Which returns a registered business files
A regular taxpayer files GSTR-1 for outward supplies and GSTR-3B as the summary return with tax payment. Businesses with aggregate turnover up to ₹5 crore can opt for the QRMP scheme, filing these returns quarterly while paying tax monthly.
An annual return in GSTR-9 is due for the financial year, and a reconciliation statement in GSTR-9C applies to larger taxpayers. Composition dealers follow a different cycle using CMP-08 and GSTR-4.
Even a business with no sales in a period must file nil returns. Missing returns leads to late fees and interest, and can eventually result in suspension or cancellation of the registration.
How a monthly filing cycle works
Each cycle starts with collecting the sales register, credit and debit notes, and purchase invoices from your accounting system or billing platform. Sales are classified into B2B, B2C, exports and nil-rated categories and uploaded in GSTR-1, with e-invoice data auto-populated where applicable.
Purchases are then matched with GSTR-2B. Invoices that do not appear, or appear with different amounts, are followed up with suppliers before credit is claimed. Blocked credits under section 17(5) are excluded.
Finally, GSTR-3B is prepared, the cash and credit set-off is computed, the challan is paid, and the return is filed. You receive a working summary for every period.
GST compliance for Mumbai's business mix
Mumbai's business base creates particular GST issues. Media and production companies deal with mixed supplies, reverse charge on certain services and payments to freelancers. Financial services firms have exempt and taxable income streams, which affects how much input credit can be claimed.
D2C and e-commerce brands receive TCS credit from marketplaces, which must be matched with the GSTR-8 data reported by the operator. Exporters of services, a large group among Mumbai's IT and consulting firms, need to track LUT filings and foreign exchange receipts to support zero-rated treatment.
Maharashtra falls in the group of states with the 22nd of the month following the quarter as the GSTR-3B due date for QRMP filers.
Why Mumbai businesses outsource returns to Finaccle
Filing a return takes minutes; preparing it correctly takes reconciliation, which is where most errors and later notices originate. Our process includes a GSTR-2B match every period, a review of reverse charge items and a check that GSTR-1 and 3B agree before filing.
Returns are prepared by our team and reviewed under CA supervision. Data can be shared from Tally Prime, Zoho, marketplace reports or simple spreadsheets.
If you receive a notice from the Maharashtra state GST department or a central commissionerate, such as a mismatch notice in DRC-01B or DRC-01C, our team prepares the reply with the supporting reconciliation and represents you where needed.
GST Return Filing in Mumbai: FAQs
When are GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B due for a Mumbai business?
For monthly filers, GSTR-1 is generally due on the 11th and GSTR-3B on the 20th of the following month. Under the QRMP scheme, quarterly GSTR-3B for Maharashtra taxpayers is due on the 22nd of the month after the quarter. Dates can be extended by notification, so always check the portal for the current period.
What happens if I miss a GST return deadline?
A late fee applies for each day of delay, subject to a cap, and interest is charged on any tax paid late. Unfiled GSTR-3B for a period also blocks filing of later returns in many cases. Continued non-filing can result in suspension or cancellation of registration, which affects your ability to issue tax invoices.
Why does my input tax credit differ from what appears in GSTR-2B?
Credit in GSTR-2B depends on your suppliers filing their GSTR-1 correctly and on time. If a supplier files late, uses the wrong GSTIN or reports a different amount, the invoice will not match. The law allows credit broadly only where it appears in GSTR-2B, so mismatches should be resolved with the supplier before claiming.
Should a small Mumbai business choose QRMP or monthly filing?
QRMP suits businesses with turnover up to ₹5 crore that want fewer filings, although tax is still paid monthly. Businesses selling mainly to other registered businesses may prefer monthly GSTR-1, or use the Invoice Furnishing Facility, so their customers can claim credit promptly. The right choice depends on your customers and cash flow.
Talk to Finaccle
Read more about our GST Return Filing services, or book a free consultation with our Mumbai team. You can also browse our FAQs.
GST Return Filing support is also available in Surat and Delhi.