How to file GSTR 1, GSTR 3B filing process and GSTR 9 filing online, usually is a stressful question to businesses in the world of GST compliance. Luckily, this stress may be greatly minimized with the help of appropriate automation tools and accounting systems. Let us just have a detailed look at how a cloud accounting system such as WebLedger will keep them all synergized.
Importance of the GST Return Filing and GSTR-1
The timeliness of GST returns and their accuracy is important whether you are a small business, an SME or a CA firm serving clients. Errors have the potential of attracting fines, notices, blocked Input Tax Credit (ITC) or even auditing. The returns that you have to concentrate on are:
- GSTR 1 that is used to record outward supplies (sales).
- GSTR 3B the monthly report on the liability and ITC.
- GSTR 9, which is the annual taxpayer.
Doing these correctly will lead to improved compliance, correct tax liability, full ITC claim, and improved financial health.
The Intelligent Way: Automation + Accounting In-One
The good thing about this is: you do not need to do everything manually. Having specific GST automation software that would be connected with your accounting (Tally, Zoho, etc.) has enormous benefits:
- Fewer Error reports – Data imported automatically, validation verifies any discrepancy in advance and records before filing.
- Time Saving – Consignments of invoices in bulk, automatic filling in of the returns, direct portal file support.
- Automatic Reconciliation Purchases are automatically reconciled with GSTR-2A/2B data so that a full ITC claim is made.
- Direct Filing – There are tools that produce JSON or that can be connected to the GST portal and submissions made directly through API.
These advantages are directly applicable when considering how to file GSTR 1, what the GSTR 3B filing process would be like or how to prepare GSTR 9 filing online.
Step by Step: Filing GSTR 1, GSTR 3B and GSTR 9 With Ease The process you can use to simplify the task is as follows:
Integration & Data Import
- Integrate (e.g. TallyPrime, Zoho Books) with the GST automation tool.
- Import bulk sales and purchase invoices: bulk import, either out of Excel or directly out of ERP.
Automated Reconciliation and Checking
- You edit them and not submit them first so that you do not lose ITC and notices.
Preparation of Returns
- GSTR 1 – Outward supplies: the sales record is filled in by the automation tool.
- GSTR 3B -Summary of liability and ITC: there is a match between data flows corresponding to validated invoices and the GST portal.
- GSTR 9 – Annual return: the tool is used to combine all your GSTR 1 and 3B data in monthly/quarterly returns and create a prepared file that you may review before submitting online.
Review, Generate & File
- Check auto prepared returns: check numbers, corrections, ITC.
- Create the json/return file that is needed by the gst portal.
- Upload and file: log in to the GST portal where one uploads and files through DSC/EVC.
In doing so, the usual why and how when you pose the question how to file GSTR 1, what is the process of filing GSTR 3B, and how to file GSTR 9 online are answered.
Pitfalls: What to Watch Out For?
- Waiting till the last minute: Leaves not so much time to correct and reconcile.
- Paper based entry: Large probability of errors, non-match, omitted ITC.
- Late annual report: GSTR 9 is not given much attention until the end.
- No automation: With no system your CA or tax department is going to spend hours on handwriting exports and upload.
GST Return Journey with Webledger
At this point, we can discuss the role of WebLedger, an Indian business accounting and compliance automation service on cloud:
- It provides modules that aid in complying with GST, multi-branch accounting, electronic invoicing, and document / office management.
- In the case of how to file GSTR 1, you can manage sales ledger and reconcile GSTINs and also generate outward supply information using WebLedger dashboard.
- To make the “GSTR 3B filing process WebLedger combines your purchase and sales information, assists you to validate ITC, and prepares the summary entries required in the return.
- In case of filling the GSTR 9 online, since WebLedger stores a year of data, you are able to combine your filings (GSTR 1 and GSTR 3B) automatically and create the annual return file and thus make the online filing easier.
- The platform can also be accessed remotely by your CA or compliance team which is a good thing because the platform is cloud-based and allows remote access to the system to collaborate and reduce the manual backlog. It implies that the number of mistakes and stress levels are reduced, visibility and time to work on the strategy are improved.
Final Thoughts
When you pose the question how to file GSTR 1 or how to file GSTR 3B or how to prepare to file GSTR 9 online, then you are asking the right question. However, keep in mind that the actual difference will be realized when you move away the manual spreadsheets and disjointed systems to automated workflows that are connected with your accounting. That is how you save risk, save time, complete ITC and keep in compliance.
This is what platforms such as WebLedger can provide you with, the infrastructure to do exactly that, and not only will your GST compliance be reduced to a monthly task, but also a smooth operation of your business. Consider not only that it is filing a form but also financial health maintenance.
