Understanding and following GST Due Dates 2026 is one of the most important responsibilities for every GST-registered taxpayer in India. Whether you are a small business owner, trader, service provider, professional, or accountant, timely GST compliance helps you avoid penalties, interest, and unnecessary legal complications.
Many taxpayers face GST notices not because of wrong reporting, but simply due to late filing of returns. This detailed guide explains all GST return due dates for 2026 in a clear, structured, and easy-to-understand manner, along with practical compliance tips.
Why GST Due Dates Matter So Much in 2026
GST law is highly time-sensitive. Filing returns even one day late can create multiple issues such as:
Late fees that increase day by day
Interest on delayed tax payment
Blocking of e-way bill generation
Difficulty in claiming Input Tax Credit (ITC)
Negative compliance history on the GST portal
With increasing data matching and system-based scrutiny, missing GST return due dates 2026 can attract unnecessary attention from tax authorities. Therefore, knowing the correct due dates in advance is the smartest compliance strategy.
Monthly GST Returns – Due Dates for Regular Taxpayers
Taxpayers who file GST returns on a monthly basis must strictly follow the due dates mentioned below. These returns form the backbone of GST compliance.
| Form | Description | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| GSTR-1 | Details of outward supplies (sales) | 11th of the following month |
| GSTR-3B | Summary return and tax payment | 20th of the following month |
| GSTR-7 | Return for TDS deductors (Govt. departments etc.) | 10th of the following month |
| GSTR-8 | Return for e-commerce operators (TCS) | 10th of the following month |
| GSTR-5 / 5A | Non-resident taxable persons / OIDAR services | 13th of the following month |
| GSTR-6 | Input Service Distributor (ISD) return | 13th of the following month |
Practical Tip:
Always file GSTR-1 before GSTR-3B. This ensures proper reflection of sales data and avoids mismatches in ITC claims.
Quarterly GST Due Dates 2026 (QRMP Scheme)
The Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme is designed for small taxpayers with turnover up to ₹5 crore. Under this scheme, returns are filed quarterly, but tax is paid monthly.
| Quarter | GSTR-1 Due Date | GSTR-3B Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Jan – Mar 2026 | 13 April 2026 | 22 / 24 April 2026* |
| Apr – Jun 2026 | 13 July 2026 | 22 / 24 July 2026* |
| Jul – Sep 2026 | 13 October 2026 | 22 / 24 October 2026* |
| Oct – Dec 2026 | 13 January 2027 | 22 / 24 January 2027* |
* GSTR-3B due date depends on the state category:
22nd for Group-1 states
24th for Group-2 states
Additionally, QRMP taxpayers must pay tax using Form PMT-06 by the 25th of the following month.
GST Due Dates for Composition Scheme – 2026
Composition scheme taxpayers enjoy simpler compliance, but missing deadlines can still attract penalties.
| Form | Purpose | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| CMP-08 | Quarterly statement-cum-challan for tax payment | 18th of the month after the quarter |
| GSTR-4 | Annual return for composition taxpayers | 30 April of the next financial year |
Composition taxpayers are not required to file monthly returns, but timely CMP-08 payment is mandatory.
Annual GST Returns and Other Important Filings
Annual returns provide a consolidated summary of the entire financial year and are critical for reconciliation.
| Form | Description | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| GSTR-9 | Annual return for FY 2025-26 | 31 December 2026 |
| GSTR-9C | Reconciliation statement (self-certified) | 31 December 2026 |
| GSTR-10 | Final return after cancellation of GST registration | Within 3 months of cancellation |
Filing annual returns accurately helps avoid future disputes and departmental notices.
Also Read:-https://gstandtax.com/inspection-under-gst-a-simple-guide-for-taxpayers/
Late Fees and Interest for Missing GST Due Dates
Failure to comply with GST due dates can lead to financial losses:
Late Fees
₹50 per day for regular returns
₹20 per day for NIL returns
Maximum late fee capped at ₹5,000
Interest
18% per annum on delayed tax payment
In addition to monetary penalties, repeated non-compliance may result in blocking of e-way bill generation, affecting day-to-day business operations.
Common GST Filing Mistakes to Avoid in 2026
Many taxpayers repeat the same mistakes every year. Avoid these to stay compliant:
Waiting until the last day to file returns
Ignoring NIL return filing
Mismatch between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B
Not tracking due date extensions announced by the government
Poor record-keeping of invoices and ITC
Practical Tips to Never Miss GST Due Dates in 2026
Maintain a monthly GST compliance calendar
Set reminders for return filing and tax payment
File returns early to avoid portal slowdowns
Regularly reconcile books with GST data
Stay updated with GST notifications and circulars
These simple habits can save time, money, and stress throughout the year.
Final Conclusion
Following GST Due Dates 2026 is not just a legal requirement—it is a smart business practice. Timely GST return filing ensures smooth operations, protects ITC, and keeps your compliance record clean.
This comprehensive GST due dates calendar for 2026 is designed to help taxpayers, professionals, and businesses stay fully prepared and compliant throughout the year.
Bookmark or save this page so you never miss an important GST deadline.
1 thought on “GST Due Dates 2026-2027: Complete, Practical & Easy Guide for GST Return Filing”