India GST, TDS & Income Tax Compliance Guide
Complete guide to India's Goods & Services Tax regime — GSTR returns, e-Invoice, e-Way Bill, ITC reconciliation, TDS, and filing deadlines. Updated for FY 2025–26.
GST Return Types & Due Dates
India's GST system requires multiple returns depending on your registration type. Here are all returns with their filing frequency and deadlines.
| Return | Frequency | Due Date | Purpose | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GSTR-1 | Monthly / Quarterly | 11th / 13th of next month | Outward supply details — all B2B and B2C invoices, credit/debit notes, and export invoices. | Read Guide |
| GSTR-2B | Monthly (Auto-generated) | 14th of next month | Auto-drafted ITC statement based on suppliers' GSTR-1 filings. Used for ITC reconciliation. | Read Guide |
| GSTR-3B | Monthly / Quarterly | 20th–24th of next month | Summary return with tax liability, ITC claims, and net tax payable. Primary payment return. | Read Guide |
| GSTR-9 | Annual | 31st December | Annual return consolidating all monthly/quarterly filings. Mandatory for taxpayers above ₹2 crore turnover. | Read Guide |
| CMP-08 | Quarterly | 18th of month after quarter | Composition scheme dealers' statement-cum-challan for quarterly tax payment. | — |
| GSTR-5 | Monthly | 13th of next month | Return for non-resident taxable persons conducting business in India. | — |
| GSTR-6 | Monthly | 13th of next month | Return for Input Service Distributors (ISD) to distribute ITC to branches. | — |
| GSTR-7 | Monthly | 10th of next month | Return for TDS deductors under GST — government departments and specified entities. | — |
| GSTR-8 | Monthly | 10th of next month | Return for TCS collectors — e-commerce operators collecting tax at source. | — |
Key Compliance Areas
Beyond returns, Indian businesses must comply with e-Invoicing, e-Way Bills, ITC rules, TDS provisions, and proper HSN/SAC classification.
e-Invoice Mandate
Electronic invoicing is mandatory for businesses with turnover above ₹5 crore. Invoices must be registered on the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP) to generate a unique IRN and QR code.
- Mandatory for B2B transactions
- Real-time validation via IRP
- IRN + QR code on every invoice
- Auto-population in GSTR-1
- 6-digit HSN code required
e-Way Bill
Required for movement of goods worth more than ₹50,000. Generated on the e-Way Bill portal before goods are transported.
- Mandatory for goods > ₹50,000
- Part A (invoice) + Part B (transport)
- Valid for distance-based time limits
- Consolidated e-Way Bill for multiple consignments
- Exemptions for specific goods
Input Tax Credit (ITC)
Claim credit for GST paid on business purchases. ITC must be reconciled with GSTR-2B and claimed in GSTR-3B within specified time limits.
- Match with GSTR-2B auto-drafted data
- Reversal rules for non-payment within 180 days
- Blocked credits under Section 17(5)
- Proportional ITC for exempt supplies
- Annual reconciliation in GSTR-9
TDS under GST
Government departments and specified entities must deduct TDS at 2% (1% CGST + 1% SGST) on payments exceeding ₹2.5 lakh to GST-registered suppliers.
- Applicable to government contracts > ₹2.5 lakh
- File GSTR-7 monthly by 10th
- Issue TDS certificate (GSTR-7A)
- Deductee claims credit in electronic cash ledger
- Non-deduction attracts interest + penalty
GST Registration & Amendment
Register for GST when turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh (goods) or ₹20 lakh (services). Voluntary registration available. Amendments and cancellation via GST portal.
- Threshold: ₹40L goods / ₹20L services
- Aadhaar authentication required
- PAN-based registration (one per state)
- Amendment within 15 days of change
- Cancellation / Suo Moto cancellation rules
HSN & SAC Classification
Classify goods under HSN codes and services under SAC codes. Correct classification determines applicable GST rate and filing requirements.
- 4-digit HSN for turnover < ₹5 crore
- 6-digit HSN for turnover ≥ ₹5 crore
- SAC codes for all service supplies
- HSN summary in GSTR-1
- Misclassification attracts penalties
Penalties & Late Fees
Non-compliance with GST provisions attracts penalties, interest, and even registration cancellation. Here are the key penalties to be aware of.
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Late filing of GSTR-3B | ₹50/day (₹20/day for NIL return), max ₹10,000 |
| Late filing of GSTR-1 | ₹50/day (₹20/day for NIL), max ₹10,000 |
| Non-filing beyond 3 months | Registration liable for cancellation |
| Wrong ITC claim | 100% of wrong credit + interest at 24% |
| Invoice without GST registration | ₹10,000 or tax evaded, whichever is higher |
| Non-issuance of e-Invoice | ₹25,000 per invoice |
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