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How to File GSTR 1 Online: Complete Return Filing Guide

Vikash -

Filing GSTR-1 is one of the most essential GST tasks for small and micro businesses in India. GSTR-1 is the return where you report all your outward supplies or sales for a specific period. Filing it correctly helps your buyers claim input tax credit and keeps your GST compliance clean.

This informative blog explains everything clearly. You will learn how to file GSTR 1 online, step by step, including quarterly filing, nil returns, invoice changes, and status checks. The content follows the official GST process and is written for easy understanding.

What Is GSTR-1 and Why Does It Matter

GSTR-1 is a monthly or quarterly return that shows details of all sales made by a GST-registered business. It includes B2B sales, B2C sales, exports, debit notes, and credit notes.

When you file GSTR-1 correctly:

  • Your customers can claim input tax credit.
  • Your GST records stay accurate.
  • You avoid late fees and notices.

Even if you have no sales, you still need to file a nil return.

Who Should File GSTR-1

Every GST-registered business that makes outward supplies must file GSTR-1. It applies to:

  • Small traders
  • Service providers
  • Manufacturers
  • Online sellers

Businesses under the QRMP scheme file GSTR-1 quarterly, while others file it monthly.

GSTR-1 Due Dates You Should Know

Knowing the due date is essential to avoid penalties.

  • Monthly filers: 11th of the following month.
  • Quarterly filers (QRMP): 13th of the month following the quarter.

Missing the due date can lead to late fees and blocked filings for other returns.

How to File GSTR 1 Online in the GST Portal

Understanding how to file GSTR-1 online on the GST portal makes the process stress-free. The GST portal allows you to prepare and submit the return directly.

Before you start, keep these ready:

  • GSTIN
  • Sales invoices
  • Debit and credit notes
  • Internet banking or other payment access

How to File GSTR 1 Online Step by Step

Here is a simple step-by-step guide to filing GSTR-1 online.

Step 1: Log in to the GST Portal

Visit the official GST website and log in using your GSTIN, username, and password.

Step 2: Go to GSTR-1 Return

  • Click on Services.
  • Select Returns.
  • Choose Returns Dashboard.
  • Pick the relevant month or quarter.
  • Click on GSTR-1.

Step 3: Choose Filing Method

You can prepare GSTR-1:

  • Online on the portal.
  • Using an offline tool and uploading later.
  • Through GST-enabled accounting software.

Entering Sales Details in GSTR-1

This section is the core of GSTR 1 on how to file online.

B2B Invoices

Report sales made to GST-registered buyers. Enter:

  • Buyer GSTIN
  • Invoice number and date
  • Taxable value
  • GST rate and tax amount

B2C Large and Small Sales

  • Large: Interstate sales above the limit.
  • Small: All other sales to unregistered buyers.

Credit and Debit Notes

Please list any corrections or adjustments made to prior invoices.

Export and Nil-Rated Supplies

Exports, zero-rated, and exempt supplies must also be reported clearly.

How to File GSTR 1 Nil Return Online

If you had no sales during the period, you must still file a return. Learning how to file a nil GSTR-1 online helps avoid late fees.

A nil return applies when:

  • No outward supplies.
  • No debit or credit notes.
  • No exports.

Steps to File Nil Return

  • Log in to the GST portal.
  • Open GSTR-1 for the period.
  • Select “Nil Return”.
  • Confirm and submit using OTP or DSC.

This process also applies to filing a GSTR-1 nil return online for monthly or quarterly filers.

How to File GSTR 1 Quarterly Return Online

Businesses under the QRMP scheme need to know how to file the quarterly GSTR-1 return online.

Quarterly filers:

  • Upload B2B invoices monthly using IFF.
  • File complete GSTR-1 at the end of the quarter.

Steps for Quarterly Filing

  • Log in to the GST portal.
  • Select the quarter.
  • Enter sales details for all three months.
  • Validate data.
  • Submit and file using OTP or DSC.

It also explains how to file quarterly GSTR-1 online.

How to File GSTR 1 B2B Nil Return Online

If you have no B2B sales but have other sales, or no sales at all, you may need to file a GSTR-1 B2B nil return online.

In this case:

  • Leave the B2B invoice section empty.
  • Fill other sections if applicable.
  • Or select the nil return if there were no transactions.

Always review before submitting.

Preview and Submit GSTR-1

Before filing:

  • Click on Preview.
  • Download the summary.
  • Check values carefully.

Once verified:

  • Click Submit.
  • File using EVC (OTP) or DSC.

After filing, no changes can be made directly.

How to Check GSTR 1 Filing Status Online by GST

After submission, it is smart to track your return. Here is how to check the status of your GSTR-1 filing online via the GST portal.

Steps:

  • Log in to the GST portal.
  • Go to Returns Dashboard.
  • Select the period.
  • View status as Submitted or Filed.

You can also download the acknowledgment.

How to Delete an Invoice in GSTR 1 Online After Filing

Many businesses ask how to delete an invoice in GSTR-1 online after filing. Once GSTR-1 is filed, invoices cannot be deleted directly.

What you can do instead:

  • Amend the invoice in the next GSTR-1.
  • Use amendment tables to correct values.
  • Issue credit notes if needed.

It keeps your compliance correct without penalties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filing GSTR-1

Small mistakes can cause significant issues later. Avoid these:

  • Entering the wrong GSTIN.
  • Missing invoices.
  • Filing after the due date.
  • Selecting the wrong return period.
  • Failing to file a nil return when required.

Double-checking saves time and money.

Late Fees and Penalties for GSTR-1

Late filing leads to:

  • Daily late fees under CGST and SGST.
  • Maximum cap as per GST rules.
  • Blocked GSTR-3B filing in some cases.

Filing on time is always cheaper.

How GimBooks Helps with GSTR-1 Filing

Managing GST returns manually can be confusing for small businesses. GimBooks makes it simple.

GimBooks is a cloud-based, mobile-first bookkeeping and business management platform built for small and micro-sized businesses in India and the Middle East. It started as an invoice-making app and later evolved into a complete GST-compliant accounting solution.

With GimBooks, you can:

  • Create GST-ready invoices.
  • Track sales automatically.
  • Maintain clean records for GSTR-1.
  • Reduce errors while filing returns.

It makes GST compliance easier, even if you are not an expert.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to file GSTR-1 correctly is essential for every GST-registered business. Whether you file monthly, quarterly, or a nil return, the steps remain simple when you follow the proper process.

Use the GST portal carefully, review your data, and file on time. With the right tools and clear records, filing GSTR-1 becomes routine rather than stressful.

To know more, explore the GimBooks expert blog section!

Related
Suo Moto Cancellation of GST Registration: Meaning and Impact
Consent Letter for GST Registration: Format and Key Details
Who Is Liable for GST Registration Under Current GST Laws

FAQs on How to File GSTR 1 Online

1. How to file GSTR 1 online for the first time?

To understand how to file GSTR 1 online, log in to the GST portal, go to the Returns Dashboard, select the period, and open GSTR-1. Enter your sales details, such as B2B, B2C, and credit or debit notes. Preview the return, submit it, and file using OTP or DSC.

2. How to file nil GSTR 1 online if there are no sales?

If you had no outward supplies, you can learn how to file nil GSTR 1 online by selecting the Nil Return option in GSTR-1. Confirm that there were no transactions and file the return using OTP or DSC. Filing a nil return is mandatory to stay compliant.

3. How to file GSTR 1 quarterly return online under QRMP scheme?

Businesses under the QRMP scheme should know how to file GSTR 1 quarterly return online by selecting the quarter on the GST portal. Enter sales details for all three months, review the summary, and file the return by the due date. You can also upload B2B invoices monthly using IFF.

4. How to check GSTR 1 filing status online on the GST portal?

To know how to check GSTR 1 filing status online by GST, log in to the GST portal, open the Returns Dashboard, select the filing period, and check the status. It will show whether the return is drafted, submitted, or filed.

5. How to delete an invoice in GSTR 1 online after filing?

If you are wondering how to delete an invoice in GSTR-1 online after filing, note that deletions are not allowed once the return is filed. You can correct mistakes by amending the invoice or issuing a credit note in the next GSTR-1 return.