GSTR-8 is a return that e-commerce operators must file if they are obligated to deduct TCS (Tax collected at source) under GST. GSTR-8 comprises information on a supply made through an e-commerce platform as well as the amount of TCS collected on such goods.
E-commerce businesses must file GSTR-8 forms on or before the 10th of each month. E-commerce firms are defined as anybody who owns runs or manages a digital or electronic facility or platform for electronic commerce under GST. E-commerce businesses must get GST registration and be registered for tax collection at the source (TCS). This article delves into the GSTR-8 monthly filing required of e-commerce businesses.
Who is Needed to File GSTR 8?
GSTR 8 must be filed by an e-commerce firm that is GST registered. These companies must register for GST and get tax collection at source registration. It includes supplies delivered by the e-commerce platform to both registered and unregistered clients, as well as tax paid and owed. The paperwork detailing the amount of tax received from vendors at the point of sale is submitted by the e-commerce operator.
Is it Required to File Form GSTR-8?
It is not necessary to file Form GSTR-8 for each tax period. When goods are supplied through such operator and they have collected any TCS amount during the said tax period, or they have to amend any details declared in earlier returns on their own or on account of any details rejected by the supplier, which is auto-populated in Table 4 of the said return in that tax period, the e-commerce operator needs to file Form GSTR-8 for that tax period.
Why is GSTR-8 Essential?
GSTR-8 outlines the supply made through the e-commerce platform as well as the TCS collected on such deliveries. The Government has currently placed the TCS provisions on hold. It will become effective on October 1st, 2018. If TCS is applicable, the supplier can claim the input credit for the TCS deducted by the e-commerce operator when the e-commerce operator files GSTR-8. The amount of such TCS will be shown in Part C of the supplier’s Form GSTR-2A.
For example, assume that Shanta Enterprises supplies garments worth Rs 20,000 through Amazon. Now Amazon being the e-commerce operator deduct the TCS @ 1% and deposit Rs 200 with the Government. The amount of Rs 200 will be shown in GSTR-2A of Shanta Enterprises after the filing of GSTR-8 by Amazon.
Under GST When the TCS Would be Applicable?
For the e-commerce operators, the TCS provisions would be subjected to be applied. Hence any individual who owns, functions, or handles the digital or electronic utility or platform towards electronic commerce would be needed to enroll for the TCS and the monthly GSTR-8 filings. Towards the e-commerce sellers, the GST TCS provisions would not be pertinent.
For instance, an Amazon seller (referred “seller” as of now) lists goods on Amazon.in (referred “E-commerce operator” as of now). The seller provides the goods and generates an invoice after receiving an order for the product. The E-commerce operator collects money from the customer, makes the deduction, and passes it on to the seller.
In these transactions, 1% of TCS will be deducted from the supplier by E-commerce operators. This deduction will be on the net value of goods/services sold by the E-commerce operator.
Important Features of the GSTR-8 Return Form
- Every registered E-commerce operator must file GSTR-8.
- Compulsorily, every E-commerce operator must file GSTR-8 on or before the 10th of the coming month of a tax period.
- In part D of GSTR 2A, the details of the GSTR-8 which is filed by the E-commerce operator is present.
- GSTR-8 contains 8 headings and most of them are auto-filled.
- From the supplier of goods and services and returns to the government, E-commerce portals deduct the Tax Collection at Source (TCS).
- On all the goods and services which are sold out through the portals, 1% of TCS is paid by E-commerce operators.
GSTR-8 Eligibility and Due Dates September 2023
GSTR-8 can be filed by an E-commerce operator after the month ends and the last date to file the details is the 10th of the next month of the tax period.
| Return Monthly | Due Date |
|---|---|
| September 2023 | 10th October 2023 |
| August 2023 | 10th September 2023 |
| July 2023 | 10th August 2023 |
| June 2023 | 10th July 2023 |
| May 2023 | 10th June 2023 |
| April 2023 | 10th May 2023 |
| March 2023 | 10th April 2023 |
| February 2023 | 10th March 2023 |
| January 2023 | 10th February 2023 |
| December 2022 | 10th January 2023 |
| November 2022 | 10th December 2022 |
| October 2022 | 10th November 2022 |
| September 2022 | 10th October 2022 |
| August 2022 | 10th September 2022 |
| July 2022 | 10th August 2022 |
| June 2022 | 10th July 2022 |
Important Terms Related to GSTR-8
- GSTIN: Goods and Services Taxpayer Identification Number
- UIN: Unique Identification Number
- UQC: Unit Quantity Code
- HSN: Harmonised System of Nomenclature
- SAC: Services Accounting Code
- POS: Place of Supply of Goods and Services
- B2B: Business to business
- B2C: Business to Customer
Interest & Penalty on Late Payment of GST
If you delay filing the GSTR-8 return, you are bound to pay Rs.200/day where Rs. 100 is CGST and Rs. 100 is SGST/UTGST per day. But the taxpayer is liable to pay a maximum penalty of Rs. 5,000.
Moreover, with the late fee, the taxpayer is also liable to pay an annual interest of 18% on the basis of the amount of unpaid tax.
