GSTR-3B nonfilers will now not be able to file GSTR-1 or use the Invoice Furnishing Facility

GSTN to implement Rule-59(6) on GST Portal. As per this rule, a registered person shall not be allowed to furnish FORM GSTR-1, if he has not furnished the return in FORM GSTR-3B for the preceding two months. If RP has opted for QRMP, he shall not be allowed to furnish FORM GSTR-1 or use IFF, if he has not furnished the return in FORM GSTR-3B for the for preceding tax period.

1. Rule-59(6) of CGST Rules, 2017; inserted vide Notification No. 1/2021 dated 1st January 2021, provides for restriction in filing of GSTR-1 in certain cases :

a) a registered person shall not be allowed to furnish the details of outward supplies of goods or services or both under section 37 in FORM GSTR-1, if he has not furnished the return in FORM GSTR-3B for preceding two months;

b) a registered person, required to furnish return for every quarter under the proviso to sub-section (1) of section 39, shall not be allowed to furnish the details of outward supplies of goods or services or both under section 37 in FORM GSTR-1 or using the invoice furnishing facility, if he has not furnished the return in FORM GSTR-3B for preceding tax period;

2. This Rule will be implemented on GST Portal from 1st September, 2021. On implementation of the said Rule, the system will check that whether before the filing of GSTR-1/IFF of a tax-period, the following has been filed or not:

a) GSTR-3B for the previous two monthly tax-periods (for monthly filers),
OR

b) GSTR-3B for the previous quarterly tax period (for quarterly filers), as the case may be. The system will restrict filing of GSTR-1/IFF till Rule-59(6) is complied with.

3. This check will operate on clicking the SUBMIT button of GSTR-1 and the system will give an error message if the condition of Rule-59(6) is not met. It may be noted that records which have been saved in GSTR-1 will remain saved and filing of such records will be permitted after Rule-59(6) is complied with.

4. Implementation of Rule-59(6) on the GST Portal will be completely automated, similar to the blocking & un-blocking of e-way bill as per Rule-138E and facility for filing of GSTR-1 will be restored immediately after filing of relevant GSTR-3B. No separate approval would be needed from the tax-officer to restore the facility for filing of GSTR-1.

5. To ensure no disruption in filing GSTR-1/IFF, taxpayers who have not filed their pending GSTR-3B, especially from period November 2020 and afterwards may do so at the earliest.