GST filing is priced by complexity, not just one return
A nil return may be simple, while active businesses need sales, purchase, ITC, tax payment, e-way bill and accounting reconciliation. Marketplace sellers and multi-branch businesses usually need deeper work.
Situations this page is built for
- You want monthly GST filing support.
- You have pending GST returns.
- You sell through Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato or other platforms.
- You need invoice-wise reconciliation.
- You want to compare monthly retainer vs per-return fees.
Documents and details usually required
- GST login access.
- Sales invoices and credit/debit notes.
- Purchase invoices and expense bills.
- GSTR-2B/2A and supplier reconciliation.
- E-way bill and e-invoice data where applicable.
- Bank statements and accounting data.
Practical process before hiring
Estimate transaction volume
Count monthly sales and purchase invoices, GSTINs and platforms.
Define filing scope
Confirm whether GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, reconciliation and payment support are included.
Check pending periods
Older returns may need cleanup, interest and late-fee calculations.
Compare retainers
Monthly retainer can be better than one-off filing for active businesses.
What to expect in India
| Work type | Typical price range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Nil or very small filing | Rs. 500 - Rs. 1,500 per month | Same day to 2 days |
| Small business monthly GST | Rs. 1,500 - Rs. 5,000 per month | 1-4 days |
| Ecommerce / high-volume GST | Rs. 5,000 - Rs. 25,000+ per month | 3-7 days |
Prices vary by documents, urgency, city, professional experience and whether previous periods need cleanup.
Common red flags and mistakes
- Choosing the cheapest quote without reconciliation.
- Not asking if amendments and notices are included.
- Ignoring GSTR-2B before claiming ITC.
- Filing sales but not matching books and bank receipts.
- Waiting until due date with unprepared invoices.
What to mention when you post
- GSTIN status, business type and the period/months involved.
- Whether the need is registration, return filing, notice reply, cancellation or reconciliation.
- Approximate invoice count and whether ecommerce/e-way bill/e-invoice data is involved.
- Any due date, notice reference number or cancellation order date.
- Whether books, invoices and GST login access are ready.
How to choose the right professional
- Choose someone who asks for return data before quoting complex work.
- Check experience with GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, 2B reconciliation and portal replies.
- Ask whether late fee, interest and tax payment calculations are included.
- For notices, confirm that the expert will prepare a point-wise reply with attachments.
- For monthly retainers, clarify filing calendar and document collection process.
Questions people ask before hiring
Why do GST filing charges vary so much?
Invoice volume, reconciliation, pending returns, ecommerce data and number of GSTINs change the work involved.
Is nil GST return filing chargeable?
Professionals may charge a small fee even for nil filing because login, review and submission responsibility remain.
Does monthly GST fee include accounting?
Not always. Ask separately whether bookkeeping, bank reconciliation and MIS are included.
Can I compare GST monthly retainers?
Yes. Post your invoice count and business type to compare quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the significance of GST Return Filing Cost in tax reassessment and scrutiny notices?
Under the Income Tax Act, GST Return Filing Cost 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 Return Filing Cost?
For notices involving GST Return Filing Cost, 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.).