How to File GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B

Step-by-step guide to filing your GST returns on the portal — with due dates, common mistakes, and ITC reconciliation tips for FY 2025-26.

Due Dates at a Glance
GSTR-1 (Monthly)
B2B + B2C outward supplies
11th of following month
GSTR-1 (QRMP/IFF)
Quarterly filers — invoice furnishing facility
13th of following month
GSTR-3B (Monthly)
Summary + tax payment
20th of following month
GSTR-3B (QRMP Cat I)
Category I states (most states)
22nd after quarter end
GSTR-3B (QRMP Cat II)
Category II states (NE + hill states)
24th after quarter end
GSTR-9 (Annual)
Annual return for previous FY
31st December
How to File GSTR-1
  1. 1
    Login to gst.gov.in

    Go to Returns → Returns Dashboard. Select the financial year and return period.

  2. 2
    Choose filing method

    For up to 500 invoices: use the online form. For bulk invoices: download the GSTR-1 Offline Tool, fill the Excel template, and upload the JSON file.

  3. 3
    Add invoice details by category

    4A — B2B invoices (taxable). 4B — B2B reverse charge. 5A — B2C large invoices (value > ₹2.5 lakh). 7 — B2C small invoices. 9B — Credit/Debit notes. 9A — Amendments to previous returns.

  4. 4
    Preview and generate Summary

    Click Generate GSTR-1 Summary to see consolidated figures. Verify totals match your books.

  5. 5
    Submit and file

    Click Submit, then File GSTR-1 using DSC (for companies) or EVC (OTP for proprietors and others). An ARN is generated — this is your proof of filing.

How to File GSTR-3B
  1. 1
    Login and navigate to GSTR-3B

    Returns → Returns Dashboard → Select period → Click Prepare Online for GSTR-3B.

  2. 2
    Check auto-populated values

    Table 3 (tax on outward supplies) auto-populates from your submitted GSTR-1. Verify against your books — any discrepancy must be corrected in Table 3 directly.

  3. 3
    Enter ITC in Table 4

    Table 4A: ITC available (from GSTR-2B). Table 4B: ITC reversed (rule 42/43, Section 17(5)). Table 4D: Ineligible ITC. Always reconcile Table 4A with your actual GSTR-2B before claiming.

  4. 4
    Compute tax payable

    Tax payable = Output tax (Table 3) − ITC available (Table 4). Pay any shortfall via the GST payment portal before filing to avoid interest at 18% p.a.

  5. 5
    File with DSC or EVC

    Preview the return, verify figures, and file. The ARN generated is your proof of filing GSTR-3B.

Common Mistakes That Trigger Notices
GSTR-1 vs GSTR-3B mismatch
Output tax declared in GSTR-3B lower than what appears in buyers' GSTR-2A/2B. Officers cross-check this in ASMT-10 notices.
Claiming ITC not in GSTR-2B
Claiming ITC in Table 4A without it appearing in GSTR-2B violates Section 16(2)(aa). Leads to DRC-01 demand.
Filing after due date
Late filing attracts ₹50/day for nil returns (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST) and ₹50/day for other returns, up to ₹5,000 maximum. Interest at 18% p.a. on unpaid tax.
Wrong GSTIN on invoice
Invoices with incorrect GSTIN of buyer won't reflect in buyer's GSTR-2B. The buyer cannot claim ITC, leading to disputes and debit notes.
Missing HSN summary
HSN-wise summary is mandatory in Table 12 of GSTR-1 for businesses with turnover > ₹5 crore (4-digit) or > ₹1.5 crore (2-digit). Missing this triggers system rejection.
Not filing Nil return
Even if there are no transactions, Nil GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B must be filed. Non-filing attracts penalties even for a zero-tax period.
Check Your Suppliers' Filing Status

Verify that your suppliers have filed their GSTR-1 before claiming ITC. A single gap in their filing blocks your credit.

Check Filing Status ITC Reconciliation Tool
Frequently Asked Questions
GSTR-1 is an outward supply statement — you report all sales invoices invoice-by-invoice. GSTR-3B is a monthly summary where you declare total output tax, ITC claimed, and pay the net tax. GSTR-1 affects buyers' GSTR-2B; GSTR-3B is where actual tax payment happens.
Yes. Amendments to a filed GSTR-1 can be made in the subsequent month's return under Tables 9A (B2B amendments), 9B (credit/debit note amendments), and 9C (B2C amendments). There is no limit on the number of amendments, but they must be made in the next filing period.
Mismatches between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B are flagged by the GST system and can result in ASMT-10 scrutiny notices asking for explanation. If output tax in GSTR-3B is lower than what buyers have claimed ITC on, a demand notice may be issued.
It is not legally mandatory to file GSTR-1 before GSTR-3B, but it is strongly recommended. Filing GSTR-1 first ensures your buyers' GSTR-2B is populated, allowing them to claim ITC on your invoices. Many GST practitioners file GSTR-1 by the 10th and GSTR-3B by the 20th as a best practice.
Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) allows taxpayers with annual turnover up to ₹5 crore to file GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B quarterly. However, tax must be paid monthly via PMT-06 challan (35% of last quarter's tax or actual calculation). Due dates for QRMP returns are the 13th (GSTR-1/IFF) and 22nd/24th (GSTR-3B) of the month following the quarter.