What are the monthly and annual compliances under the GST Act?
Quick answer
The main recurring GST jobs are: report your sales and pay your tax every month (or quarter, if you opt for the quarterly scheme), and file an annual return once a year.
The recurring tasks
- Monthly (or quarterly under the QRMP scheme): file GSTR-1 (details of your outward sales) and GSTR-3B (a summary return where you also pay the tax). Monthly filers typically file GSTR-1 around the 11th and GSTR-3B around the 20th; quarterly filers follow the QRMP timelines but still pay monthly.
- Annually: file the annual return (GSTR-9) (typically by 31 December after the financial year), and a reconciliation statement (GSTR-9C) if your turnover crosses the threshold.
A note on dates and schemes
Whether you file monthly or quarterly, and exact due dates, depend on your turnover and the scheme you choose — and dates occasionally change. Confirm your specifics with your CA.
Our honest take
GST is a monthly rhythm you can't skip — and remember, the tax you collect isn't yours to spend (see the GST question). File on time, pay on time, and keep your input records clean so you claim every credit you're due.
General information only — tax rules, rates and dates change. Confirm the current position with a qualified CA before acting.