Understanding GST Compliance: Deadlines for Large Taxpayers and Non-QRMP Filers (Jan–Mar 2026)

Compliance under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework requires precision and timely action, especially for businesses with significant turnover. For the quarter ending March 2026, specific rules apply to taxpayers who either have an aggregate turnover exceeding Rs. 5 crore in the previous financial year or have opted out of the Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme.

Key Filing Obligations and Forms

Taxpayers falling into this category must comply with a monthly filing cycle for both GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B. Unlike small taxpayers under QRMP, large businesses do not have the option to file summary returns quarterly.

1. GSTR-1: Statement of Outward Supplies

   This form is used to report the details of all sales and outward supplies made during the month.

    

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• Due Date: The 11th of the succeeding month.

   

• Period: For March 2026, the GSTR-1 must be filed by April 11, 2026.

   

1. GSTR-3B: Summary Return and Tax Payment

   GSTR-3B is a self-assessment summary return where you declare your total output tax liability, claim Input Tax Credit (ITC), and pay the net tax due to the government.

    

• Due Date: The 20th of the succeeding month.

   

• Period: For the month of March 2026, the GSTR-3B must be filed by April 20, 2026.

   

Important Compliance Requirements for Large Taxpayers

As per the CGST Act and various CBIC notifications (including Circular No. 129/48/2019-GST), businesses with turnover above Rs. 5 crore are subject to stricter reporting standards:

• HSN Code Reporting: It is mandatory to report HSN codes at a 6-digit level for all supplies of goods and services.

• E-Invoicing: Under the current mandate (effective since August 2023), any business that has crossed the Rs. 5 crore turnover threshold in any financial year from 2017-18 onwards must generate e-invoices for B2B transactions.

   

• ITC Reconciliation: With the introduction of the Invoice Management System (IMS), taxpayers must ensure that the ITC claimed in GSTR-3B matches the data auto-populated in GSTR-2B. Discrepancies can lead to notices under Rule 88B of the CGST Rules.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Filing after the due date attracts significant financial burdens:

• Late Fees: Under Section 47 of the CGST Act, a late fee of Rs. 50 per day (Rs. 25 CGST + Rs. 25 SGST) is applicable, capped at a maximum of Rs. 10,000 for taxpayers with turnover above Rs. 5 crore.

• Interest: Interest at 18% per annum is charged on the net tax liability paid through the electronic cash ledger after the due date.