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Amending GSTR-1 Details Prior to Submission on the GST Portal

This article provides a comprehensive guide for registered GST taxpayers on how to modify GSTR-1 invoice details before final submission. It outlines a step-by-step process for downloading the return file, making bulk edits using the GST offline tool, and re-uploading the corrected information to the GST portal. Additionally, it highlights a recent advisory from GSTN regarding mandatory HSN code reporting, emphasizing the transition to selecting HSN codes from a dropdown menu for GSTR-1 and GSTR-1A starting January 2025.

📖 3 min read read🏷️ GSTR-1

Regular taxpayers registered under GST are obligated to submit monthly returns. If invoice details have been entered and saved on the GST portal, and there's a need to edit, modify, add, or remove them, taxpayers have the option to download the GSTR-1 return file for bulk editing. After making the required changes, the file can be re-uploaded to the GST portal. Alternatively, minor adjustments can be completed directly online on the GST portal.

Important Update on HSN Code Reporting

The GSTN released an advisory on January 9, 2025, regarding the mandatory inclusion of HSN codes in GSTR-1 and GSTR-1A. The third phase for reporting HSN codes in GSTR-1 and GSTR-1A is effective from the January 2025 return period. In this phase, businesses are now required to select the appropriate HSN code from a provided dropdown menu instead of manual entry. For more details, refer to the official advisory here.

Step-by-Step Guide to Modifying Invoice Information

To adjust invoice details within your GSTR-1 return, follow these steps:

  1. Access the official GST Portal and log in.
  2. Navigate to ‘Services’, then ‘Returns’, and finally ‘Returns Dashboard’.
  3. Choose the appropriate Month and Year from the provided dropdown menus.
  4. Under the GSTR-1 section, select ‘PREPARE OFFLINE’.
  5. Proceed to ‘Download’ and click ‘GENERATE FILE’. Please note this process may take approximately 20 minutes.
  6. Once the file is generated, click on the ‘Click Here’ link to download a ZIP archive.
  7. Utilize the GST offline tool to open the downloaded return file from the GST portal by selecting ‘OPEN’ within the tool.
  8. To implement changes, click the ‘Edit Icon’ located in the Action column. To remove an invoice, tick the checkbox next to it and select ‘Delete’.
  9. After completing all necessary adjustments, click ‘Update’. A confirmation message will appear, and the status of the affected details will update to either Modified (M) or Deleted (D).
  10. Generate the JSON file by navigating to ‘View Summary’, then ‘Generate File’, and finally ‘Save’.
  11. Upload this newly generated JSON file to the GST Portal via ‘Prepare Offline’ > ‘Upload’ > ‘Choose File’.
  12. To confirm that all modifications have been successfully processed and updated on the website, download the GSTR-1 file again by repeating steps 2 through 5.

Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of GSTR-1?
GSTR-1 is a monthly or quarterly return that registered taxpayers must file to furnish details of all outward supplies of goods and services, including sales, to the GST system. It captures information about sales transactions and is crucial for the recipients to claim Input Tax Credit.
Who is required to file GSTR-1?
All regular taxpayers registered under GST, including those registered under the Composition Scheme (though they file GSTR-4), are required to file GSTR-1, reporting their outward supplies. This typically excludes Input Service Distributors (ISD), Non-Resident Taxable Persons, and certain others.
What is the due date for filing GSTR-1?
The due date for filing GSTR-1 depends on the taxpayer's turnover. For taxpayers with an annual aggregate turnover above Rs. 5 crore, it's the 11th of the subsequent month. For those with turnover up to Rs. 5 crore, they can opt for quarterly filing, with due dates typically the 13th of the month following the quarter.
Can GSTR-1 be filed if there are no sales in a particular month?
Yes, even if there are no sales (outward supplies) in a particular tax period, a registered taxpayer is still required to file a 'Nil' GSTR-1 return. This indicates that no outward supply transactions occurred during that period.
What are the consequences of late filing of GSTR-1?
Late filing of GSTR-1 can lead to penalties, including a late fee of Rs. 50 per day (Rs. 20 per day for Nil returns) for each day of delay, subject to a maximum amount. Additionally, taxpayers cannot file GSTR-3B for the current period until GSTR-1 for previous periods has been filed, which can impact their compliance and ITC claims.