Filing Nil GSTR 1 Return on GST Portal

All GST registered taxpayers must compulsorily file a Nil GSTR-1 return even if there were no supplies during the month or quarter. This requirement also applies to casual taxable persons, SEZ units, and developers. Businesses can even file a nil GSTR-1 online on the GST portal or by sending an SMS from a registered mobile number.

Who should file Nil GSTR-1?

Every taxpayer has to file GSTR-1 even if he has no business activity during the period, i.e. no sales in a month/quarter. Therefore, a dealer must file a Nil GSTR-1 in such cases. The outward supplies include all taxable as well as exempt supplies.  

How to file Nil GSTR-1 on the GST portal?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to file Nil GSTR-1 on the GST portal –

Step 1– Login to the GST portal

Step 2 – Go to services in the drop-down and select returns dashboard.

Step 3 – Select the month and year of filing from the drop-down.

Step 4 – Click on ‘Prepare Online’ under GSTR-1 tile.

Step 5 – Click on ‘Generate GSTR-1 Summary’

Step 6 – Select the checkbox and click on ‘Preview’.

Step 7 – Click on ‘Submit’. You can file your return by either using DSC or using EVC.

Based on the choice, click ‘File GSTR-1 with DSC’ or ‘File GSTR-1 with EVC’ and file your Nil GSTR-1. Once the return is filed, an acknowledgement reference number will be displayed stating that the return has been filed. If you have transactions in a month and want to file GSTR-1, read our article ‘Guide on GSTR-1 filing on the GST portal’. Please read through our step-by-step guide for filing Nil GSTR-1 on ClearGST.

Benefits of using ClearGST to file Nil GSTR-1

ClearGST offers an effortless and time-saving approach to filing a Nil GSTR-1. With ClearGST Desktop App, you may:

• File Nil returns GSTR-1 three times faster
• Complete the Nil return filing within 30 seconds

Steps to file Nil GSTR-1 through Clear

The ClearGST Desktop App allows users to finish Nil return filing within 30 seconds and with minimal steps. Users should just have downloaded the desktop app on to their system. Also, if the GST returns are being filed by DSC and not EVC, a valid DSC of the authorised signatory must have been set up on the system. If the users have pre-filled the government credentials, it helps save more time. Follow the below simple steps to complete filing Nil GSTR-1 within seconds. 

Step 1: Select ‘Nil returns’ option on the dashboard of the desktop app for the particular GSTIN

Step 2: Select the GSTINs for nil return filing & click on the ‘Proceed’ button.

Step 3: Choose either ‘File using DSC’ or ‘File using EVC’

Note:  Make sure to select the correct return period before proceeding.

Step 4: Click on ‘File GSTR-1’. Enter the OTP or the DSC PIN and proceed.

The ‘Nil’ return has been successfully filed with the government. The following is a screenshot of a successfully filed GSTR-1 signed using EVC.