What this screen is for
Every screen in this module that talks to the GST portal needs an authenticated session. This is where you open one. The session card shows your GSTIN and whether a session is active, and Check Session re-tests it. Authenticating sends an OTP to the mobile registered on the portal, which you then enter here. Below, the filing methods are described with their steps, and a list shows each return with its frequency, marked Ready when a session is open and Auth Required when it is not.
When to use it
Come here when another screen tells you it needs authentication, or before starting a batch of portal work. The notes on the page are worth reading: sessions are short-lived, only the authorised signatory registered on the portal can file, and DSC filing requires a digital signature certificate.
What you see on this screen
The header reads OTP / DSC Filing, subtitled "Authenticate & File GST Returns".
GST Portal Session — your GSTIN and the current session state, with a Start OTP Authentication button.
Three method cards:
- OTP Filing — authenticate with a one-time password sent to your registered mobile. Its steps: enter your portal username, receive the OTP, verify it to establish a session, then go to the return page and submit.
- DSC Filing — uses a Digital Signature Certificate, and needs a DSC USB token and a browser plugin. Steps: install the browser extension, insert the token, select a certificate and sign.
- EVC Filing — Electronic Verification Code, using Aadhaar-based verification for authorised signatories. Steps: Aadhaar linked to the authorised signatory, generate the EVC via Aadhaar OTP, then enter it.
Returns Available for Filing lists, with its frequency: GSTR-1 (Outward Supplies, monthly or quarterly), GSTR-3B (Summary Return, monthly or quarterly), GSTR-9 (Annual Return, annually), GSTR-9C (Reconciliation Statement, annually), GSTR-4 (Composition Return, annually) and CMP-08 (Composition Payment, quarterly). Each links through to its own screen.
Important Notes at the foot covers session life, who may file, and the certificate class DSC requires.
Filters and actions
Check Session re-tests the current session. Authenticate via OTP, or Re-authenticate where one has lapsed, opens the sign-in: your GST portal username first, then the six-digit OTP. Each return in the list is a link to the screen that handles it.
Status values
- Active Session — a portal session is open and usable
- Not Authenticated — no session; portal screens will refuse to fetch
- Checking... — the session is being re-tested
Each method card is marked Available or Coming Soon, and each return in the list is marked Ready when a session is open or Auth Required when it is not.
Related
- GSTR-1/IFF
- GSTR-3B