Understanding the September 2024 calendar for GST returns is essential for businesses and professionals to ensure timely compliance with the GST laws. The GST regime has a structured framework for return filing, where every taxpayer must file different GST returns at specified intervals. If you are a taxpayer in India, keeping track of the due dates for filing various returns and forms is crucial to avoid late fees and interest. In this article, we will walk you through the key GST due dates for September 2024, breaking down the return filing process and offering essential tips for effective compliance.
Overview of the GST Return Filing Structure
Under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) law, there are different categories of taxpayers, and each must follow a specific return filing schedule. The main types of GST returns include GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-4, and several other specialized forms for specific transactions.
Regular Taxpayers
For regular taxpayers with an annual turnover of over Rs. 5 crore, GST returns need to be filed monthly. These taxpayers are required to file GSTR-1 (outward supplies) and GSTR-3B (summary of outward and inward supplies) on a monthly basis.
Composition Taxpayers
Taxpayers registered under the Composition Scheme have a simplified filing process. They must file GSTR-4 annually and CMP-08 quarterly.
Quarterly Filers under QRMP Scheme
Taxpayers with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 5 crore can opt for the Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme. This scheme allows quarterly filing of GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B, but the tax payments are made monthly.
Important GST Due Dates for September 2024
Below are the crucial due dates for September 2024 that every taxpayer must keep in mind to ensure compliance with GST filing requirements.
1. GSTR-1 (Monthly and Quarterly Filers)
GSTR-1 is the return for reporting outward supplies. For businesses with an annual turnover of more than Rs. 5 crore or those who have not opted for the QRMP scheme, this return is due monthly. For those opting for QRMP, the return is filed quarterly.
- Monthly Filing (Turnover > Rs. 5 crore):
Due Date: 11th October 2024
Period: September 2024 - Quarterly Filing (Turnover <= Rs. 5 crore, opted for QRMP):
Due Date: 13th October 2024
Period: July – September 2024
2. GSTR-3B (Monthly and Quarterly Filers)
GSTR-3B is a summary return of outward and inward supplies. It must be filed monthly by taxpayers whose turnover exceeds Rs. 5 crore or those who are not eligible for the QRMP scheme. For taxpayers opting for the QRMP scheme, it is filed quarterly.
- Monthly Filing (Turnover > Rs. 5 crore):
Due Date: 20th October 2024
Period: September 2024 - Quarterly Filing (Turnover <= Rs. 5 crore, opted for QRMP):
Due Date: 22nd October 2024 (Category X states/UTs)
Due Date: 24th October 2024 (Category Y states/UTs)
Period: July – September 2024
3. CMP-08 (Quarterly Filers under Composition Scheme)
Taxpayers who are registered under the Composition Scheme must file CMP-08 every quarter. This form summarizes the tax payable for the quarter.
- Quarterly Filing (Composition Scheme):
Due Date: 18th October 2024
Period: July – September 2024
4. GSTR-5 (Non-Resident Taxable Persons)
Non-resident taxable persons (NRTP) must file GSTR-5 to report outward supplies and tax payable.
- Monthly Filing (Non-Resident Taxable Persons):
Due Date: 13th October 2024
Period: September 2024
5. GSTR-5A (OIDAR Services Providers)
Suppliers of Online Information and Database Access or Retrieval (OIDAR) services must file GSTR-5A to report outward taxable supplies and tax payable.
- Monthly Filing (OIDAR Service Providers):
Due Date: 20th October 2024
Period: September 2024
6. GSTR-6 (Input Service Distributors)
GSTR-6 is for Input Service Distributors (ISD) who need to file a return detailing the distribution of input tax credit (ITC) to different branches or units.
- Monthly Filing (Input Service Distributors):
Due Date: 13th October 2024
Period: September 2024
7. GSTR-7 (Tax Deducted at Source – TDS)
Businesses that are required to deduct tax at source (TDS) under GST must file GSTR-7. This form reports the TDS deducted and paid during the month.
- Monthly Filing (TDS):
Due Date: 10th October 2024
Period: September 2024
8. GSTR-8 (Tax Collected at Source – TCS)
E-commerce operators who collect tax at source (TCS) need to file GSTR-8 to report the TCS collected during the month.
- Monthly Filing (TCS):
Due Date: 10th October 2024
Period: September 2024
9. GSTR-11 (Persons with Unique Identification Number – UIN)
Persons holding a Unique Identification Number (UIN) must file GSTR-11 to report inward supplies and claim a refund of the tax paid.
- Monthly Filing (UIN Holders):
Due Date: 28th October 2024
Period: September 2024
Key Forms and Their Due Dates for September 2024
Apart from the returns mentioned above, there are various other forms that must be filed in September 2024. Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly used forms:
1. ITC-04 (Details of Goods Sent to/Received from Job Worker)
The ITC-04 form is used to report the goods sent to or received from a job worker.
- Filing Period:
Due Date for April – September 2024 (Half-Yearly Filing): 25th October 2024
2. GSTR-9 (Annual Return)
The GSTR-9 is the annual return that businesses need to file for the financial year. It must be filed by taxpayers who are required to file GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B.
- Due Date for FY 2023-24:
31st December 2024
3. GSTR-9C (Reconciliation Statement)
The GSTR-9C is a reconciliation statement that must be certified by a Chartered Accountant or Cost Accountant. It needs to be filed by taxpayers whose turnover exceeds Rs. 5 crore in the previous financial year.
- Due Date for FY 2023-24:
31st December 2024
What Happens if You Miss a GST Filing Deadline in September 2024?
Missing a GST return filing deadline can result in penalties, interest, and a possible delay in claiming Input Tax Credit (ITC). To avoid such issues, businesses should stay proactive by:
- Keeping track of all due dates, including those for September 2024.
- Setting up reminders to file returns before the due dates.
- Using the GST calendar for September 2024 to avoid errors.
Late Fee and Penalties
The late fee for delayed filing of returns is Rs. 50 per day (Rs. 20 for nil returns) for GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and other monthly returns. For annual returns (like GSTR-9), the late fee can go up to Rs. 200 per day.
Conclusion
Adhering to the September 2024 calendar for GST returns is crucial for maintaining tax compliance and avoiding penalties. The detailed due dates mentioned in this article provide you with the necessary information to file your GST returns on time. Regular taxpayers, composition taxpayers, and quarterly filers under the QRMP scheme must be particularly vigilant about the September 2024 calendar to avoid any discrepancies.
Staying organized and filing returns on time will help in smooth business operations and ensure you meet all tax obligations under the GST regime. So, mark your calendars and keep track of the important September 2024 due dates to stay compliant!
