Filing a Nil GST (Goods and Services Tax) return is a straightforward process that allows businesses to report no taxable transactions during a specific tax period. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to file a Nil GST return in India. Whether you're a regular taxpayer or registered under the composition scheme, this guide will help you navigate the process with ease on "How to file NIL GST return".
Step 1: Access the GST Portal
To begin, access the official GST portal for India at https://www.gst.gov.in/. This portal serves as the central hub for all GST-related activities.
Step 2: Log In to Your Account
Use your registered credentials (username and password) to log in to the GST portal. If you don't have an account, you'll need to create one first.
Step 3: Navigate to Return Dashboard
After logging in, you'll land on the GST Dashboard. In the top menu, click on the "Services" tab, and then select "Returns."
Step 4: Choose the Appropriate Return Period
In the "Returns Dashboard" section, choose the relevant return filing period, which could be a month or a quarter, based on your GST registration type.
Step 5: Select the Nil Return Form
Depending on your type of registration and filing frequency, select the appropriate Nil return form:
For Monthly Returns (GSTR-3B): Click on the "New Return" button under the GSTR-3B section for the selected period.
For Quarterly Returns (GSTR-1): Click on the "New Return" button under the GSTR-1 section for the chosen quarter.
Step 6: Provide Basic Details
Fill in the basic details in the form:
GSTIN: Your unique Goods and Services Tax Identification Number.
Legal Name: The registered legal name of your business.
For GSTR-3B (Monthly Return):
Tax Period: Select the relevant month and year.
For GSTR-1 (Quarterly Return):
Tax Period: Choose the appropriate quarter and year.
Step 7: Declare Nil Turnover
Since you are filing a Nil return, you'll need to declare that you had no transactions during the specified period.
For GSTR-3B:
Skip the "Details of Outward Supplies" and "Details of Inward Supplies" sections.
In the "3.1(a) Outward taxable supplies (other than zero rated, nil rated and exempted)" field, enter '0'.
Similarly, enter '0' in other applicable fields in the "3.1" section.
For GSTR-1:
Skip the "B2B Invoices" and "B2C (Large) Invoices" sections.
In the "B2C (Small) Invoices" section, enter '0' in all relevant fields.
If you have nil-rated, exempted, or non-GST supplies, enter '0' in the respective sections.
Step 8: Review and Submit
Before submitting, carefully review all the information you entered to ensure accuracy. Make sure that you've correctly indicated zero or nil values in all applicable fields.
Step 9: Acknowledgment and Confirmation
After successfully submitting the Nil return, you'll receive an acknowledgment with a unique reference number. This confirms that your Nil GST return has been filed.
Step 10: Maintain Records
Keep a record of the acknowledgment receipt and other relevant documents as evidence of filing a Nil return. These records will be valuable for your reference and may be needed in case of future audits.