How to Download GSTR-3B From GST Portal?

It is essential for compliance, reconciliation, and audit readiness to download your filed GSTR-3B returns straight from the GST portal, regardless of whether they were filed monthly or under the QRMP scheme. With just a few clicks, you can create an annual summary, access and save each PDF, and use the offline tool to prepare your returns.

What is GSTR-3B?

The Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act requires all regular and casual taxpayers to file the simplified summary return known as GSTR-3B. It offers a consolidated view of outward supplies, inward supplies liable to reverse charge, Input tax credit (ITC) claimed, Net tax liability paid

According to Section 39 of the CGST Act and its implementing regulations, GSTR-3B is the principal return for the monthly or quarterly payment of Goods and Services Tax (GST). In addition to letting taxpayers self-evaluate and report their tax obligations, it allows the government to collect taxes in real time. While the majority of regular taxpayers file GSTR-3B monthly, those who file under the QRMP (Quarterly Return Monthly Payment) scheme are required to do so quarterly.

How to Download GSTR-3B from the GST Portal

Step 1: Log in to the GST Portal:  www.gst.gov.in

• Click on the Login button
• Enter your GSTIN/Username and Password, then enter the Captcha code

• The Dashboard page will open once logged in

Step 2: Navigate to the Returns Dashboard

• From the top menu, go to Services, then Returns and then Returns Dashboard
• This opens the "File Returns" page

Step 3: Select Financial Year and Return Filing Period

• On the "File Returns" page, select the Financial Year first and the Return Filing Period from the drop-down lists

Once you “search”, all the available returns for that period will be displayed on the portal screen. 

Step 4: Locate Filed GSTR-3B

• If the return has been filed, the status under the tile will show Filed or else it will show Not Filed. You can only download returns that have been filed

• In the GSTR-3B tile, there will be two options:  View GSTR-3B and Download Filed GSTR-3B

Step 5: Download the GSTR-3B PDF

• Click on the Download Filed GSTR-3B button
• The portal will generate the PDF of your filed GSTR-3B

The downloaded PDF will contain a watermark labelled "Final GSTR-3B," meaning that it is the official copy of the filed return.

How to Download Monthly GSTR-3B Returns

The same procedure can be followed to download GSTR-3B for any specific month. To get the returns for multiple months, the above-mentioned steps should be repeated for each required period.

There is no difference in the download process for monthly or quarterly (QRMP) filings. The only prerequisite is that the return must already have been filed for the selected period.

How to Download Consolidated (Annual) GSTR-3B Returns

The GST portal does not offer a direct option to download a consolidated annual GSTR-3B return. However, an annual summary can be prepared manually by downloading each month’s filed GSTR-3B and compiling the data like this:

Step 1: Download Monthly GSTR-3B Returns for all the months of the year one by one

Step 2: Export to Excel

The GSTR-3B return is only available in PDF format on the portal. There is no direct option to download the return in Excel or CSV format. Convert the PDF files into Excel using a reliable PDF-to-Excel converter tool. Each PDF's data should be manually extracted and entered into an Excel spreadsheet.

Step 3: Using the GSTR-3B Offline Utility

The GST portal offers an official offline utility tool for taxpayers who would rather complete their GSTR-3B returns offline:

• Go to the homepage of the GST portal.
• Go to GSTR-3B Offline Utility under Downloads > Offline Tools.
• Download the ZIP file that is provided.
• To access the Excel-based tool GSTR3B_Offline_Utility.xlsm, extract the contents.

This tool can be used to create a JSON file that can be uploaded to the portal and permits manual entry of monthly return data. When preparing returns without constant internet access, it is especially helpful. But, the offline tool is only intended for return preparation and it cannot be used to download GSTR-3B returns that have already been filed.

Downloading Acknowledgement of GSTR-3B Filing

After you file GSTR-3B, the GST portal issues an Application Reference Number (ARN) as confirmation of successful filing. The ARN is sent to the registered email address and mobile number. There is no separate "Acknowledgement Download" PDF for GSTR-3B like there is for GSTR-1. 

Downloading GSTR-3B returns from the GST portal is important for GST compliance, maintaining ready-to-audit records, and preparing financial reports. Even though the portal does not provide a consolidated annual GSTR-3B report, businesses can easily download monthly returns and compile the data manually.

By following the steps mentioned, taxpayers and professionals can get both monthly and yearly GSTR-3B records for their compliance, reconciliation, and audit purposes.