Filing GST returns promptly and accurately is very important for every business registered under GST in India. If you are a taxpayer, consultant, or accountant, checking a business’s GST return filing online is an important step to ensuring that the business meets its filing obligations and that its returns are filed correctly in the GST system.
This blog will describe how to check GST return filing status on the GST portal, the various statuses you may receive and why it is important to check your return status for compliance and peace of mind.
Introduction
Goods and Services Tax (GST) has modernized indirect taxation in India, making it more transparent and efficient. Nonetheless, the monthly and quarterly return requirements, such as GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-4, and others, any registered taxpayer must be aware of their filing status.
It is not enough to file your return; you also need to verify its status to ensure it is successfully submitted, processed, and acknowledged by the GST system. A failure or error in submission could lead to penalties, late fees, or issues with input tax credit (ITC) claims.
The best thing is that the GST portal offers a simple and fully online way to check your return status anytime.
Why Check GST Return Filing Status?
There are several good reasons to regularly monitor your GST return filing status –
- Ensure compliance – Verifying that your return is successfully filed avoids legal and financial troubles.
- Avoid late fees and penalties – You can act quickly if a return shows as pending or failed.
- Ensure ITC eligibility – A properly filed return helps secure your input tax credit.
- Stay audit-ready – Keeping your records accurate builds a good compliance history.
- Peace of mind – You won’t have to worry about unnoticed filing errors or incomplete submissions.
Major Types of GST Returns You Can Check the Status For
The GST portal allows you to check the filing status for all major types of GST returns that a business may need to file.
1. GSTR-1 (Outward Supplies Return)
This monthly or quarterly return captures details of all outward supplies (sales) made by a business. Tracking its status helps ensure your customers can see the invoices for claiming their input tax credit (ITC).
2. GSTR-3B (Summary Return)
A monthly summary return showing total outward supplies, inward supplies liable for reverse charge, and tax payable. It is important to confirm that this return is filed successfully, as it is linked to tax payment.
3. GSTR-4 (For Composition Dealers)
Filed quarterly or annually by businesses registered under the composition scheme. It summarizes total turnover and tax liability.
4. GSTR-9 / 9C (Annual Return and Audit Report)
These are yearly filings where businesses report consolidated figures for the year. GSTR-9C is the audit form applicable to larger businesses.
5. GSTR-7 (TDS Return)
Filed by entities required to deduct tax at source under GST (e.g., government bodies, agencies).
6. GSTR-8 (TCS Return)
Applicable for e-commerce operators who collect tax at source.
You can check the status of any of these returns on the GST portal to ensure they are filed properly and accepted by the system.
Steps to Check GST Return Filing Status Online
Step 1. Go to the GST Portal
You have to go to https://www.gst.gov.in
Step 2. Login
You have to login to your account using your GSTIN, username, password, and captcha.
Step 3. Click on Return Dashboard
- Once you have logged in successfully, click on Return Dashboard on the homepage.
- Select the financial year and period of return filing you want to see.
Step 4. See the Return Filing Status
- The dashboard will display a table of all applicable returns.
- For each return type (e.g., GSTR-1, GSTR-3B), you will see the filing status in the relevant column.
The other way to check the GST filing status –
Check Status Using ARN
- If you have the Acknowledgment Reference Number (ARN), go to Services > Returns > Track Return Status.
- Enter your ARN and click Search.
The system will show your GST return status instantly.
Common Return Filing Statuses and What They Mean
Here is what different statuses indicate –
| Status | Meaning |
| Filed – Valid | Your return was filed and accepted without errors. |
| Filed – Invalid | The return was filed but found to have some errors (e.g., invalid data). |
| Submitted but Not Filed | Return details were saved but not submitted with DSC/EVC. |
| Not Filed | No return filed for the period. |
| Processed | Return has been processed and updated in the system. |
| Pending | Filing in progress – typically awaiting EVC/DSC confirmation. |
| Rejected | The return filing failed due to a technical error or incorrect data. |
If the status is anything other than Filed – Valid or Processed, you should review and take necessary action promptly.
Points to Remember When Checking GST Return Status
- Always check the status soon after filing to confirm submission.
- If the status shows pending for too long, contact the GST helpdesk.
- Ensure your digital signature (DSC) or EVC is properly linked to avoid filing failure.
- In case of errors, revise and refile the return as required.
Conclusion
Online checking your GST return filing status is an easy but important part of ensuring that you remain tax compliant. The GST portal has simple access to check in real-time that your returns were filed, processed and acknowledged correctly.
By staying proactive, you safeguard your business from fines, interest, and credit mismatches. Make it a habit to file on time and check status immediately afterward. It is a small step that goes a long way in keeping your GST records clean and hassle-free.
References
https://www.gst.gov.in/
