.
• A consolidation of inter-state sales.
• HSN-wise summary of all goods sold.
• Any other debit or credit notes or advance receipts.