Guide to Downloading and Setting Up the GST New Return Offline Utility
This article provides a guide on the GST New Return Offline Tool, which was introduced on a trial basis to help users familiarize themselves with the new GST return system. It outlines the advantages of the tool, its main components like Forms GST ANX-1 and ANX-2, and clarifies that data entered during the trial period will not be saved. The guide also details a step-by-step process for downloading and installing the utility from the GST Portal.
Guide to Downloading and Setting Up the GST New Return Offline Utility
The GST New Return Offline Tool was launched as a trial version, enabling users to become familiar with the new return forms introduced under the updated GST Return system. Currently, only the annexures, specifically GST ANX-1 for outward supplies and GST ANX-2 for inward supplies, are accessible both online and offline.
Recent Updates:
As of March 14, 2020, the new GST return system was scheduled for implementation from October 2020. Until September 2020, the existing return filing process, including GSTR-1, 2A, and 3B, continued to be in effect. These dates were subject to notifications from the CBIC.
Benefits of the GST New Return Offline Tool
This offline utility offers several advantages for taxpayers:
- It assists users in understanding the new return system before its mandatory adoption under GST.
- Users can test the tool's functionality and provide valuable feedback to GSTN for ongoing enhancements.
- The tool facilitates a seamless and straightforward transition for businesses into the revised return framework.
- Operating without an internet connection, it allows users to practice and become proficient at any time without incurring significant costs.
Key Components of the GST New Return Offline Tool
The current version of the GST new return offline tool includes the following essential elements:
- Form GST ANX-1: This form is designated for reporting all outward supply details. Information can be entered document by document or imported using a provided Excel template, which becomes available upon downloading the tool.
- Form GST ANX-2: This form is used for reporting all inward supply details. These particulars are automatically drafted based on documents uploaded by suppliers, allowing recipients to approve, reject, or mark them as pending.
- Matching Tool: This feature allows taxpayers to reconcile their purchase register with the auto-drafted data in GST ANX-2, which is downloaded from the GST Portal.
Data Persistence in the Trial Version
Any data entered into Forms GST ANX-1 and GST ANX-2 during the trial phase of the GST New Return Offline Tool will be completely deleted after the trial period concludes. Furthermore, no tax liability will arise for taxpayers based on the information submitted during this trial phase.
Steps to Download and Install the GST New Return Offline Tool
Follow these instructions to acquire and set up the utility:
Step 1: Navigate to the official GST Portal. Access the 'Downloads' section, then click on 'Offline Tools', and finally select 'GST New Return Offline Tool (Beta)' from the available choices.
Step 2: A download option will be presented. Click 'Download'. A confirmation dialogue box will appear; click 'Proceed'. This action will initiate the download of a zipped folder to your computer.
Step 3: Extract the contents of the zipped folder. Locate the executable file named ‘GSTNewReturnsOffline_beta.exe’, which represents the offline tool. Double-click this file to launch it.
Step 4: A message prompting you to install the tool will appear. Choose your preferred installation directory and then click 'next'.
Step 5: Click 'install' to commence the installation process.
Step 6: Once the installation is complete, click 'finish'. You can then open the tool by double-clicking its icon. It is important for users to ensure they are always utilizing the most up-to-date version of the GST New Return Offline Tool, as updates may be released periodically.