Due Date to File GST TRAN-1 Extended

Through the press release of the 21st GST Council meeting held in Hyderabad on 9th September 2017, it had been clarified that that the due date to file GST TRAN-1 has been extended till 31st October, 2017. The decision was applauded by most businesses, since it provided an additional month’s time to prepare and file TRAN-1 in the GST Portal. Also, it was decided to allow businesses to revise the details submitted in TRAN-1.

However,  the circular dated 18th September, 2017 on extension of the last date to file GST TRAN-1 has started creating confusion among taxpayers on the correct due date to file GST TRAN-1.

What was the circular on extension of time to file GST TRAN-1 all about?

The circular issued on 18th September, 2017, extends the time limit  for submitting the declaration in GST TRAN-1 till 31stOctober, 2017, under rule 120A of the CGST Rules, 2017. The rule 120A (newly amended) relates to revision of details already submitted in GST TRAN-1. This implies that that the extension of time till 31st October, 2017 is only for allowing  businesses to revise the details furnished in GST TRAN-1. It is not for extending the due date to submit GST TRAN-1.

What was the confusion?

As the circular dated 18th September, 2017 clearly pointed to the rule on revision of GST TRAN-1, businesses were confused about the last date to file GST TRAN-1. They were in a dilemma about whether to consider 30th September or 31st October, 2017 as the due date to file GST TRAN-1.

What is the Due date to File GST TRAN-1?

On 21st September, 2017, one more circular was issued on extension of time limit for submitting the declaration in GST TRAN-1 under rule 117 of the CGST Rules, 2017. This circular clearly points to rule 117, which relates to the time period for filing GST TRAN-1. This circular  notifies that the time period for filing original GST TRAN-1 is extended till 31st October, 2017.

Now, what is the relevance of the previous circular issued on 18th, September, 2017?

The circular dated 18th September, 2017 on extension of time till 31st October, 2017 is for  revision of GST TRAN-1. This means that the due date for submission of original GST TRAN-1 and revisionof already submitted GST TRAN-1, both, is 31st October, 2017. Please note, though time for revising GST TRAN-1 is given till 31st October, 2017, revision can be done only once.

GST TRAN-1 Due Date
Original Return	31st October,2017
Revised Return	31st October,2017

Considering the extent of details required to be furnished in GST TRAN-1, the extension of due date will give you the much needed time to prepare an accurate GST TRAN-1. It would be recommended that you submit GST TRAN-1 before the last date to avoid the last minute rush.