A GST returns workflow with Tally

The monthly rhythm

Due dates depend on your turnover, whether you are in the QRMP scheme, and your state, and can be changed by notification. Check gst.gov.in or your CA. This is general information, not tax advice.

Step 1: get entries right at source

• Party masters: correct GSTIN, state and registration type for every party. A wrong state code turns IGST into CGST and SGST or the other way round. See place of supply for goods.
• Item masters: HSN code and GST rate on each stock item, confirmed by your accountant.
• Voucher types: credit notes for returns, not negative sales; debit notes for purchase returns.
• Unregistered and B2C sales: state of the buyer where relevant, so B2C summaries are right.

Step 2: check GSTR-1 data in Tally

TallyPrime prepares GSTR-1 data from your vouchers and flags transactions with incomplete or mismatched details. Before exporting:

1. Resolve every flagged or uncertain transaction; do not export with exceptions pending.
2. Check the B2B section: every registered buyer's GSTIN is valid and the invoice values look right.
3. Check the HSN summary for missing codes or odd quantities; see HSN summary in GSTR-1.
4. Check credit and debit notes are linked to the right original invoices.
5. Compare total taxable value with the sales register for the month.

Then export the JSON, upload it on the GST portal, review the summary there, and file.

Step 3: reconcile purchases with GSTR-2B

Input tax credit generally depends on suppliers reporting your invoices, which you see in GSTR-2B. Compare your purchase register with GSTR-2B each month:

• In books, not in 2B: the supplier has not reported, or reported with a wrong GSTIN. Follow up before claiming.
• In 2B, not in books: a bill not yet entered, or not your purchase. Investigate.
• Value or date differences: correct your entry or ask the supplier to amend.

The detailed method is in reconciling GSTR-2B with the purchase register.

Step 4: prepare and file GSTR-3B

1. Take output tax from the filed GSTR-1 data and add anything not reported there, such as tax on advances where applicable.
2. Take input tax credit as supported by your reconciliation, excluding blocked or ineligible credit.
3. Check reverse charge liability, if any.
4. Compare Tally's GSTR-3B figures with what the portal pre-fills; explain any difference before filing.
5. Pay the net tax through the portal and file.

Who does what in a small team

Write these down. Many late filings happen because each person assumed another had it in hand. A shared checklist with a tick and a date for each step each month removes that doubt. The GST compliance calendar helps plan the dates.

Common mistakes that cause notices

• Invoices entered after GSTR-1 is filed, then forgotten in the next month's return.
• Wrong place of supply on inter-state sales.
• Claiming credit on bills suppliers never reported.
• Editing vouchers of a month whose returns are already filed, so books and returns no longer match.
• Different turnover in GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B without an explanation.

Lock filed periods against casual edits and record any genuine correction through the right amendment route.

GST views from Tally data with Cashflow OS

Cashflow OS prepares GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B views from your synced Tally data, with JSON download for the GST portal, and GSTR-1 tiles that open bill-wise and HSN-wise detail, so the owner or accountant can review figures on the phone or web before filing. Filing itself is done on the GST portal. Cashflow OS does not file returns and does not give tax advice; e-invoices and e-way bills can be generated from it on plans that include them. See GST reports.