Trial Run of the New GST Return Offline Tool Goes Live

On 30 July, the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) launched the trial version of the New GST Return Offline Tool. The objective of the trial run is not only to help the taxpayers get familiarised with the tool but also to collect their suggestions/feedback so that the tool can be improved further before it’s actual implementation.

Key components and features of the New GST Return Offline Tool 

• Form GST ANX-1: To prepare details concerning outward supplies by keying in details for every document or via importing from an excel file. In addition to the tool, the excel sheet template is also available.
• Form GST ANX-2: To prepare details concerning inward supplies by taking necessary actions on the auto-drafted version.
• Matching Tool: To match data of GST ANX-2 (downloaded from the GST Portal) versus the purchase register.
• A few of the important features include (not limited to):
  • GST ANX-1 preparation via the excel/CSV template which is provided along with the tool. Subsequently, a taxpayer can also upload the same into the tool by using the GST ANX-1 functionality.
  • A taxpayer will be able to download the auto-drafted ANX-2 from the GST Portal and open the same in the Offline Tool.
  • A taxpayer can perform actions such as – accept, reject, or pending w.r.t. ANX-2 downloaded via the offline tool. Later he or she can create the JSON file of the final ANX-2 and upload it on the GST portal.

Also Read: GST rate cuts on electronic vehicles, CMP form filing extensions

Liabilities do not apply when you use the trial version of the tool

In a few places on the GST portal, a taxpayer may find a word ‘Beta’ implying the same as the ‘trial version’. The data or documents taxpayer uploads on the GST portal during the trial run will be separate. It will be accessible to the taxpayer as well as his/her respective buyers to whom the uploaded data is relevant. A taxpayer’s participation in the Beta version/trial run of the tool will not attract any liabilities with regards to GST.

A taxpayer can access the Offline tool under the ‘Download’ section on the GST portal. Soon after the trial run is completed, the data keyed in by the taxpayers will be erased completely. None of the information uploaded by the taxpayers during the trial period will be retained on the GST portal once the New Returns are implemented on the GST Portal.