GST Filing Deadlines 2026: GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B Calendar
Never miss a GST filing deadline. Here is the complete calendar of GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B due dates for FY 2026-27.
Understanding GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B
If you are a regular taxpayer under GST, you need to file two monthly returns: GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B. Understanding the difference between these two is essential for compliance.
GSTR-1 is your outward supply return. It contains details of all invoices you have issued during the month — your sales data. This is due on the 11th of the following month for monthly filers, or the 13th of the month following the quarter for quarterly filers under QRMP.
GSTR-3B is your summary return where you declare your total output tax liability, claim your input tax credit, and pay the net tax. This is due on the 20th of the following month. This is the return where you actually pay your GST.
Complete Deadline Calendar: FY 2026-27
The following table shows GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B deadlines for regular monthly filers. Note that if a deadline falls on a Sunday or gazetted holiday, the due date may be extended by the government via notification.
| Tax Period | GSTR-1 Due Date | GSTR-3B Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| April 2026 | 11 May 2026 | 20 May 2026 |
| May 2026 | 11 Jun 2026 | 20 Jun 2026 |
| June 2026 | 11 Jul 2026 | 20 Jul 2026 |
| July 2026 | 11 Aug 2026 | 20 Aug 2026 |
| August 2026 | 11 Sep 2026 | 20 Sep 2026 |
| September 2026 | 11 Oct 2026 | 20 Oct 2026 |
| October 2026 | 11 Nov 2026 | 20 Nov 2026 |
| November 2026 | 11 Dec 2026 | 20 Dec 2026 |
| December 2026 | 11 Jan 2027 | 20 Jan 2027 |
| January 2027 | 11 Feb 2027 | 20 Feb 2027 |
| February 2027 | 11 Mar 2027 | 20 Mar 2027 |
| March 2027 | 11 Apr 2027 | 20 Apr 2027 |
Late Fees and Penalties
Filing late costs you money. The GST late fee structure is straightforward but adds up quickly:
- GSTR-1 late fee: ₹50 per day of delay (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST). For nil returns, it is ₹20 per day (₹10 + ₹10).
- GSTR-3B late fee: ₹50 per day of delay, capped at ₹5,000 per return for taxpayers with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore. For nil returns, ₹20 per day capped at ₹500.
- Interest on late payment: 18% per annum on the outstanding tax amount, calculated from the due date to the date of payment.
For a freelancer who files even 10 days late on a ₹15,000 tax liability, the late fee alone is ₹500. Add 18% interest pro-rated and it quickly exceeds ₹700. Over a year of chronically late filing, these penalties can add up to ₹8,000 or more.
Tip: Set up reminders 5 days before each deadline. Sahaj does this automatically and shows a countdown on your dashboard.
QRMP Scheme: Quarterly Filing Option
If your aggregate turnover in the previous financial year was up to ₹5 crore, you can opt for the Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme. Under QRMP:
- GSTR-1 is filed quarterly (by the 13th of the month following the quarter)
- GSTR-3B is filed quarterly (by the 22nd or 24th depending on your state)
- You still need to pay tax monthly using PMT-06 challan by the 25th
Most freelancers with turnover under ₹5 crore should consider QRMP as it reduces filing frequency. However, you still need to maintain monthly records because the tax payment is due monthly.
How Sahaj Helps You Stay on Track
Sahaj shows a filing deadline countdown directly on your dashboard. It tracks your ITC in real time and generates export-ready reports so you are never scrambling at the last minute. When the 20th approaches, you know exactly what you owe and have everything your CA needs to file.
Key Takeaways
- GSTR-1 is due on the 11th, GSTR-3B on the 20th of the following month
- Late fees are ₹50/day and interest is 18% per annum — they add up fast
- Consider QRMP if your turnover is under ₹5 crore to reduce filing frequency
- Set up deadline reminders and prepare returns in advance
- Keep your receipt tracking current so filing is painless
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