Under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, every registered taxpayer must file GST returns on a regular basis to report their sales, purchases and the tax liability. However, even if your business has no such transactions in a particular tax period, that means no sales, no purchases and there is no tax liability, you are still required to file a Nil GST Return.
Filing a Nil GST Return ensures that your business remains compliant and avoids penalties or blocks on future filings. The process is simple and can be completed easily through the GST portal or even via SMS.
In this article, we’ll explain what a Nil GST Return is, when and who should file it, and the complete step-by-step procedure to file it online.
What is a Nil GST Return?
A Nil GST Return is a type of return filed by a registered taxpayer who has no business activity during a particular tax period. This means:
- No outward supplies (sales)
- No inward supplies (purchases)
- No input tax credit (ITC) claimed
- No tax liability to pay
Even if your business did not generate any transactions during the month or quarter, you must still file a return declaring “Nil” value to remain compliant under the GST law.
Why Filing Nil GST Return is Important?
Many business owners believe that if they have not made any transactions, they don’t need to file returns. This is a common misconception.
Here’s why filing a Nil GST Return is necessary:
- Legal Requirement: As per the GST law, filing returns is mandatory for all registered taxpayers—irrespective of business activity.
- Avoid Penalties: Non-filing of returns attracts late fees, even for Nil returns (₹20 per day – ₹10 CGST and ₹10 SGST).
- Uninterrupted Compliance: If you skip filing Nil returns, you won’t be able to file subsequent returns.
- Maintain Active GST Registration: Regular filing keeps your GST registration active and avoids cancellation due to non-compliance.
- E-Way Bill Access: Businesses that fail to file returns for two consecutive periods are restricted from generating e-way bills.
Who Should File a Nil GST Return?
You should file a Nil GST Return if, during a specific tax period, all of the following conditions are met:
- No outward supply (sales) made.
- No inward supply (purchase) received.
- No tax liability exists.
- No Input Tax Credit (ITC) claimed or adjusted.
- No late fees, interest, or other dues payable.
If any of these conditions do not apply, then a regular GST return must be filed instead.
Types of Nil GST Returns
| Return Type | Applicability | Purpose |
| GSTR-1 | Monthly/Quarterly | Reporting outward supplies (sales) |
| GSTR-3B | Monthly/Quarterly | Summary return and payment of tax |
| CMP-08 | Quarterly | For taxpayers under the composition scheme |
| GSTR-4 | Annually | Annual return for composition dealers |
| GSTR-9 | Annually | Annual return for regular taxpayers (if no activity) |
How to File Nil GST Return Online (Step-by-Step)?
You can file a Nil GST Return online in just a few minutes using the official GST portal.
Step 1: Visit the GST Portal
Go to the official GST website – https://www.gst.gov.in.
Step 2: Login to Your Account
Use your username, password, and captcha code to log in to your GST account.
Step 3: Go to Returns Dashboard
- After login, click on ‘Services’ → ‘Returns’ → ‘Returns Dashboard’.
- Select the Financial Year and Return Filing Period (month or quarter).
Step 4: Choose the Relevant Return
- To file outward supply details, select GSTR-1.
- To file the monthly/quarterly summary return, select GSTR-3B.
Step 5: Indicate Nil Return
When prompted, choose “Yes” for the question “Do you want to file a Nil return?”
This option will be available only if there are no transactions recorded for the selected period.
Step 6: Preview the Return
Verify that all figures are “0” (Nil). You can download the draft for confirmation before submission.
Step 7: Submit and File
Click on ‘File Return’, and then choose one of the following verification methods:
- DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) – mandatory for companies and LLPs.
- EVC (Electronic Verification Code) – for others, using OTP sent to the registered mobile and email.
Once filed, you’ll receive an Acknowledgement Reference Number (ARN) confirming successful submission.
Due Dates for Nil GST Returns
| Return Type | Frequency | Due Date |
| GSTR-1 | Monthly / Quarterly | 11th of next month / 13th of next quarter |
| GSTR-3B | Monthly / Quarterly | 20th, 22nd, or 24th of next month (based on turnover) |
| CMP-08 | Quarterly | 18th of the month following the quarter |
| GSTR-4 | Annual | 30th April of the next financial year |
| GSTR-9 | Annual | 31st December of the next financial year |
Penalties for Not Filing Nil GST Return
Even if there is no business activity, failing to file a Nil GST Return on time can result in:
- Late Fee: ₹20 per day (₹10 CGST + ₹10 SGST), capped as per GST norms.
- E-way Bill Restriction: If returns remain pending for two or more periods, e-way bill generation will be blocked.
- Compliance Blockage: Future GST returns cannot be filed until pending returns are cleared.
- Notice from Department: Continuous non-filing may lead to cancellation of GST registration.
Benefits of Filing Nil GST Return
- Maintains legal compliance with GST regulations.
- Prevents penalties and interest accumulation.
- Keeps GST registration active and valid.
- Ensures seamless filing of future returns.
- Builds credibility with the tax authorities and business partners.
Professional Assistance for GST Return Filing
Although the filing of a Nil GST Return is easy, maintaining timely compliance can sometimes be overlooked by various entrepreneurs. Engaging a professional GST consultant or compliance service provider ensures:
- Timely reminders and filing before due dates.
- Accuracy in return submission.
- Compliance monitoring for future filings.
- Assistance and support in case of notices or discrepancies.
If you prefer professional help, then you can consult a GST expert to manage your returns efficiently and ensure 100% compliance…!
Conclusion
Filing a Nil GST Return online is a simple, smooth process that ensures your business remains compliant with GST law. Even if there are no such transactions, you must file your returns regularly to avoid the various penalties, to maintain an active GST registration and to prevent the various compliance issues in the future.
