GST compliance is a critical responsibility for every registered taxpayer in India. Timely filing of GST returns not only helps businesses avoid late fees and penalties but also ensures smooth Input Tax Credit (ITC) flow and compliance with GST regulations. The GST system is now highly data-driven, and the Department compares GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-2B, e-way bills, e-invoices, annual returns, books of accounts, financial statements and third-party data.
This comprehensive guide provides a complete GST return filing calendar for FY 2026-27, covering due dates for all forms, filing frequencies, and key compliance considerations.
GSTR-1: Statement of Outward Supplies
GSTR-1 is a return containing details of outward supplies made during the tax period, including B2B sales, B2C sales, exports, debit notes, credit notes, and amendments to invoices. The information reported in GSTR-1 forms the basis for the recipient's Input Tax Credit claim.
Monthly Filers (Turnover > ā¹5 Crore)
| Tax Period | Due Date |
|---|---|
| April 2026 | 11 May 2026 |
| May 2026 | 11 June 2026 |
| June 2026 | 11 July 2026 |
| July 2026 | 11 August 2026 |
| August 2026 | 11 September 2026 |
| September 2026 | 11 October 2026 |
| October 2026 | 11 November 2026 |
| November 2026 | 11 December 2026 |
| December 2026 | 11 January 2027 |
| January 2027 | 11 February 2027 |
| February 2027 | 11 March 2027 |
| March 2027 | 11 April 2027 |
Quarterly Filers (QRMP Scheme)
| Quarter | Due Date |
|---|---|
| April ā June 2026 | 13 July 2026 |
| July ā September 2026 | 13 October 2026 |
| October ā December 2026 | 13 January 2027 |
| January ā March 2027 | 13 April 2027 |
GSTR-3B: Monthly/Quarterly Summary Return
GSTR-3B is a summary return through which taxpayers report taxable supplies, pay GST liability, claim eligible ITC, and declare inward and outward supplies. It is one of the most important GST compliance returns.
Monthly Filers
| Tax Period | Due Date |
|---|---|
| April 2026 | 20 May 2026 |
| May 2026 | 20 June 2026 |
| June 2026 | 20 July 2026 |
| July 2026 | 20 August 2026 |
| August 2026 | 20 September 2026 |
| September 2026 | 20 October 2026 |
| October 2026 | 20 November 2026 |
| November 2026 | 20 December 2026 |
| December 2026 | 20 January 2027 |
| January 2027 | 20 February 2027 |
| February 2027 | 20 March 2027 |
| March 2027 | 20 April 2027 |
QRMP Scheme Filers
Under QRMP, GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B are filed quarterly, but tax is paid monthly via PMT-06 challan.
| Quarter | GSTR-3B Due Date (Category A / Category B) |
|---|---|
| April ā June 2026 | 22 July / 24 July 2026 |
| July ā September 2026 | 22 October / 24 October 2026 |
| October ā December 2026 | 22 January / 24 January 2027 |
| January ā March 2027 | 22 April / 24 April 2027 |
Category A states: Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep.
GSTR-9: Annual Return
GSTR-9 is the annual GST return that consolidates information reported in GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and books of accounts. It provides a yearly summary of GST transactions and compliance.
| Return | Due Date |
|---|---|
| GSTR-9 (Annual Return) | 31 December 2027 |
Note: The December 31 annual return deadline demands strict adherence. Starting January 1, 2026, filing GSTR-9 or 9C late triggers automatic late fee calculation based on your turnover slab.
Other GST Returns: Due Dates at a Glance
| Return | Applicability | Frequency | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMP-08 | Composition Scheme Taxpayers | Quarterly | 18th of month following quarter |
| GSTR-4 | Composition Scheme (Annual) | Annual | 30th April (or extended) |
| GSTR-5 | Non-Resident Taxable Persons | Monthly | 20th of following month |
| GSTR-5A | OIDAR Service Providers | Monthly | 20th of following month |
| GSTR-6 | Input Service Distributors | Monthly | 13th of following month |
| GSTR-7 | TDS Deductors | Monthly | 10th of following month |
| GSTR-8 | E-Commerce Operators (TCS) | Monthly | As prescribed |
| GSTR-11 | UIN Holders | Monthly | 28th of following month |
Sequential Filing Restriction
A registered person shall not be allowed to furnish a return for a tax period if the said tax period has not been furnished by him. From October 2022 tax period onwards, the filing of previous period GSTR-1 is mandatory before filing current period GSTR-1.
Critical Rule: File GSTR-1 before GSTR-3B for the same tax period. If GSTR-1 for a previous period isn't filed, you cannot file GSTR-3B for that period or any subsequent ones.
Late Fee and Interest for Delayed Filing
Late Fee Rates
- GSTR-1/GSTR-3B (with tax liability): ā¹50 per day (ā¹25 CGST + ā¹25 SGST)
- GSTR-1/GSTR-3B (nil return): ā¹20 per day (ā¹10 CGST + ā¹10 SGST)
- GSTR-9/GSTR-9C: ā¹200 per day (ā¹100 CGST + ā¹100 SGST)
Interest
Interest is charged at 18% per annum on outstanding GST liability from the due date.
Key Compliance Takeaways for FY 2026-27
- GSTR-1 must be filed by the 11th of the following month (monthly) or 13th of the month following the quarter (QRMP)
- GSTR-3B must be filed by the 20th of the following month (monthly)
- GSTR-9 annual return must be filed by 31 December 2027
- Sequential filing is mandatory ā previous period returns must be filed before current period returns
- Late fees apply even for nil returns
- Interest at 18% applies on delayed tax payments
Need help with GST return filing and compliance? Our expert team ensures accurate and timely filing of all GST returns to keep your business compliant.
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