Let’s face it—filing GST returns in India can feel like walking through a maze. Between the forms, due dates, penalties, and jargon, it’s no wonder that even seasoned business owners sometimes scratch their heads in confusion. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
In 2025, with the government doubling down on digital compliance and automation, knowing your GST return types and their deadlines isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
Whether you’re a small trader, a freelancer, a booming startup, or a bigwig enterprise, understanding the different types of GST returns with due dates in 2025 is your ticket to staying compliant and penalty-free.
So, grab your cuppa, take a deep breath, and let’s demystify the GST maze together—with real talk, practical lists, and a splash of humor where you need it most!
What is a GST Return, Anyway?
Before we jump into the types and deadlines, let’s break it down for the uninitiated.
A GST return is a form you file with the Goods and Services Tax Department of India. It contains details of:
- Sales (outward supplies)
- Purchases (inward supplies)
- Input Tax Credit (ITC)
- Tax paid
In simple words, it’s your business telling the government: “Hey, here’s what I sold, bought, and paid taxes on!”
And trust us, it matters. Miss a deadline or file incorrectly, and penalties could rain down faster than a monsoon in Mumbai!
GST Rate in India 2025 – Goods and Service Tax Rates, Slabs & Updates
Types of GST Returns with Due Dates in 2025
Here’s where the rubber meets the road. The GST framework has a slew of return forms, each with its own purpose and audience. We’ll break them down into digestible bits—because who has time for legal mumbo-jumbo?
1️⃣ GSTR-1 – Statement of Outward Supplies
Who should file it?
Any regular registered taxpayer (excluding composition dealers) who makes outward supplies (aka sales).
What’s it for?
It captures the details of all your sales transactions.
Due Date (2025):
- Monthly filers: 11th of the next month
- Quarterly filers (under QRMP Scheme): 13th of the month following the quarter
Example:
For sales in January 2025, you must file GSTR-1 by 11th February 2025 (monthly) or 13th April 2025 (quarterly).
2️⃣ GSTR-3B – Summary Return of Outward & Inward Supplies
Who should file it?
All regular taxpayers.
What’s it for?
It’s a self-declared summary return of your outward and inward supplies, tax liability, and input tax credit.
Due Date (2025):
- 20th of the next month (for monthly filers)
- 22nd or 24th of the month following the quarter (for quarterly filers under QRMP, based on the state)
Pro Tip:
Even if you have zero transactions, you still need to file GSTR-3B!
3️⃣ GSTR-4 – For Composition Scheme Taxpayers
Who should file it?
Taxpayers who’ve opted for the Composition Scheme.
What’s it for?
It consolidates quarterly data into one annual return.
Due Date (2025):
- 30th April 2025 for FY 2024–25
Heads-up:
You still need to file CMP-08 quarterly to pay taxes.
4️⃣ GSTR-5 – For Non-Resident Foreign Taxpayers
Who should file it?
Non-resident taxpayers making taxable supplies in India.
What’s it for?
It details all outward/inward supplies, taxes paid, and refunds claimed.
Due Date (2025):
- 20th of the following month or within 7 days of expiry of registration
5️⃣ GSTR-5A – OIDAR Services Return
Who should file it?
Providers of Online Information and Database Access or Retrieval (OIDAR) services from outside India to Indian customers.
What’s it for?
Captures service supply data and tax liability.
Due Date (2025):
- 20th of the following month
6️⃣ GSTR-6 – Input Service Distributor (ISD) Return
Who should file it?
ISDs who distribute input tax credit to their units.
What’s it for?
It’s all about tracking the distribution of input tax credit.
Due Date (2025):
- 13th of the next month
7️⃣ GSTR-7 – TDS Return under GST
Who should file it?
Government departments or agencies deducting tax at source under GST.
What’s it for?
Details of TDS deducted and deposited.
Due Date (2025):
- 10th of the next month
8️⃣ GSTR-8 – TCS Return by E-commerce Operators
Who should file it?
E-commerce operators who collect tax at source (TCS).
What’s it for?
Reporting of TCS collected on behalf of suppliers.
Due Date (2025):
- 10th of the next month
9️⃣ GSTR-9 – Annual Return for Regular Taxpayers
Who should file it?
All regular taxpayers (except composition scheme, ISD, TDS/TCS deductors).
What’s it for?
Consolidated yearly return of all GSTR-1 and 3B data.
Due Date (2025):
- 31st December 2025 for FY 2024–25
🔟 GSTR-9C – GST Audit Reconciliation Statement
Who should file it?
Taxpayers with turnover above ₹5 crore, audited by a Chartered Accountant or Cost Accountant.
What’s it for?
It’s a reconciliation between audited financials and GSTR-9.
Due Date (2025):
- 31st December 2025 (same as GSTR-9)
🔁 GSTR-10 – Final Return
Who should file it?
Those who cancel their GST registration.
What’s it for?
A wrap-up return with final tax liabilities.
Due Date (2025):
- Within 3 months from the date of cancellation
📌 GSTR-11 – For UIN Holders
Who should file it?
Persons with a Unique Identification Number (UIN) like embassies or UN bodies.
What’s it for?
Claiming refunds on inward supplies.
Due Date (2025):
- 28th of the month following the month of inward supplies
Quick Recap Table: GST Return Types and Due Dates in 2025
| GST Return | Who Files It? | Purpose | Due Date 2025 |
| GSTR-1 | Regular taxpayers | Sales data | 11th (monthly) / 13th (quarterly) |
| GSTR-3B | Regular taxpayers | Summary of sales & tax | 20th / 22nd / 24th |
| GSTR-4 | Composition dealers | Annual return | 30th April |
| GSTR-5 | Non-resident taxpayers | All supplies and tax | 20th / 7 days from registration end |
| GSTR-5A | OIDAR service providers | Service supply and taxes | 20th |
| GSTR-6 | ISD | ITC distribution | 13th |
| GSTR-7 | TDS deductors | TDS details | 10th |
| GSTR-8 | E-commerce operators | TCS details | 10th |
| GSTR-9 | Regular taxpayers | Annual consolidated return | 31st December |
| GSTR-9C | Taxpayers > ₹5 Cr turnover | Audit reconciliation | 31st December |
| GSTR-10 | Deregistered taxpayers | Final return | Within 3 months |
| GSTR-11 | UIN holders | Refund claim on inward supplies | 28th |
Tips to Stay on Top of GST Return Filing in 2025
Here’s the deal—you snooze, you lose (money to penalties, that is). So here are some smart moves:
- ✅ Automate your filing using GST-compliant software.
- ✅ Set calendar reminders a week before the deadline.
- ✅ Subscribe to GSTN alerts to stay updated with notifications.
- ✅ Reconcile invoices monthly—don’t wait till year-end chaos.
- ✅ Hire a professional if it all seems too much!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What happens if I miss my GST return due date?
You’ll face a late fee of ₹50 per day (₹20 for nil return) and possibly interest at 18% p.a. on tax dues.
Q2. Can I revise a filed GST return?
Nope. Once filed, it can’t be revised. But you can make corrections in the subsequent return period.
Q3. Is GSTR-3B compulsory for NIL transactions?
Absolutely! Even if there’s nothing to report, a NIL GSTR-3B must be filed.
Q4. What’s the QRMP scheme all about?
It allows small taxpayers (turnover < ₹5 crore) to file GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B quarterly, while paying taxes monthly.
Q5. Are there mobile apps to file GST returns?
Yes! Many apps like ClearTax, Zoho Books, and Tally Prime offer mobile filing with reminders.
Q6. Can I file all my GST returns myself?
Sure, if you’re confident. But if you’re unsure, getting a CA or tax expert on board might save you future headaches.
Q7. Is GSTR-9C applicable to everyone?
Nope. It’s only for those whose annual turnover exceeds ₹5 crore and requires certification by a CA/CMA.
Q8. Are e-commerce sellers required to file GSTR-1?
Yes, if they’re regular taxpayers. Plus, the platform operator files GSTR-8 for TCS.
Q9. Can I file GST returns offline?
Technically yes, using offline utilities (Excel tools), but the final submission is always done online.
Q10. What’s the penalty for not filing GSTR-9?
Late fees can go up to ₹200 per day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST), capped at 0.25% of turnover.
Conclusion
There you have it—a complete lowdown on types of GST returns with due dates in 2025, minus the boring bureaucratic babble. Staying compliant isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about future-proofing your business and building financial credibility.
So the next time you hear “GST return,” you won’t panic. Instead, you’ll nod confidently, pull out your calendar, and say, “Bring it on!”
And if things still feel fuzzy? Just remember: Timely filing is better than penalty piling.
Now go file that GST return—you got this!
