Filing returns can be challenging for small businesses under the GST system. However, nil return filings for small businesses are required if there are no taxable sales or purchases during a specific period. This ensures compliance and helps avoid penalties. In this guide, we will explore the benefits, requirements, and process of nil return for business in India.
Even if your business made no money, you must still file an Income Tax Return (ITR).
| Business Type | ITR Form | Nil Filing Requirement | Due Date |
| Sole Proprietorship | ITR-3 or ITR-4 | File Nil return if no income | 31st July |
| Partnership Firm | ITR-5 | File Nil return even with no business activity | 31st July |
| LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) | ITR-5 | Must file, even if no transactions | 31st October |
| Private Limited Company | ITR-6 | Mandatory, even if no revenue | 31st October |
Penalty for not filing: ₹1,000 to ₹10,000
If your business is registered under GST but has no sales or purchases, you still need to file Nil GST Returns every month or quarter.
| Return Type | Who Needs to File? | Due Date |
| GSTR-1 | Regular taxpayers (no sales) | 11th of the next month (Monthly) / 13th of next month after quarter (Quarterly) |
| GSTR-3B | Regular taxpayers (no sales, no purchases) | 20th of the next month |
| GSTR-4 | Composition Scheme businesses (no transactions) | 30th April (Annually) |
| GSTR-9 | Businesses with turnover > ₹2 crore (no transactions) | 31st December |
Penalty for not filing: ₹10 per day per return
If your business has a TAN (Tax Deduction Account Number) but did not deduct TDS, you still need to file a Nil TDS Return.
| Form | Who Needs to File? | Due Date |
| Form 24Q | Nil TDS on salaries | Quarterly |
| Form 26Q | Nil TDS on contractor/vendor payments | Quarterly |
| Form 27Q | Nil TDS on foreign payments | Quarterly |
Penalty for Non-Filing: ₹200 per day (capped at TDS amount).
If a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or Private Limited Company has no transactions, it must still file Nil Annual Returns with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
| Form | Who Needs to File? | Due Date |
| AOC-4 | Private Limited Companies (Financial Statements) | 30th October |
| MGT-7 | Private Limited Companies (Annual Return) | 30th November |
| Form 8 | LLP (Statement of Accounts) | 30th October |
| Form 11 | LLP (Annual Return) | 31st May |
Penalty for Non-Filing: ₹100 per day (until filed)
For small businesses with no taxable transactions, Nil GST Return Filing is a simplified and essential compliance process. By understanding the eligibility criteria, choosing the correct GST return form, and following a straightforward filing process, your small business can effortlessly maintain compliance with GST regulations. Regularly filing Nil returns not only keeps your business active in the GST system but also reinforces its reputation and credibility. Embrace the benefits of Nil Filing to navigate the taxation landscape seamlessly and concentrate on growing your small business.
Return filing Obligations for Small Businesses
Bookkeeping Service for Small Businesses
Exemptions for small companies
Procedure to file ESI Nil Return
Why GST Nil Return is Necessary?
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