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Subhendu Das
Subhendu Das

Posted on Originally published at doaide.com

GST Return Filing Checklist 2026 — Never Miss a Step Again

Filing GST returns can be overwhelming with all the forms, deadlines, and reconciliation steps. Here's a complete checklist you can print and follow every month.

Pre-Filing Preparation (1st - 5th)

  • [ ] Reconcile sales register with books of accounts
  • [ ] Reconcile purchase register and verify supplier invoices
  • [ ] Download and review GSTR-2B (auto-drafted ITC)
  • [ ] Verify HSN/SAC codes on all invoices
  • [ ] Check for credit/debit notes to be reported
  • [ ] Confirm e-invoicing compliance (if turnover > ₹5 crore)

GSTR-1 Filing (Due: 11th)

  • [ ] Upload all B2B invoices with buyer GSTIN
  • [ ] Report B2C large invoices (inter-state > ₹2.5 lakh)
  • [ ] Report B2C small invoices (aggregate by rate)
  • [ ] Add credit/debit notes linked to original invoices
  • [ ] Report export invoices with shipping bill details
  • [ ] Add HSN-wise summary (mandatory for turnover > ₹5 crore)
  • [ ] Preview, validate, and submit GSTR-1

GSTR-3B Filing (Due: 20th)

  • [ ] Review auto-populated values from GSTR-1
  • [ ] Enter ITC details (eligible, ineligible, reversed)
  • [ ] Check for ITC reversals (Rule 42/43, Section 17(5))
  • [ ] Calculate net tax payable (CGST + SGST/IGST + Cess)
  • [ ] Pay tax via electronic cash/credit ledger
  • [ ] Verify interest on late payment if any (18% p.a.)
  • [ ] File GSTR-3B and download acknowledgment

Pro Tips

  1. Set reminders 5 days before each deadline
  2. Reconcile GSTR-2B before claiming ITC — mismatches trigger notices
  3. E-invoicing is mandatory for businesses with turnover > ₹5 crore
  4. Late fees: ₹50/day for regular returns, ₹20/day for nil returns

Free Tools for GST Compliance

Use these free tools — no registration required:

📋 Get the printable checklist with interactive checkboxes.


All tools at DoAide are free and work without registration.

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