GST Returns, Thresholds & E-Invoicing Slabs
GST rules are highly dynamic, governed by the CBIC under the GST Council notifications. Reconcile returns with e-invoicing data and ledger credits before submitting.
| Compliance item | Current verified position | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| GST Annual Return (GSTR-9) | Mandatory for aggregate annual turnover > Rs. 2 Crore (voluntary for turnover <= Rs. 2 Crore). | Due date: Dec 31 of subsequent financial year. |
| GST Reconciliation (GSTR-9C) | Mandatory for aggregate annual turnover > Rs. 5 Crore. Self-certified reconciliation statement. | Due date: Dec 31 of subsequent financial year. |
| GST E-Invoicing Slabs | Mandatory for taxpayers with aggregate turnover exceeding Rs. 5 Crore in any preceding FY. | Required to generate IRN and QR code for B2B transactions. |
| GST Composition Scheme | Turnover limit of Rs. 1.5 Crore (goods) or Rs. 50 Lakh (services). Tax rate is 1% or 6%. | No ITC claim allowed, and no GST collection from customers. |
What a serious tax expert should verify
- Form GST RFD-11 (LUT): For zero-rated exports without tax payment, file RFD-11 before April 1 of each financial year.
- E-Way Bill validity: Mandatory for inter-state movement of goods > Rs. 50,000. Validity is 1 day per 200 km.
- ASMT-10 Notice replies: Scrutiny notice for ITC discrepancies (GSTR-3B vs 2B). Reply in Form ASMT-11 within 30 days.
- Section 17(5) ITC Reversals: Blocked credits (food, motor vehicles, employee perquisites) must be reversed to avoid penalty.
Documents to prepare for GST filings
- Sales registers showing taxable values and tax categories.
- Purchase registers matching GSTR-2B ITC inputs.
- Form GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B prior returns history.
- Active GSTIN portal credentials or authorized access.
GST Refund for Exporters: year and source check
Last fact-checked: 18 June 2026.
Direct and indirect tax laws, corporate filings, and compliance rules are subject to change by CBIC, MCA, EPFO, and RBI notifications. Always verify circulars before executing a transaction.
Use official government portals (such as GST portal, MCA V3, e-filing portal, and TRACES) first. Articles and competitor calculators should be treated as guidance, not legal advice.
FAQs
What is the turnover threshold for GST e-invoicing in India?
E-invoicing is mandatory for all taxpayers whose aggregate annual turnover exceeds Rs. 5 Crore in any preceding financial year (from 2017-18 onwards).
Who is required to file GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C?
GSTR-9 (Annual Return) is mandatory for taxpayers with annual aggregate turnover exceeding Rs. 2 Crore. GSTR-9C (Reconciliation Statement) is mandatory for taxpayers with turnover exceeding Rs. 5 Crore.
Can a composition dealer claim Input Tax Credit (ITC)?
No. Taxpayers registered under the GST Composition Scheme are not allowed to claim Input Tax Credit, nor can they issue a tax invoice or collect GST from their customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the significance of GST Refund for Exporters in tax reassessment and scrutiny notices?
Under the Income Tax Act, GST Refund for Exporters often relates to scrutiny assessments or reassessment proceedings. If a notice is received, taxpayers must reconcile their filed ITRs and AIS records immediately.
2. How should a taxpayer respond to a notice regarding GST Refund for Exporters?
For notices involving GST Refund for Exporters, a detailed reply along with supporting documents (bank statements, computations) must be submitted online on the e-filing portal within the specified timeline (usually 15-30 days).
3. What is the time limit for responding to a Section 148A notice?
A taxpayer must submit a detailed reply to the show-cause notice within the time limit specified by the Assessing Officer, which is usually not less than 7 days and not more than 30 days from the date of issue.
4. What is the new time limit for reopening tax assessments?
The standard time limit for reopening assessments is 3 years from the end of the relevant assessment year. It can be extended up to 5 years (previously 10 years) only if the Assessing Officer has evidence that income escaping assessment exceeds ₹50 lakh.
5. What happens if I ignore an Income Tax notice?
Ignoring a notice will lead the Assessing Officer to pass an ex-parte order under Section 144 (Best Judgment Assessment) or Section 148A(d) based on available SFT records, which often results in heavy tax demands, interest u/s 234A/B, and penalties.
6. What is a DIN in tax notices, and why is it mandatory?
DIN stands for Document Identification Number. Every official communication from the Income Tax Department must carry a unique, system-generated DIN. Any notice issued without a DIN is legally invalid.
7. Can a tax assessment be reopened after the audit has been completed?
Yes, if the Assessing Officer has 'information' suggesting income has escaped assessment, they can initiate reassessment u/s 147 even after standard scrutiny under Section 143(3) was completed, subject to time limits.
8. What are the common grounds for issuing a reassessment notice?
Common grounds include mismatches between filed ITR and SFT data (like high-value cash deposits, property transactions, share trading, or foreign remittances shown in AIS), undisclosed capital gains, or foreign asset omissions.
9. Can I file an Updated Return (ITR-U) after receiving a Section 148 notice?
No. Once a notice for assessment, reassessment, or search/seizure is issued for a financial year, you are barred from filing an Updated Return (ITR-U) under Section 139(8A) for that year.
10. What is a Section 143(1) intimation notice?
An intimation u/s 143(1) is an automated processing letter showing whether your filed ITR calculations match the tax department's database. It is not a reassessment notice, but can contain tax demands or refund adjustments.
11. What is a Section 143(2) notice?
A notice u/s 143(2) is issued to select an ITR for detailed scrutiny. It requires the taxpayer to submit supporting evidence for claims, deductions, and income heads before an assessment order u/s 143(3) is passed.
12. What is Section 154 rectification?
Section 154 allows rectifying apparent mistakes in orders or intimations (like incorrect TDS credit, mathematical errors). It cannot be used to introduce new deduction claims or dispute legal interpretations.
13. How do I check notice status on the e-filing portal?
Log in to the income tax portal, go to 'Pending Actions' > 'e-Proceedings', where all active notices, show-cause letters, and response forms are listed.
14. Can I challenge a Section 148 reassessment notice in court?
Yes. If the procedural requirements (like not issuing a 148A notice, not providing sufficient time, or not obtaining prior higher authority approval) are violated, the taxpayer can file a writ petition in the High Court.
15. What is the penalty for underreporting or misreporting income?
Under Section 270A, the penalty for underreporting income is 50% of the tax payable, which rises to 200% of the tax payable if the underreporting is due to misreporting (undisclosed sources, fake invoices, etc.).