Are you filing GSTR 3B late? This single mistake can make you pay twice of penalty.

Even I did it. And I am ashamed to say that 3 years of experience couldn’t stop me.

If you want you can jump to the bottom and read the synopsis. Or you may read these steps, one by one, that I mention below.

Reading in sequence would tell you how often these things happen and why. It would tell you what how things work in the GST regime, and how to make sure you don’t find yourself in this mess again.

When do we do this mistake?

We do it at the time of paying late fees for depositing GSTR 3-B after the due date.

What is the mistake?

Mistake = Wrong classification 

We classify the late fees payment under head “Penalty”. And made the payment for the penalty, 

Is late fees not a penalty?

The nature of Late fees is penalty only. But tax department has broken down penalty into “Late fees” and “Penalty”. So it can not be said that late fees and penalty are same.

Can you set off the penalty paid with late fee?

It is so sad. We can not adjust (or set off) excess tax payments against dues. 

How can you proceed the GSTR-3B?

Only way to proceed the GSTR-3B is that you have to pay the amount again under the head late fees.

If so, what would happen to your earlier payment?

Don’t worry !! it lies in your electronic cash ledger. And you can claim a refund of it.

When and how can you claim refund?

You have to make an application for the refund in form RFD-01 with in two year and submit the required documents.

If you have any queries, please ask question by hitting ask question button on the left.

Thank You.