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GSTR1 JSON Errors and Resolutions

Q: What causes JSON errors while uploading GSTR-1?

Some of the common reasons for JSON errors areIncorrect Data FormatSchema Validation IssuesMissing required fields like invoice number, date, or GSTIN.Exceeding character limits for specific fields.Duplicate InvoicesCorrupt JSON FileInvalid GSTINTax Mismatch Errors

Q: How to open a GST JSON error file?

Step 1: Upload the Error Report JSON FileStep 2: Review the Errors by SectionStep 3: Understand the Error MessagesStep 4: Correct the Errors in Your GSTR-1 JSONStep 5: Re-check the Error Report

By AJ

Updated on: Mar 6th, 2025

3 min read

While uploading the invoice details in GSTR-1 to the GST Portal, if the said details are processsed with errors, then the status will change to Processed with Error and the Error Report column will display a link to Generate error report. This error files are downloaded in JSON format.

To make filing easier for the community of businesses and CAs, we have created a handy document with the known JSON errors faced by users, what each error means and their solutions. This article should also help you when you file future returns.

Are you facing JSON errors while uploading invoices to the government portal while filing GSTR-1?

While uploading your return through ClearGST, we provide you with an option to validate your invoices; through this validation, any invoice which bears any error will be summarized and presented to you in a downloadable report.

Let’s understand each step in detail

Click on ‘Validate data before Upload’

A report will be downloaded on your computer
As you open this report, you will notice that it contains a list of all invoices which bear any error along with exact details of the error
The invoices are segregated according to their nature of supply

All errors are explained, along with appropriate action to be taken to rectify the error and the associated invoice

You must rectify the error and again click on ‘Validate data before Upload’. Once the report has nil errors, you can proceed with uploading your data

If you are facing JSON errors while uploading directly on the GST portal, read below for a complete explanation of each error and the solution to each error.

Common JSON Errors in GSTR-1 Filing and Their Solutions

Read below for a detailed explanation of each error along with its respective solution:

Error number	Error description	Explanation of Errors & Solutions
RET191106	Error in Json structure validation	Your GSTIN mentioned in CT GST is wrong Modify the GSTIN mentioned in CT GST Your GSTIN mentioned in CT GST is right Reach out to gst-json-errors@cleartax.in
RET191113	The GSTIN is invalid. Please provide a valid GSTIN	This is because you have mentioned an invalid GSTIN for your customer. Download the JSON report and open it in Word Doc. Search for the error number ‘RET191113’. You will see the invoices where the issue has occurred. Note the invoice numbers (‘inum’). Correct these invoices with the customer’s right GSTIN and then reupload to GSTN portal.
RET191114	Date is invalid. Date of invoice cannot be before registration date.	The date mentioned in the invoice is earlier than the date your customer got his GSTIN registration done. Move the invoices to the B2C(S) section, i.e. delete the customer’s GSTIN mentioned in these invoices. Re-compute B2C(S) summary. Re-upload to govt portal. Please note that your customer will not be able to get Input Tax Credit in such cases since he was not registered for those invoice dates.
RET191115	Invoice number does not exist. Please enter a valid invoice number.	Check the format of the invoice number. It can be maximum 16 characters long alphanumeric and may contain only ‘-’ or ‘/’ as special characters. No other types of special characters are allowed.
RET191124	Original invoice is invalid. Original invoice cannot be tracked. Please enter the correct invoice number and date.	Check if the invoice number mentioned in the CDN (‘inum’) is already uploaded. If not uploaded, upload the invoice first and then the CDN.
RET191133	Invoices already exist with different CTIN or same CTIN. Please delete the existing invoice and re-upload again	This occurs because of duplication of invoices. Check if same invoice is already uploaded on govt portal. If already uploaded, Check if there are no changes to the invoice data between the one that’s already uploaded and the one you are trying to upload now If this is the case, you can ignore this error If this is not the case, delete the old invoice on the government portal. Upload the new invoice
RET191148	No section data or Gross Turnover is available to process the request	Are you trying to file a NIL return? If yes, read our guide on NIL return If you're not trying to file a NIL return, you're uploading no invoices Populate invoices before trying to upload
RET191150	IGST is mandatory for interstate supply and CGST & SGST should not be present.	Did you mean it to be an ‘inter-state’ supply Remove SGST and CGST rates. Add IGST rate Check if your customer’s state code is mentioned correctly in Place of Supply. Did you mean it to be an ‘intra-state’ supply Remove IGST rates. Add SGST and CGST rates Check if your customer’s state code is mentioned correctly in Place of Supply.
RET191166	Decryption/Decoding failed	Reach out to gst-json-errors@cleartax.in
RET191175	The rate entered is not valid according to the rate list	Invoice contains non-GST tax rates. The rates should be one of the following 0,0.25,5,12,18,28 in case of IGST The rates should be one of the following 0,0.125,2.5,6,9,14 in case of CGST and SGST Invoice contains decimal tax rates The rates should be one of the following 0,0.25,5,12,18,28 in case of IGST The rates should be one of the following 0,0.125,2.5,6,9,14 in case of CGST and SGST
RET191179	The place of supply and state code of the supplier should be different for inter-state supply	Did you mean it to be an ‘inter-state’ supply Check if your customer’s state code is mentioned correctly in Place of Supply. Check if your state code is right Did you mean it to be an ‘intra-state’ supply Check if your customer’s state code is mentioned correctly in Place of Supply. Check if your state code is right
RET191205	Tax amounts are not in line with the taxable value and the declared tax rate(Tax rate percentage). Please edit the tax amount or taxable value	This error is thrown up in two cases: 1. For the data already uploaded but not filed prior 22nd February 2018, 2. For uploads made after 22nd February 2018 Solution: The resulting figure of the tax amount of each line item against the sales invoices or any other such documents, should be equal to taxable value * tax rate rounded up to 2 digits. Example: If taxable value = Rs. 100.53 and tax rate = 28%, then tax amount should be Rs. 28.15. Values such as 28, 28.1, 28.148, 28.1484, 28.1, 28.20, 29 will result in error from GSTN. After making the necessary correction to excel data upload again.
RET291107	The invoice no. (s) already exist in the GSTR 1.	The invoice number must be changed because it has been used elsewhere. Hence, modify the invoice number and then upload it again.
RET291109	The GSTIN of the supplier is invalid.	The GSTIN number of the supplier mentioned in the invoice is wrong. Enter the correct GSTIN number of the supplier.
RET291106	Error in JSON structure validation	The GSTN cannot recognise the uploaded JSON file, or there could be structural errors in the uploaded JSON file. The GSTIN number must be specified in the JSON file. Upload the latest and correct JSON file in the correct GSTIN of the GST Portal.

Different types of JSON errors while fili ng GSTR-9C

Common Errors made while Filing GST Returns & How to avoid them!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a JSON error in GSTR-1 filing?

If the upload of invoice details is processed with error after uploading it to the GST Portal, then the status will change to Processed with Error and the Error Report column will display a link to Generate error report. This error files are downloaded in JSON format.

What causes JSON errors while uploading GSTR-1?

Some of the common reasons for JSON errors are

Incorrect Data Format
Schema Validation Issues
Missing required fields like invoice number, date, or GSTIN.
Exceeding character limits for specific fields.
Duplicate Invoices
Corrupt JSON File
Invalid GSTIN
Tax Mismatch Errors

How to open a GST JSON error file?

Step 1: Upload the Error Report JSON File

Step 2: Review the Errors by Section

Step 3: Understand the Error Messages

Step 4: Correct the Errors in Your GSTR-1 JSON

Step 5: Re-check the Error Report

How to fix errors in JSON files?

Download the Error Report
Identify the Error in the JSON File
Fix the Specific Issues in the Source File
Re-generate and Upload the JSON File

What is the 'Duplicate Invoice' error in GSTR-1 JSON?

The ‘duplicate invoice’ error means that the invoice number already exists in the GSTR-1. To solve the error, the invoice number must be changed because it has been used elsewhere.

How can I identify which specific data caused the JSON error?

As you open the JSON error report, you will notice that it contains a list of all invoices which bear any error along with exact details and the appropriate action to be taken to rectify the error.

How do I avoid future JSON errors in GSTR-1 filing?

Use the Latest GST Offline Tool like Clear for data validation
Format Data Properly before generating JSON
Validate GSTINs & HSN Codes before uploading
Remove Duplicate Invoices
Cross-check JSON Schema Compliance

About the Author

AJ

Functional Specialist

DVSR Anjaneyulu, known by the name AJ, I've got a vast experience in accounting, finance, taxes and audit. I'm always keen to simplify laws for the readers and learn about the Indian finance ecosystem. I also love listening to music, travelling, and, most importantly, conversing with people to better understand the world.. Read more

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