Correction Rectification and Amendment of GST Returns in GSTR 3B and GSTR 1

GST return filing is mandatory for all registered businesses in India, especially GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B. The trouble is that I eventually screw it up — usually by accident because of an oversight or misunderstanding. When this occurs, fixing these errors right away is crucial to prevent fines, interest and compliance problems. In this blog, we will be discussing all about rectifying GST returns (GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B) which includes what is the difference between the GSTR and how one can correct its mistakes along with amendments.

What are GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B?

GSTR-1 is a return form that taxpayers are required to submit either on a monthly or a quarterly basis that will include the details of all the sales made during the month. They need analogue data, right from a B2B sale: anything that is invoiced should be itemized down to the invoice level and even for low-value items that are sold in B2C mode; compliant filers have summary reporting but still aggregate proper meaningful data. It determines the recipients of these supplies' ITC eligibility.

The GSTR-3B is a monthly summary return with the declaration of overall tax liability and the input tax credit (ITC) so that then both of them can be matched. A straightforward summary is made to This return allows the filing for reporting of sales, purchases and tax liability in a consolidated form.

Key Differences Between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B

1. Data Requirements:

GSTR-1 has to be filed based on invoice-level data in the case of B2B and summary for B2C.

GSTR-3B is the Statement displaying summarised details of Total Outward & Inward supplies, Tax liabilities and ITC.

2. Filing Frequency:

It can be filed monthly or quarterly, depending on the turnover of a taxpayer -GSTR-1.

GSTR-3B is filed monthly in the case of every taxpayer, irrespective of turnover

3. The Right of Amendment and Revision

GSTR-1 does provide for filing revised returns within a specific time from the due date of filing the original return

Once GSTR-3B is filed it cannot be revised. The law only allows for correcting excess returns by adjusting future returns.
You might also be interested in Understanding GST Return: Exploring the Basics of GSTR-3B

Common Mistakes in GSTR-3B

GSTR-3B errors are very common and can happen in different stages. 4) Common errors include:

1. Tax Liability Under-Reporting:

A taxpayer forgetting to add a few sales lines leads to a tax liability miss that must be rectified.

2. Over-reporting of tax liability:

Similarly, there may be great implications if the taxpayer incorrectly reports excess sales and as a result further tax may be payable than legally required.

3. Incorrect ITC claims:

It may also lead to non-compliance and levying of monetary penalties for illegally claiming the excess Input Tax Credit (ITC).

How to Correct Mistakes in GSTR-3B

After the filing of GSTR-3B, there is no provision to make a direct correction. Still, how one corrects these mistakes can vary depending on the error and when it is discovered.

1. At Submission Stage:

If an attempt has been made for the final submission, mistakes (typographical errors etc) in the form cannot be corrected.

Stage 1 (Submit): Taxpayers can edit entries before the final submission of the return.

Stage 2 (Cash Ledger Updated): Cash is added, but the return can be modified if required.

2. Post-Final Filing:

If the error is identified during the return complete filing (Stage 3 and Stage 4 - Analysable Liability Offset and Return File), then you need to rectify the same in the next Compounded Monthly Returns; This means:

Under-reporting tax liability: The additional tax liability has to be reported in the succeeding month's return along with the related interest.

The excess amount can be adjusted against the liability of subsequent months or a refund is available in some cases.

How to Amend GSTR-3B

Well, technically there is no other way to revise the filed GSTR-3B. The process for amendment is as follows:

1. Correction in Next Return:

If an error is detected after filing any earlier month's GSTR-3B, then the amendment must be made in the next return of a subsequent month. For instance:

If an invoice was missed, it could be included in next month's return which would increase the tax liability for that period.

Otherwise, such excess liability due to double reporting would be adjusted in next month's GSTR-3B to which the sales correspond.

2. Interest on Under-disclosed Liabilities:

If you inadvertently raise your tax liabilities, the interest will be due and must be paid once you correct your past return.

How to Revise Filed GSTR-3B

You cannot revise the GSTR-3B originally filed. But in case you identify an error after filing, you can correct it in the next filings with the tax due, sales figures or ITC eligibility accordingly. The key steps are:

Adjustments in the subsequent filing:

Offset the discrepancies in one month by this way, in the GSTR-3B of immediate next month.

Payment through DRC-03 Form:

If the above excess output tax was corrected by way of payment in the electronic cash ledger, such amount can be paid using Form DRC-03 with applicable interest as per law.

How to Correct Mistakes in GSTR-1

Adjustments in the subsequent filing:

Offset the discrepancies in one month this way, in the GSTR-3B of immediately next month.

Payment through DRC-03 Form:

If the above excess output tax was corrected by way of payment in the electronic cash ledger, such amount can be paid using Form DRC-03 with applicable interest as per law.

Steps to Amend GSTR-1

If a mistake is discovered in GSTR-1, the taxpayer can amend the return in subsequent months as follows:

1. Log in to the GST portal and access the Returns Dashboard.

2. Select the relevant month and financial year for which the return needs to be amended.

3. Use the Amendment Forms available under GSTR-1 to correct the details of B2B or B2C invoices, debit notes, or credit notes.

4. File the return after ensuring that all details have been accurately amended.
This article on Errors & Mistakes during GSTR-1 Filings is helpful as well.

Time Limits for Correction in GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B

Amendments in GSTR-1 can be made by filing subsequent returns up to the return of Sep of the next financial year or annual return, whichever is earlier.

For GSTR-3B, as revision is not allowed, rectifications can only be made in revised returns and interest has to be paid on under reported liabilities.

Conclusion

GSTR-3B though once submitted cannot directly be revised, GSTR-1 gives you a lot more liberal features to edit. Knowing the steps for rectification, correction and amendment well makes sure that you remain compliant and do not attract a penalty. Good practice to review the GST returns before submission which can help to avoid errors and also rectify them before any financial penalties impact them.

Regularly follow the GST laws and make use of tools given on the GST portal for rectification, which would ensure the smooth running of tax compliance for your business.

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