On Wednesday, GST Network released a demo tool for the new and simplified return filing form which is expected to be launched sometime later this year.

The prototype, (that is available on webportal https://demoofflinetool.gst.gov.in) gives its stakeholders a feel of what the new return filing system will work. GSTN is also collecting feedback on the proposed offline tool from its users.

The new features include drop down menus, invoice upload, upload of purchase register for matching with system created inward supplies.

In the proposed system of new GST return filing, a normal taxpayer would have to file form GST RET-1 (Normal) or Form GST RET-2 (Sahaj) or Form GST RET-3 (Sugam) on either monthly or quarterly basis. Annexure of supplies (GST ANX-1) and Annexure of Inward Supplies (GST ANX-2) will be filed as part of these returns.

All the outward supplies will be detailed in GST ANX-1 while GST ANX-2 will contain details of inward supplies auto-populated mainly from the suppliers' GST ANX-1. Suppliers will have to file a detailed return in form GST RET-1.

GSTN, the technology backbone of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, said that the stakeholders can share their comments on '[email protected]'.

The new return filing format would replace the current requirement of filing final sales return GSTR-1; and summary sales return GSTR-3B.

The simplification of GST return forms Sahaj and Sugam, was decided in the GST Council meet held in July 2018. It was scheduled to be rolled out on a pilot basis from 1 April 2019, however, the pilot was deferred as the systems were not finalised.

Inputs from PTI

GoodReturns.in