Basics of GSTR-8

GSTR 8 is a monthly return. It needs to be filed by an E-commerce operator under GST.Now by using EMG Sapphire, you can save your GSTR 8 return details at the GSTN portal. 

GSTR-8 contains the details of supplies effected through e-commerce platform and amount of TCS collected on such supplies.

GSTR-8 filing for a month is due on 10th of the following month. For instance, the due date for GSTR-8 for October is on the 10th of November. GSTR-8 once filed, cannot be revised. Any mistake made in the return can be revised in the next month’s return.

If the GST return is not filed on time, then a penalty of Rs 100 under CGST & Rs 100 under SGST shall be levied per day. The total will be Rs. 200/day. The maximum is Rs. 5,000. There is no late fee on IGST in case of delayed filing. 

Along with late fees, interest at 18% per annum has to be paid. It has to be calculated by the taxpayer on the tax to be paid. The time period will be from the next day of filing to the date of payment.

Who should file GSTR-8

Every e-commerce operator registered under GST is required to file GSTR-8. E-commerce operator has been defined under GST Act as any person who owns or manages a digital or electronic facility or platform for electronic commerce such as Amazon etc. 

All such e-commerce operators are required to obtain GST registration as well as register for TCS (Tax collection at source). 

E-commerce operator: E-commerce operator is any person who owns or manages the digital or electronic facility or platform for electronic commerce such as Amazon, Flipkart, etc. 

The e-commerce operator provides a platform whereby the sellers can reach out to a large number of customers by getting registered online on their platform. Customers also get benefits as they get access to multiple sellers and competitive prices for the desired product. 

Importance of GSTR-8 

GSTR-8 shows the details of supplies effected through the e-commerce platform and the amount of TCS collected on such supplies. Currently, the Government has put the TCS provisions on hold. 

It is going to be applicable from 1st Oct 2018 onwards. In case of TCS being applicable, the supplier can take the input credit of such TCS deducted by the e-commerce operator after filing of GSTR-8 by the e-commerce operator. 

The amount of such TCS will be reflected in Part C of Form GSTR-2A of the supplier.

For instance, consider that Shanta Enterprises supplies garments worth Rs 20,000 through Amazon. 

Now Amazon being the e-commerce operator will deduct the TCS @ 1%  and deposit Rs 200 with the Government. The amount of Rs 200 will get reflected in GSTR-2A of Shanta Enterprises after filing of GSTR-8 by Amazon.