Finance Ministry to Seek Public Comments on Amended GST Return Forms from November 1

The Finance Ministry is set to invite comments from businesses regarding proposed changes to monthly Goods and Services Tax (GST) return forms, with the consultation window opening on November 1, according to a senior official.

Gaurav Singh, Commissioner of the GST Policy Wing at the Central Board of Indirect Taxes (CBIC), stated on Thursday that the department will also focus on streamlining the GST audit process.

The decisions follow the 57th meeting of the GST Council, which includes Centre and state finance ministers. The Council approved an alternate mechanism for making amendments to liabilities and input tax credit (ITC) in GST returns. This move is designed to minimise mismatches and reduce official notices and intimations sent to businesses.

As part of these changes, the Council approved enhancements in GST Forms GSTR-1, GSTR-1A, and IFF. These adjustments are intended to enable better reconciliation of details furnished in these forms with the data reported in the monthly tax payment form, GSTR-3B.

Singh noted that the amended GST return forms will be hosted for public consultation on the 'MyGov' portal starting November 1. The portal will remain open for submissions until November 30. All submitted comments must be in English and written in full sentences.

According to the timeline announced, the amended GST return forms will officially become applicable from April 1, 2027. Additionally, notifications and circulars concerning the decisions taken during the 57th GST Council meeting on October 8 have been vetted by the Law department and are scheduled to be placed in the public domain.

Addressing the broader regulatory framework, Singh mentioned that resolving integrity issues within the ITC chain will provide an impetus for further reforms in the Goods and Services Tax system.

Regarding audits, Singh acknowledged the need for a review, stating that the process should be structured to ensure taxpayers face no harassment. At present, businesses operating across multiple states are subject to multiple audits by GST authorities in each of those respective states.

"The decision to invite public comments on amended GST return forms is a progressive step toward reducing compliance friction for businesses. Minimizing mismatches between GSTR forms and tax payment filings will significantly lower compliance burdens and litigation risks. For growing businesses and startups operating across state lines, streamlining both the input tax credit reconciliation and the multi-state audit process will improve operational efficiency and ease of doing business in India over the long term." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes