TaxTMI 
TaxTMI 
TaxTMI 
Let’s be honest — GST filing week has a way of sneaking up on even the best of us.
You start the month with good intentions. “This time, we’ll be sorted in advance,” you say. But then, end-of-month closing takes over. Audit deadlines pop up. Investors ask for updates. And suddenly, it’s GST week… again.
Panic sets in. Emails start flying. Files get messy. Sound familiar?
But here’s what smart startups do differently. They don’t wait for the last minute. They follow a simple routine every month that keeps them prepared. No chaos, no confusion.
So before GST week hits, here are 5 must-do checks that’ll save your team time, stress, and maybe even money.
1. Start With GSTR-1: Don’t Just File, Check
This is where it all begins — your sales data. Before uploading anything, make sure your invoices match across three places: your books, the e-Invoice system, and the e-Way Bill portal.
Also, check where the goods or services were delivered — known as the Place of Supply. This one detail decides whether tax is paid to the right state. Get it wrong, and it’s a headache to fix later.
The more accurate your GSTR-1, the less likely you’ll face follow-up notices or mismatches.
2. GSTR-2B: Don’t Let Vendors Mess Up Your Input Credit
If your vendors haven’t filed their returns properly, you can’t claim GST credit — it’s as simple as that.
So, every month, match your purchase invoices with GSTR-2B. Do it invoice by invoice, not just in totals. And don’t wait for March to clean it up — stay on top of it monthly.
If your vendor’s filing is delayed, follow up regularly. Some companies even tell vendors they’ll hold back the GST part of the payment until it shows up in GSTR-2B. It’s a smart way to protect your cash without creating friction.
Stay alert here — this is where most ITC (Input Tax Credit) leaks happen.
3. GSTR-3B: It’s Not Just About Filing, It’s About Cash Flow
This is where the actual tax gets paid. So before filing GSTR-3B, take a close look at a few things:
Are there any reverse charge liabilities?
Are you accidentally claiming ineligible credits?
Have any credits been reversed but still showing up?
Also, if you’re still manually copying details from Excel into the portal, its time to rethink. There are simple tools and software now that make this easier and reduce human error.
This isn’t just about compliance — it directly affects your cash outflow.
4. ITC-04: If You Send Goods for Job Work, Keep Tabs
Many startups forget this step — until it becomes a problem.
If you send goods to a job worker (someone who processes your materials), you have to file ITC-04. This form shows what went out, what came back, and what got sold directly from the job worker’s place.
Keep a simple challan tracker. Don’t let this pile up for the whole year. Filing it late can mean penalties or credit issues.
Make this part of your regular routine, and you’ll never have to scramble.
5. Build Your Monthly GST Routine — And Stick to It
GST filing should not feel like a monthly crisis. Set up a clear, step-by-step process. Use a checklist, assign responsibilities, and review the status a week before the due date.
The cleaner your system, the smoother your filings.
And here’s something many founders don’t realise — investors and finance partners notice how you handle compliance. If your GST filings are clean and on time, it shows you’re running a tight ship.
That kind of discipline builds trust.
What You Should Do Next
Stop treating GST week like exam time. Start treating it like a regular hygiene check for your business.
Here’s a quick recap:
Make sure invoices are matched in GSTR-1
Track vendors and match GSTR-2B
Review cash impact and errors in GSTR-3B
Keep job work records ready for ITC-04
Most importantly, follow a routine every month
Your future self — and your team — will thank you.
Now You Tell Us:
How does your team handle GST filings? Are you still rushing every month, or have you cracked the monthly routine?
Let us know in the comments — someone else might learn from your journey.