The Goods and Services Tax framework has standardized indirect taxation across India, yet compliance remains one of the most complex responsibilities for businesses. The government has defined a structured GST compliance calendar that lays down yearly, half-yearly, quarterly, and monthly obligations. Each compliance ensures timely reporting, accountability, and transparency in transactions.
The yearly and half-yearly compliances are particularly important because they involve the consolidation of financial data and reconciliation with statutory records. Unlike monthly and quarterly returns that focus on ongoing reporting, these obligations require extensive preparation, reconciliations, and in many cases, professional certification. This series explains the yearly and half-yearly compliances for the financial year 2024-25, highlighting their due dates, applicability, and practical implications.
Yearly Compliances under GST
Yearly compliances create the foundation for accurate reporting and play a decisive role in ensuring that data furnished during the year is correctly reconciled. Businesses that miss these obligations may face penalties, loss of input credit, and increased risk of departmental scrutiny.
Intimation for opting composition scheme through GST CMP-02
The first annual compliance appears before the start of the financial year. March 31, 2024, is the deadline for regular taxpayers wishing to switch to the composition scheme for FY 2024-25. The intimation is made through Form GST CMP-02.
The composition scheme is intended for small taxpayers who prefer to pay tax at a fixed percentage of turnover instead of undergoing the complex process of monthly filings. This option reduces compliance pressure, although it comes with restrictions. Taxpayers under the scheme cannot collect tax from customers, nor can they claim input tax credit on purchases.
Failing to opt in by the due date means the taxpayer must continue as a regular filer. This choice affects invoicing, return filing, and tax liability for the entire year. Businesses must carefully evaluate whether they meet the eligibility criteria before filing CMP-02, considering turnover limits and nature of supplies.
Filing GST ITC-04 for job work details
The next significant compliance is due on April 25, 2024. Taxpayers with turnover up to ₹5 crore are required to furnish details of goods sent to and received from job workers for FY 2023-24 in Form GST ITC-04.
Job work is a common practice across manufacturing industries where inputs are sent to third parties for processing. Under GST, such movements are considered distinct from supply if the goods are returned within the prescribed time frame. To monitor this, the government mandates submission of ITC-04.
The form requires businesses to declare the details of inputs, capital goods, and finished goods moved to job workers, as well as their subsequent receipt. Non-compliance may result in denial of input credit, interest liabilities, and disputes during audits. Hence, accurate tracking of job work transactions is critical.
GSTR-4 for composition taxpayers
April 30, 2024, is the due date for filing GSTR-4 for FY 2023-24 by composition taxpayers. This annual return consolidates all quarterly statements filed in GST CMP-08 and provides a summary of outward and inward supplies.
Although the scheme simplifies compliance during the year, the annual return remains essential to validate total turnover, reconcile tax liability, and adjust payments. Businesses that fail to submit GSTR-4 face penalties and restrictions on e-way bill generation, which can disrupt business operations.
GSTR-9 for regular taxpayers
For taxpayers whose turnover exceeds ₹2 crore, the annual return in Form GSTR-9 is due by December 31, 2024. This is one of the most detailed compliances as it consolidates data from all monthly or quarterly GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B returns filed during the financial year.
The purpose of GSTR-9 is to provide the tax authorities with a complete overview of outward supplies, inward supplies, input credits claimed, and tax liabilities discharged. Businesses must reconcile the data reported in GST returns with the figures reflected in their books of accounts.
Errors in this return may invite scrutiny and notices from the department. Therefore, organizations often spend considerable time cross-verifying their purchase and sales registers with GST filings before submitting the return.
GSTR-9A for composition taxpayers
In addition to GSTR-4, composition taxpayers are required to file an annual return in Form GSTR-9A by December 31, 2024. Although simpler in structure than GSTR-9, this form ensures the consolidation of turnover, tax payments, and adjustments for the entire year.
By filing GSTR-9A, taxpayers under the composition levy demonstrate compliance with eligibility conditions and validate the correctness of quarterly self-declarations. Non-filing can attract penalties and complicate renewal of the composition scheme in subsequent years.
GSTR-9C reconciliation statement
One of the most significant yearly compliances is GSTR-9C, applicable to taxpayers with annual turnover exceeding ₹5 crore. It is essentially a reconciliation statement between the figures reported in GST returns and those appearing in the audited financial statements.
The reconciliation statement is certified by a Chartered Accountant or Cost Accountant and must be submitted by December 31, 2024, along with GSTR-9. The aim is to identify discrepancies and explain variations in turnover, input credits, or tax liabilities.
GSTR-9C acts as a statutory audit mechanism under GST. Preparing for it involves advance reconciliation of trial balances, sales data, and purchase registers with GST filings. Errors detected at this stage can be rectified, but unresolved mismatches may trigger deeper departmental audits.
Half-Yearly Compliances under GST
Half-yearly compliances are fewer compared to yearly ones but remain significant for businesses engaged in job work. These ensure continuous monitoring of goods sent and received from job workers, thereby safeguarding the correctness of input credit claims.
ITC-04 for job work transactions by large taxpayers
Taxpayers with turnover above ₹5 crore must file ITC-04 on a half-yearly basis. The due date for October 2023 to March 2024 transactions is April 25, 2024. Similarly, the due date for April to September 2024 transactions is October 25, 2024.
The reporting process requires detailed tracking of goods moved to job workers, including inputs, capital goods, and the finished items received back. For large businesses with multiple job workers across different states, collating this data can be challenging.
Non-compliance with ITC-04 can lead to denial of input credit, resulting in increased working capital requirements and disputes during audits. Companies often deploy automated systems to monitor goods movement and ensure accuracy in reporting.
Importance of Yearly and Half-Yearly Compliance
These compliances are not just statutory obligations but also tools for validating the accuracy of financial data. They provide a consolidated record that the tax department can rely on for assessment and audit purposes.
Yearly and half-yearly compliances help businesses by:
- Providing assurance that monthly or quarterly filings are accurate.
- Ensuring smooth processing of refunds without objections.
- Building a track record of compliance that reduces the chances of future scrutiny.
- Strengthening internal financial discipline by aligning GST returns with audited accounts.
- Preventing unnecessary penalties and interest liabilities.
For businesses, timely preparation and structured record keeping are crucial. Since these filings consolidate large volumes of data, last-minute preparation often leads to mistakes.
Common Challenges in Meeting Annual and Half-Yearly Deadlines
While the importance of these compliances is clear, businesses often face challenges in meeting the deadlines. Some of the common issues include:
- Difficulty in reconciling monthly or quarterly GST returns with the financial books.
- Errors or omissions in job work records, particularly when dealing with multiple job workers.
- Delays in finalization of audited accounts, which affects preparation of GSTR-9C.
- Dependence on manual systems that increase the risk of data mismatches.
- Resource constraints in smaller organizations where compliance responsibilities are handled by limited staff.
Addressing these challenges requires systematic planning and adoption of technology solutions that automate reconciliations and reporting.
Best Practices for Smooth Compliance
To manage the complexities of annual and half-yearly obligations, businesses can adopt certain best practices:
- Perform monthly reconciliations between GST returns and books of accounts.
- Track job work transactions through integrated accounting systems.
- Prepare draft annual returns well before the due date to identify discrepancies.
- Engage professional assistance for preparing and certifying GSTR-9C.
- Establish clear internal timelines for gathering data and completing reconciliations.
These measures reduce last-minute pressure, minimize errors, and ensure timely filing.
Understanding the Quarterly Filing Framework
Quarterly returns are designed for taxpayers with lower turnover, allowing them to avoid monthly return pressure. Two primary groups benefit from quarterly filings: those under the QRMP scheme and those under the composition levy.
The Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme allows small taxpayers with turnover up to ₹5 crore to file GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B quarterly while paying tax monthly. This strikes a balance between compliance relief and continuous revenue flow to the government.
Composition taxpayers, on the other hand, follow a different compliance structure. They pay tax through CMP-08 quarterly and file annual returns through GSTR-4 and GSTR-9A. Their quarterly filing is focused more on self-declaration and consolidated reporting rather than detailed invoice-level data.
UIN holders, which include foreign embassies, consulates, and certain specialized organizations, also file returns quarterly through GSTR-11. Their compliance ensures that input credit refunds claimed on eligible purchases are correctly documented.
Due Dates for Quarterly Compliances in FY 2024-25
The quarterly compliances follow a predictable pattern, yet taxpayers must remain vigilant about deadlines since delays attract penalties and blockages such as restrictions on e-way bill generation.
January to March 2024 Quarter
- April 13, 2024: Taxpayers under QRMP must file GSTR-1 for outward supplies.
- April 18, 2024: Composition taxpayers are required to submit GST CMP-08, declaring self-assessed liability for the quarter.
- April 22 and 24, 2024: QRMP taxpayers file GSTR-3B for states categorized as Group I and Group II respectively.
- Quarterly UIN holders must also file GSTR-11 for this period.
April to June 2024 Quarter
- July 13, 2024: QRMP taxpayers must file GSTR-1.
- July 18, 2024: Composition taxpayers file CMP-08 for April to June.
- July 22 and 24, 2024: QRMP taxpayers file GSTR-3B for their respective states.
- UIN holders submit GSTR-11 for the quarter.
July to September 2024 Quarter
- October 13, 2024: QRMP taxpayers must file GSTR-1.
- October 18, 2024: Composition taxpayers file CMP-08.
- October 22 and 24, 2024: GSTR-3B must be filed by QRMP taxpayers.
- UIN holders file GSTR-11.
October to December 2024 Quarter
- January 13, 2025: QRMP taxpayers file GSTR-1.
- January 18, 2025: Composition taxpayers submit CMP-08.
- January 22 and 24, 2025: QRMP taxpayers file GSTR-3B for respective states.
- UIN holders file GSTR-11.
This cycle repeats every quarter and forms the backbone of compliance for small taxpayers.
GSTR-1 under the QRMP Scheme
GSTR-1 is the return for outward supplies of goods and services. For taxpayers under the QRMP scheme, it is due on the 13th of the month following the end of each quarter.
The return captures invoice-level details of sales, credit notes, debit notes, and amendments. Since it directly impacts the input tax credit availability for recipients, accuracy is essential. A mismatch in GSTR-1 can block the buyer from claiming credit, potentially straining business relationships.
For QRMP taxpayers, the option to use the Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF) on a monthly basis also exists. This allows them to upload invoices for the first two months of the quarter to ensure their buyers can claim credit without waiting until the quarter-end. However, use of IFF remains optional.
GSTR-3B for QRMP Taxpayers
GSTR-3B is the summary return where taxpayers declare their liability, input credit, and net tax payable. For QRMP filers, it is due quarterly on the 22nd or 24th of the month following the quarter, depending on the state.
The form requires taxpayers to declare consolidated turnover, input credits claimed, and tax payable. Although simple in structure, GSTR-3B carries significant weight because it is linked with tax payment. Any mismatch between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B can trigger system-generated notices. Timely filing of GSTR-3B is also necessary to ensure uninterrupted generation of e-way bills, which are critical for movement of goods across states.
GST CMP-08 for Composition Taxpayers
CMP-08 is the quarterly statement-cum-challan filed by composition taxpayers. Due on the 18th of the month following the quarter, it requires taxpayers to declare turnover and pay tax at the prescribed rate.
Unlike GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B, CMP-08 is not an invoice-level return. It is based on self-assessment of turnover, simplifying compliance for small businesses. However, accuracy is still important because the annual return GSTR-4 consolidates these quarterly statements. Non-filing of CMP-08 not only attracts penalties but also blocks participation in the composition scheme in subsequent years.
GSTR-11 for UIN Holders
Unique Identification Number holders, including diplomatic missions and international organizations, file GSTR-11 quarterly. This return allows them to claim refunds of taxes paid on eligible inward supplies.
Since these entities are not regular taxpayers but special organizations entitled to tax refunds, GSTR-11 plays a critical role in ensuring that refund claims are genuine and properly documented. Accurate submission of purchase details is mandatory for timely processing of refunds.
Challenges in Quarterly Compliance
Quarterly compliances, while simpler than annual filings, still pose challenges that businesses must manage effectively.
- Reconciling invoice data in GSTR-1 with books of accounts can be difficult if records are not updated in real time.
- For QRMP taxpayers using IFF, maintaining consistency between monthly uploads and quarterly submissions is a recurring issue.
- Taxpayers often struggle with the distinction between liability declared in CMP-08 and turnover reflected in the annual return.
- Inaccurate or delayed filing of GSTR-3B directly impacts e-way bill generation, which disrupts logistics and supply chain operations.
- UIN holders may face difficulties in reconciling refund claims if vendor invoices are not properly documented in their records.
Best Practices for Managing Quarterly Returns
Adopting disciplined compliance practices can help businesses avoid penalties and complications.
- Maintain updated accounting records and reconcile sales data monthly, even if returns are filed quarterly.
- Use the Invoice Furnishing Facility strategically to help buyers claim credit without waiting until the quarter-end.
- Cross-check turnover figures before filing CMP-08 to ensure consistency with annual returns.
- Schedule internal deadlines a week before the statutory due dates to prevent last-minute technical issues on the GST portal.
- For UIN holders, ensure vendor compliance so that invoices reflect accurate GSTIN details for smooth refund processing.
Impact of Quarterly Compliance on Businesses
Quarterly compliance is more than just a legal requirement. It directly influences cash flow, credit flow, and business relationships.
- Buyers rely on timely filing of GSTR-1 to claim input credit. A delay can affect trust and commercial negotiations.
- Payment of liability through CMP-08 ensures that small businesses under composition levy remain compliant while enjoying simplified tax rates.
- Quarterly GSTR-3B ensures that even though returns are filed less frequently, the government continues to receive steady tax revenue.
- UIN compliance ensures transparency in refund claims, protecting the integrity of the tax system.
Thus, quarterly compliance creates a balanced framework where small taxpayers enjoy relief while ensuring accountability.
Monthly and Event-Based Compliances
Monthly and event-based compliances under GST form the most active part of the compliance cycle. While annual and quarterly filings are significant in terms of consolidation and reporting, monthly returns drive the continuous functioning of the system by ensuring timely tax collection, seamless flow of input credit, and effective monitoring of transactions.
Monthly compliances include recurring obligations such as TDS and TCS returns, filing of outward supplies, input service distributor returns, monthly GSTR-3B filings, and obligations for specialized taxpayers such as non-resident taxable persons and OIDAR service providers. Event-based compliances, on the other hand, occur only when certain situations arise, such as registration changes, opting into the composition scheme, reverse charge payments, job work-related declarations, or refund applications. We explored the recurring monthly obligations and the occasional but critical event-driven requirements for taxpayers during FY 2024-25.
Structure of Monthly Compliance under GST
The monthly compliance system follows a recurring calendar with specific due dates spread across the month. Each due date corresponds to a particular type of return, depending on the category of taxpayer. The structure is predictable, allowing businesses to prepare in advance, but delays can attract penalties, interest, or even suspension of input credit.
The monthly pattern is:
- 10th of the month: TDS returns (GSTR-7) and TCS returns (GSTR-8).
- 11th of the month: GSTR-1 for monthly filers.
- 13th of the month: Non-resident taxable persons (GSTR-5), Input Service Distributors (GSTR-6), and Invoice Furnishing Facility for QRMP.
- 20th of the month: Monthly GSTR-3B for regular taxpayers and GSTR-5A for OIDAR service providers.
- 25th of the month: Tax payment through PMT-06 for QRMP scheme taxpayers.
This cycle repeats every month from April 2024 to March 2025.
GSTR-7: Tax Deduction at Source
Tax deduction at source under GST applies to specific government departments, agencies, and notified entities that procure goods and services. These entities are required to deduct tax at the prescribed rate while making payments to suppliers and deposit it with the government.
The deducted amount is reported in GSTR-7, due on the 10th of every month. The return includes details of deductors, deductees, contract values, tax deducted, and deposit made. Once filed, the deducted amount reflects in the supplier’s electronic cash ledger, enabling them to utilize it for tax payment. Failure to file GSTR-7 not only attracts penalties but also affects suppliers who are unable to access the credit deducted on their behalf.
GSTR-8: Tax Collected at Source
Operators of e-commerce platforms are required to collect tax at source on transactions carried out through their platforms. This tax collection ensures that the government has visibility on turnover generated via online sales and provides a mechanism to monitor tax compliance by sellers operating on such platforms.
E-commerce operators file GSTR-8 on or before the 10th of the month following the collection. The return contains details of supplies made, amounts collected, and tax deposited. The collected amount also gets reflected in the electronic cash ledger of sellers, ensuring seamless credit flow. Since e-commerce is growing rapidly, GSTR-8 plays an important role in monitoring compliance across a fragmented seller base.
GSTR-1: Outward Supplies of Goods and Services
GSTR-1 is the return capturing outward supplies of goods and services for monthly filers. It is due on the 11th of every month and requires invoice-level reporting of sales, exports, and amendments.
The data filed in GSTR-1 forms the foundation for matching input credits in the system. It auto-populates GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B, which are used by recipients to claim input credit. Any delay or error in GSTR-1 directly impacts the ability of buyers to claim credit, making this one of the most critical returns in the GST system. Businesses must ensure reconciliation of GSTR-1 data with their sales registers and accounting systems to avoid mismatches during audits or annual return filing.
GSTR-5: Return for Non-Resident Taxable Persons
Non-resident taxable persons (NRTPs) registered under GST are required to file GSTR-5 by the 13th of each month. This return includes details of outward supplies, inward supplies, tax liability, and payments made during the period of their registration.
Since NRTPs operate in India for a limited time, the compliance is stricter. They are required to deposit estimated tax liability in advance while obtaining registration. GSTR-5 ensures that actual transactions are reconciled with the advance deposit, preventing any revenue leakage.
GSTR-6: Input Service Distributor Return
Entities that operate as Input Service Distributors (ISD) file GSTR-6 by the 13th of every month. The return enables them to distribute input tax credit received on common services, such as advertising, audit, or administrative expenses, to their different business units.
Accurate distribution of credits is essential to prevent duplication or wrongful availment of credit. GSTR-6 plays a vital role in ensuring that credits are correctly allocated across different GSTINs belonging to the same corporate group.
Invoice Furnishing Facility for QRMP Taxpayers
Under the QRMP scheme, taxpayers can upload invoices for the first two months of the quarter using the Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF), due by the 13th of each month. This is optional but highly beneficial for buyers, as it allows them to claim input credit without waiting until the quarter-end filing of GSTR-1.
The IFF limits uploads to invoices worth up to ₹50 lakh per month, ensuring that only necessary details are submitted to facilitate timely credit. While optional, using IFF regularly helps maintain good vendor-buyer relationships by ensuring uninterrupted credit flow.
GSTR-3B: Monthly Summary Return
For regular taxpayers, GSTR-3B is due on the 20th of every month. It is a summary return requiring consolidated details of outward supplies, input credits, tax liability, and payments.
Unlike GSTR-1, GSTR-3B is not invoice-level. However, it is the return through which tax is actually paid. It carries significant weight in compliance monitoring and is directly linked with restrictions on input credit and e-way bill generation. Delays in filing GSTR-3B not only attract penalties but also block input credit for recipients, making this return central to the functioning of GST.
GSTR-5A: OIDAR Service Providers
Online Information Database Access and Retrieval (OIDAR) service providers located outside India but supplying services to Indian consumers are required to file GSTR-5A on or before the 20th of every month.
This ensures tax compliance on digital services consumed in India, ranging from online streaming platforms to software subscriptions. Since these providers do not have a physical presence in India, GSTR-5A ensures that they remain compliant with Indian tax regulations through simplified filing.
PMT-06 for QRMP Taxpayers
Taxpayers under the QRMP scheme must pay tax monthly through PMT-06 challan, due by the 25th of the following month. This ensures that while they file returns quarterly, the government receives tax revenue on a monthly basis.
Taxpayers can pay either using the fixed sum method, which is based on the previous return, or the self-assessment method, where actual liability for the month is calculated. Timely payment under PMT-06 is critical to avoid interest liabilities during quarterly filing.
Event-Based Compliances under GST
Event-based compliances arise when specific situations occur. These are not recurring monthly obligations but are equally important because delays or non-compliance can result in penalties or loss of benefits.
Registration Amendments
Taxpayers must update their GST registration whenever there are changes in business details such as address, ownership, business name, or nature of business. Timely amendments prevent issues in invoicing, input credit claims, and notices from authorities.
Intimation for Opting Composition Scheme
Businesses eligible for the composition scheme must file intimation in Form CMP-02 before the start of the financial year. This event-based compliance ensures that the taxpayer can avail the benefits of simplified taxation throughout the year.
Reverse Charge Liability
When goods or services are procured under reverse charge, the recipient must pay GST instead of the supplier. This liability must be reported and paid in the relevant return, depending on when the reverse charge transaction occurs.
Job Work Return Submissions
Job work transactions require filing of GST ITC-04 to report goods sent to job workers and received back. Although there are half-yearly and annual filing requirements, certain transactions may necessitate event-driven declarations.
Refund Applications
Businesses may file refund applications for excess tax paid, unutilized input credit, or tax on exports. These applications are time-bound and must be filed within the statutory period. Refund compliance is critical for maintaining cash flow, particularly for exporters and entities in inverted duty structures.
Other Ad-hoc Reporting Requirements
Occasional reporting requirements may arise due to changes in rules, special notifications, or sector-specific compliances. Businesses must remain updated with notifications to ensure timely action.
Managing Monthly and Event-Based Compliance
Since monthly and event-based compliances require constant vigilance, businesses need robust internal systems to stay updated. Regular reconciliation, calendar-based tracking of deadlines, and dedicated compliance teams help prevent defaults.
Event-based requirements, being less predictable, demand awareness and quick response. Failing to comply in time often leads to penalties, loss of benefits such as refunds, or increased scrutiny during audits.
By integrating technology-driven solutions, businesses can streamline compliance, reduce errors, and ensure smoother interaction with the GST portal.
Conclusion
The GST compliance calendar for FY 2024-25 reflects the depth and discipline required in managing indirect taxation in India. With multiple layers of compliance spread across yearly, half-yearly, quarterly, monthly, and event-based obligations, businesses must maintain vigilance throughout the financial year.
Annual and half-yearly compliances ensure overall reporting accuracy and reconciliation of data, while quarterly requirements balance flexibility with accountability for smaller taxpayers. Monthly compliances, being the backbone of the system, ensure continuous tax collection, smooth flow of input tax credit, and transparency in transactions. Event-based obligations, though not recurring, carry equal importance as they safeguard the integrity of registration, refunds, and specialized transactions like job work or reverse charge.
The compliance framework emphasizes timeliness, accuracy, and reconciliation across all reporting layers. Delays or inaccuracies not only attract penalties and interest but also disrupt the working capital of businesses by affecting input credit availability and refund processing.
As GST continues to evolve with regular updates, businesses must move beyond manual tracking and adopt structured compliance management systems. Technology-driven solutions, automation, and robust accounting practices are no longer optional but essential to ensure seamless adherence to the compliance cycle.
In essence, the GST compliance calendar is not merely a checklist of due dates; it is the roadmap for maintaining transparency, ensuring fiscal discipline, and building trust in India’s unified tax regime. Businesses that embrace proactive compliance not only avoid penalties but also strengthen their financial systems, enabling smoother growth and better integration with the digital tax ecosystem.