GSTR-2B Duplicate Issue in GST: All You Need to Know

Around 14th November 2024, taxpayers faced a puzzling issue with GSTR 2B duplicate issue GST, a crucial document for Input ITC (Tax Credit Claims) unable to generate it on the GST portal. This issue has left the taxpayers wondering how this glitch happened and how it could have been resolved.

Background to GSTR-2B Access in November 2024

GSTR-2B is a static ITC statement auto-generated so taxpayers can easily view their eligible and ineligible input tax credits. Buyers rely on monthly statements from their suppliers’ filings to claim ITC in GSTR-3B.

The new Invoice Matching System (IMS) promised to simplify invoice reconciliation, but technical issues in September and October 2024 frustrated taxpayers. Many reported seeing duplicate invoices in GSTR-2B for September and October 2024, which led to confusion and potential errors in ITC claims.

Issue of GSTR-2B Duplicate in GST

Many taxpayers noticed that their GSTR-2B for September and October 2024 contained duplicate invoices, significantly inflating their eligible ITC. This discrepancy raised concerns for two main reasons:

1. Risk of ITC Reversal: Claiming ITC on duplicate invoices will attract penalties for non-compliance, especially during audits.
2. Compliance Challenges: Businesses had to spend extra time reconciling with their books to ensure they didn’t avail of ITC twice, adding to their operational burden.

Clarification Given by the GSTN

The GSTN released an advisory to reassure taxpayers that the issue had been identified and steps were being taken to resolve it.

1. The Problem: According to GSTN, the duplication occurred due to a technical glitch in the IMS while processing suppliers' GSTR-1 data.
2. Immediate Resolution: As of mid-November 2024, GSTN has rectified the problem on its portal. Duplicate invoices in GSTR-2B have been flagged, and taxpayers are advised not to claim ITC on these entries.
3. Taxpayer Advisory: Taxpayers were instructed to manually review their ITC claims for September and October 2024 to ensure no duplicate invoices were included. The GSTN cautioned businesses that claiming ITC on duplicate entries could attract penalties and interest under GST law.

They have also assured taxpayers of system updates to resolve these issues and improve compliance processes in the future.

What Should Taxpayers Do?

If your business has been impacted, here’s how you can address the issue:

• Verify ITC Claims: Carefully cross-check invoices in your purchase register before filing GSTR-3B for the affected months.
• Follow GSTN Updates: Keep an eye on official announcements to stay updated on any further developments.
• Avoid Claiming Credits on Duplicate Invoices: Exclude all or any duplicate invoices to avoid penalties and interest charges during audits.

Stay Alert and Compliant

Duplicate entries in GSTR-2B for September and October 2024 caused significant challenges, but GSTN’s timely action has helped resolve the issue. As taxpayers, staying vigilant and reconciling your ITC accurately is essential to maintain compliance. Remember, in GST, being proactive always saves time and trouble in the long run.

GSTN has shown its commitment to improving the GST compliance experience by addressing the glitch and ensuring taxpayers are guided well.

Also Read: Why GSTR-2B is Not Generated? Troubleshooting & Download Guide