Timely GST return filing is one of the most critical compliance requirements for every registered taxpayer. Failure to file returns within the prescribed due dates may result in late fees, interest liabilities, blockage of Input Tax Credit (ITC), notices from the GST department, and cancellation of GST registration in extreme cases.
For Financial Year (FY) 2026-27, taxpayers should maintain a clear GST compliance calendar to ensure timely filing of GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and GSTR-9. This article provides a comprehensive filing calendar along with important compliance considerations.
GSTR-1 is a statement of outward supplies containing details of:
The details reported in GSTR-1 flow into the recipient's GSTR-2B and are used for claiming Input Tax Credit.
GSTR-3B is a summary return through which taxpayers:
It is the primary monthly compliance return under GST.
GSTR-9 is the Annual Return that consolidates information reported in:
It serves as an annual reconciliation of GST transactions.
| Tax Period | Due Date |
|---|---|
| April 2026 | 11 May 2026 |
| May 2026 | 11 June 2026 |
| June 2026 | 11 July 2026 |
| July 2026 | 11 August 2026 |
| August 2026 | 11 September 2026 |
| September 2026 | 11 October 2026 |
| October 2026 | 11 November 2026 |
| November 2026 | 11 December 2026 |
| December 2026 | 11 January 2027 |
| January 2027 | 11 February 2027 |
| February 2027 | 11 March 2027 |
| March 2027 | 11 April 2027 |
| Quarter | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Apr-Jun 2026 | 13 July 2026 |
| Jul-Sep 2026 | 13 October 2026 |
| Oct-Dec 2026 | 13 January 2027 |
| Jan-Mar 2027 | 13 April 2027 |
| Tax Period | Due Date |
|---|---|
| April 2026 | 20 May 2026 |
| May 2026 | 20 June 2026 |
| June 2026 | 20 July 2026 |
| July 2026 | 20 August 2026 |
| August 2026 | 20 September 2026 |
| September 2026 | 20 October 2026 |
| October 2026 | 20 November 2026 |
| November 2026 | 20 December 2026 |
| December 2026 | 20 January 2027 |
| January 2027 | 20 February 2027 |
| February 2027 | 20 March 2027 |
| March 2027 | 20 April 2027 |
The due date for GSTR-3B under QRMP Scheme generally falls on:
| Quarter | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Apr-Jun 2026 | 22/24 July 2026 |
| Jul-Sep 2026 | 22/24 October 2026 |
| Oct-Dec 2026 | 22/24 January 2027 |
| Jan-Mar 2027 | 22/24 April 2027 |
(The exact due date depends upon the State/UT classification notified by the GST Department.)
| Return | Financial Year | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| GSTR-9 | FY 2026-27 | 31 December 2027* |
Subject to any extension notified by the Government.
Before filing GSTR-3B, taxpayers should reconcile:
The GST law imposes important timelines relating to:
Businesses should ensure that all reconciliations are completed well before the statutory cut-off dates applicable under GST law.
Late filing attracts:
subject to prescribed caps.
Late filing results in:
Delayed filing of annual return attracts late fees as prescribed under GST provisions.
Failure to file GST returns may lead to:
Match books with GST portal records every month.
Claim ITC only after proper verification.
Ensure consistency between invoices and GST returns.
Monitor whether vendors are filing GST returns on time.
This significantly simplifies GSTR-9 preparation.
✔ GSTR-1 filed on time
✔ GSTR-3B filed on time
✔ Tax liability paid before due date
✔ ITC reconciled with GSTR-2B
✔ E-way bills reconciled
✔ E-invoices matched with books
✔ Vendor compliance reviewed
✔ Annual reconciliation completed
GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and GSTR-9 are the backbone of GST compliance. A well-maintained GST filing calendar helps businesses avoid penalties, improve ITC management, and maintain smooth operations. For FY 2026-27, taxpayers should proactively track return due dates, perform monthly reconciliations, and maintain proper documentation to ensure complete GST compliance.