GST Compliance Checklist

Perfect for businesses, startups, and corporate compliance systems

1️⃣ GST Registration Requirements

✔ Verify turnover threshold for mandatory GST registration

✔ Confirm nature of business (service, goods, e-commerce, interstate supply)

✔ Register under GST within prescribed timelines

✔ Collect and maintain required documents (PAN, Aadhaar, bank details, photos)

✔ Display GSTIN at business premises and on invoices

2️⃣ GST Invoice & Documentation Compliance

✔ Issue GST-compliant invoices with correct HSN/SAC codes

✔ Ensure invoices contain GSTIN, invoice number, date, place of supply, etc.

✔ Maintain purchase invoices, expense bills & debit-credit notes

✔ Generate e-invoices (if turnover falls under e-invoice mandate)

✔ Use QR codes where applicable

3️⃣ Input Tax Credit (ITC) Compliance

✔ Reconcile GSTR-2B with purchase invoices monthly

✔ Claim ITC only when supplier has filed GSTR-1

✔ Ensure payment to vendors within 180 days to retain ITC

✔ Maintain valid tax invoices & agreements for ITC eligibility

✔ Reverse ITC for goods lost/stolen, personal use, or exempt supplies

✔ Conduct monthly ITC reconciliation for accuracy

4️⃣ Monthly/Quarterly GST Return Filing

Regular Taxpayers:

✔ GSTR-1 (Outward supplies)

✔ GSTR-3B (Summary return + tax payment)

Composition Scheme:

✔ CMP-08 (Quarterly return)

✔ GSTR-4 (Annual return)

Important Checks:

✔ Accurate reporting of sales, purchases & ITC

✔ Validate tax liability before filing

✔ Ensure timely payment of GST to avoid interest

5️⃣ Annual GST Compliance

✔ File GSTR-9 (Annual return)

✔ File GSTR-9C (Reconciliation statement) if applicable

✔ Match books of accounts with GST returns

✔ Conduct annual GST audit (if turnover crosses limit)

✔ Maintain all supporting documents for audit

6️⃣ GST Payment & Ledger Updates

✔ Regular monitoring of electronic cash ledger

✔ Verify entries in electronic credit ledger

✔ Ensure tax payment under correct head (CGST/SGST/IGST)

✔ Maintain challans for all payments

7️⃣ E-Way Bill Compliance

✔ Generate e-way bill for inter-state and specified intra-state movement

✔ Verify validity period based on distance

✔ Ensure transporter details are correct

✔ Maintain e-way bill records for audit

8️⃣ Vendor & Supplier Compliance

✔ Work with GST-compliant vendors only

✔ Track whether vendors file GSTR-1 & GSTR-3B

✔ Avoid fake invoices & blacklisted suppliers

✔ Conduct monthly vendor compliance checks

9️⃣ Record Keeping & Documentation

✔ Maintain accounts and records for minimum 6 years

✔ Keep digital backups of invoices, returns, and challans

✔ Prepare monthly GST working files

✔ Maintain registers: Sales, Purchase, ITC, Credit Notes, Debit Notes

🔟 Corporate GST Best Practices

✔ Use compliance tools (ClearTax, Zoho Books, Tally ERP, QuickBooks)

✔ Automate reconciliations to avoid manual errors

✔ Conduct quarterly GST health-check audits

✔ Implement internal control system for invoice approvals

✔ Train staff on GST updates and changes