GST stands for Goods and Services Tax
GST compliance is not just about filing returns on time — it is about filing them correctly. A mismatch between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B, an ITC claim that cannot be reconciled with GSTR-2B, or a missed GSTR-9 deadline can trigger demand notices, penalties, and interest that far exceed the cost of proper compliance. Sharda Associates provides complete GST services for businesses, traders, manufacturers, service providers, and professionals across India — registration, return filing, ITC reconciliation, audit, refund, and notice management. All India service, entirely online.
What Is GST and Why Does Compliance Matter?
We Are The Best GST Service Providers
- GST (Goods and Services Tax) is India’s unified indirect tax system that replaced over 17 central and state taxes — including service tax, VAT, excise duty, and entry tax — with effect from July 1, 2017. Under GST, every registered business must collect tax on its supplies, claim credit for tax paid on its purchases (Input Tax Credit), and deposit the net amount with the government through periodic return filing.
- The GST framework is structured in three layers: CGST (Central GST), SGST (State GST), and IGST (Integrated GST for interstate transactions). Tax rates are applied across 5 slabs — 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% — depending on the HSN code of the goods or SAC code of the service.
- What makes GST compliance genuinely complex is not the tax rates — it is the return filing system. A GST-registered business must file GSTR-1 (outward supply details) monthly or quarterly, GSTR-3B (summary return with tax payment) monthly or quarterly, GSTR-9 (annual return) by December 31, and where applicable, GSTR-9C (reconciliation statement). Missing any of these attracts late fees of ₹50 per day (₹20 for nil returns) and interest at 18% per annum on unpaid tax.
- The GST law is also amended frequently — rates change, new HSN codes are introduced, e-invoicing thresholds are revised, and compliance formats are updated. A business that was compliant last year may be non-compliant today if these changes are not tracked. Sharda Associates tracks every amendment and ensures clients’ compliance reflects current law.
GST Compliance Is Getting More Complex — Not Less
GST has been amended significantly since its 2017 launch. E-invoicing was made mandatory for businesses above ₹5 crore turnover (now extended to ₹5 lakh in some categories). The e-way bill threshold has changed. GSTR-2B auto-draft has replaced GSTR-2A for ITC reconciliation. The Annual Return format (GSTR-9) has been revised multiple times. New provisions under Section 16(4) restrict ITC claims after a certain period. GST audit under Section 35(5) has been replaced by GSTR-9C self-certification.
Each of these changes affects how businesses file returns, claim credits, and manage compliance. Businesses that handle GST internally — without a qualified CA tracking changes — frequently accumulate errors that surface as demand notices months or years later. By that point, interest and penalties have compounded significantly.
Sharda Associates stays current with every GST amendment, circular, and notification. When a change affects our clients, we inform them proactively — and update their filing accordingly. You never receive a notice for a change you were not aware of.
Why GST Planning Saves Money — Not Just Avoids Penalties
GST planning is not about tax evasion — it is about ensuring that every rupee of eligible Input Tax Credit is claimed, every applicable exemption is correctly applied, and every transaction is classified at the correct rate. The difference between correct and incorrect GST planning can be substantial.
ITC maximisation: Many businesses leave Input Tax Credit on the table — by not reconciling GSTR-2B with their purchase register every month, by missing the claim window for older invoices, or by incorrectly classifying certain inputs as ineligible. A qualified GST advisor reviews your purchase register against GSTR-2B, identifies unclaimed credits, and files rectification where possible.
Rate classification: Several goods and services have different rates depending on how they are classified under HSN/SAC codes, their end use, or whether they are supplied to consumers or businesses. Misclassification leads to either paying excess tax (revenue loss) or underpaying (notice risk). Sharda Associates reviews your transaction types and confirms correct rate classification.
E-invoicing compliance: Businesses above the e-invoicing threshold must generate IRN (Invoice Reference Number) through the IRP portal for every B2B invoice. Non-compliance has cascading effects — the supply becomes ineligible for ITC in the recipient’s hands, and penalties apply to the supplier. We configure and review e-invoicing compliance for applicable clients.
Complete GST Services — What We Handle
Complete GST registration for all business types — sole proprietorship, partnership firm, Private Limited Company, LLP, and OPC. We handle the complete process: document preparation, portal filing, Aadhaar authentication or biometric verification (where required), officer query response, and GSTIN delivery. We also handle GST amendments — address changes, additional place of business, authorized signatory changes, and nature of business updates. Processing time: 7 working days for complete applications.
Registration Services
Monthly & Annual Returns
GSTR-1 (outward supply details) — filed monthly (by 11th) for businesses with turnover above ₹5 crore, and quarterly (by 13th of month after quarter) for QRMP scheme filers. We compile your sales data, classify by B2B, B2C, export, and HSN summary, and file before the due date — every month, without exception.
GSTR-3B (summary return with tax payment) — filed monthly (by 20th) or quarterly under QRMP scheme. We calculate your net tax liability after ITC set-off, verify the payment before filing, and file on time. Errors in 3B — particularly in ITC reversal and IGST/CGST/SGST split — are the most common cause of GST demand notices.
GSTR-9 (Annual Return) — filed by December 31 of the following financial year. We compile the full-year figures, reconcile them with monthly returns, and file the consolidated annual return. For businesses with turnover above ₹2 crore, GSTR-9C (reconciliation with audited accounts) is also filed.
Complete GST bookkeeping — recording every purchase and sale invoice with correct GSTIN, HSN/SAC code, tax rate, and invoice date. Monthly reconciliation of GSTR-2B with purchase register to ensure all eligible ITC is captured. E-way bill generation for the movement of goods. Maintenance of GST-compliant invoice format for all supplies. Annual GST audit and GSTR-9C preparation.
GST Accounting and Compliance
ITC Consultation and Reconciliation
Input Tax Credit (ITC) is the mechanism that prevents cascading taxation in GST — but claiming it correctly requires careful reconciliation. GSTR-2B (auto-populated from your suppliers’ GSTR-1 filings) is the basis for ITC eligibility. We reconcile GSTR-2B with your purchase register every month, identify discrepancies (suppliers who have not filed, invoices with wrong GSTIN, rate mismatches), and take corrective action.
While mandatory GST audit under Section 35(5) was removed from FY 2020-21, GST authorities can order a special audit under Section 66 at any time. Businesses with turnover above ₹2 crore must file GSTR-9C (self-certified reconciliation). Our GST audit service covers a complete review of all return filings, ITC claims, rate applications, and compliance records — identifying and correcting errors before the tax authorities find them.
GST Audit and Review
GST Notice and Demand Management
Receiving a GST notice is not the end — it is the beginning of a process that must be handled carefully. Common GST notices include: GSTR mismatch notices (GSTR-1 vs GSTR-3B discrepancy), ITC demand notices (Section 16 eligibility challenge), annual return scrutiny notices, and assessment orders under Section 73 and 74. Sharda Associates reviews every notice, prepares the appropriate reply with supporting documentation, and files it within the response deadline. We also represent clients before GST officers for personal hearing requirements.
GST refunds arise in two primary situations: export of goods or services (zero-rated supplies where ITC paid on inputs is refundable), and inverted duty structure (where the tax rate on inputs is higher than on the output). The refund process involves filing RFD-01 on the GST portal, submitting supporting documents, and responding to any officer queries. Sharda Associates handles the complete refund application — from eligibility assessment to refund credit in your bank account.
GST Refund Services
Why Sharda Associates for GST Services
- 45,500+ reports and filings delivered—GST return filing, registration, and audit for clients across Bhopal, Indore, MP, and all major Indian cities since 2017
- ITC reconciliation every month — GSTR-2B vs purchase register reconciliation done monthly before return filing. Missed ITC is recovered, ineligible ITC is identified before it becomes a notice
- Amendment tracking — every GST circular, notification, and rate change tracked and applied immediately. Clients never pay extra tax or receive notices for changes they were not informed about
- Notice handled for you — if a GST notice arrives, we review, prepare the reply, and file it. You do not deal with the tax department directly
- CA-supervised filings — every return reviewed by a qualified CA before submission. No auto-generated, unreviewed filings
- Zero missed deadlines — compliance calendar maintained for every client. GSTR-1 by 11th, GSTR-3B by 20th, GSTR-9 by December 31 — tracked and filed without exception
Frequently Asked Questions — GST Services
Sharda Associates provides complete GST services — GST registration for all business types, GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B monthly return filing, GSTR-9 annual return, GSTR-9C reconciliation, ITC reconciliation with GSTR-2B, e-way bill generation, GST audit, GST notice and demand management, GST refund application for exports and inverted duty structure, and e-invoicing compliance. All services available online for clients across India.
Late filing of GSTR-3B attracts a late fee of ₹50 per day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST) for returns with tax liability, and ₹20 per day (₹10 + ₹10) for nil returns — capped at ₹10,000 per return. Additionally, interest at 18% per annum is charged on unpaid GST from the due date. For GSTR-1, the late fee is ₹50 per day. Regular late filing also risks the suspension of GSTIN, blocking your ability to issue valid GST invoices.
GSTR-2B is an auto-drafted Input Tax Credit statement generated on the GST portal every month — showing all ITC available to a taxpayer based on their suppliers' GSTR-1 filings. From FY 2022-23, ITC can only be claimed to the extent it appears in GSTR-2B — ITC not reflected there cannot be claimed (Section 16(2)(aa) of CGST Act). Monthly reconciliation of GSTR-2B with your purchase register is essential to identify discrepancies before filing GSTR-3B.
A mismatch between GSTR-1 (outward supply details) and GSTR-3B (summary return) triggers an automated ASMT-10 scrutiny notice from the GST department. If the mismatch indicates underpayment of tax, a demand notice under Section 73 or 74 follows — with penalty of 10% of tax due (100% in fraud cases) plus interest at 18% per annum. Sharda Associates reconciles GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B figures before filing every month — preventing this trigger.
Mandatory GST audit by a CA under Section 35(5) was removed from FY 2020-21 onwards. However, businesses with annual aggregate turnover above ₹2 crore must file GSTR-9C — a self-certified reconciliation statement comparing annual return figures with audited financial statements. GST authorities can still order a special audit under Section 66 of the CGST Act at any time for any taxpayer. Sharda Associates prepares GSTR-9C and handles Section 66 special audit responses.
Exporters can claim refund of ITC accumulated on account of zero-rated exports (exports are 0% GST, but GST is paid on inputs). The refund process involves: filing RFD-01 on the GST portal, submitting shipping bills, bank realisation certificate (for services), GSTR-3B and GSTR-1 returns for the relevant period, and a CA-certified statement of ITC. The GST department processes refund within 60 days. Sharda Associates handles the complete export refund process for manufacturing exporters and service exporters.
Under the reverse charge mechanism (RCM), the buyer (recipient) is liable to pay GST — not the seller. RCM applies in two situations: when goods or services are purchased from unregistered vendors (in notified categories), and for specific notified services (legal services, transport by GTA, import of services, renting of motor vehicles). The buyer must deposit the RCM GST and can then claim it as ITC in the same return period. Missing RCM liability is a common audit trigger.
A GST demand notice must be responded to within the specified deadline — typically 30 days. The response must include a written reply explaining the grounds for disagreement (if contested) or payment of tax and penalty (if accepting). Ignoring a GST notice leads to ex-parte assessment orders that are harder to challenge. Sharda Associates reviews every GST notice immediately, prepares the appropriate reply with supporting documentation, and files it within the deadline. Call +91 89899 77769 as soon as you receive a notice.
E-invoicing requires businesses above the specified turnover threshold to generate a digitally validated Invoice Reference Number (IRN) through the GST IRP (Invoice Registration Portal) for every B2B invoice before it is issued. The e-invoice must include a QR code. From August 2023, e-invoicing is mandatory for businesses with turnover above ₹5 crore. Non-compliance means the invoice is considered invalid — the recipient cannot claim ITC, and the supplier faces penalties. Sharda Associates configures e-invoicing for applicable clients and ensures ongoing compliance.