Since the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India in 2017, businesses have had to navigate a new tax regime with a variety of forms and compliance requirements. Among these forms is GSTR 2A, an important document that plays a crucial role in the GST framework. This guide will help you understand what Goods and Services Tax return 2A is, its significance, and how it fits into the GST compliance process.
GSTR 2A is an auto-generated document provided by the GST portal to every business registered under GST. This document provides detailed information about the purchases a business has made during a specific period. The system generates it based on the information sellers submit through their GSTR 1 and GSTR 5 forms.
Unlike other forms, GSTR 2A is a read-only document. It serves as a tool for businesses to verify the purchase details reported by their suppliers. Taxpayers must address any discrepancies between Goods and Services Tax return 2A and their actual purchase records before filing GSTR 2.
The system automatically populates GSTR 2A using data from various GST forms submitted by sellers and counterparties.
When sellers file these forms, the data is reflected in the GSTR 2A of the buyer. If a seller delays their filing, the details will only appear in the GSTR 2A of the following month, necessitating manual entry of purchase details in GSTR 2 for the current period.
To view GSTR 2A, follow these steps:
If the number of invoices is more than 500, download the GSTR 2A using the GST offline tool:
GSTR 2A format seven headings, as per the government’s mandate. These are –
GSTIN – The 15-digit GSTIN of such business
Name of Taxpayer – The registered person’s legal name and trade name (if any)
Invoice details of inward supplies that a business received from a registered person, except supplies that attract a reverse charge. It is presented in the following format.
| GSTIN of Supplier | Invoice details | Rate | Taxable Value | Amount of Tax | Place of Supply (Name of State/UT) | |||||
| Number | Date | Value | Integrated tax | Central tax | State/UT tax | Cess | ||||
| Details of original document | Revised details of document or details of original Debit/Credit note | Rate | Taxable Value | Amount of tax | Place of Supply (Name of State/UT) | ||||||||
| GSTIN | No | Date | GSTIN | No | Date | Value | Integrated tax | Central tax | State/UT tax | Cess | |||
IDS credit received (including amendments thereof) – It is applicable for Input Service Distributors and their branches. This title shows the credit of ISD and any modification in the current tax period.
TDS and TCS credit received (including amendments thereof) – Businesses involved in TDS transactions or selling online via an e-commerce platform must apply it.
| Criteria for Comparison | GSTR 2A | GSTR 2B |
| Objective of Statement | It is an auto-drafted statement that furnishes input tax credit information to every recipient of supplies, on the basis of the suppliers’ details including changes implemented later on. | It is a constant auto-drafted statement that furnishes input tax credit information to every recipient of supplies, on the basis of the suppliers’ data for every tax period. |
| Statement’s Characteristic | The document is dynamic since it changes from day to day, as and when a supplier informs the documents. | The document is static, as it is for one month, and can’t be changed on the basis of the actions of the supplier implemented later. |
| When will ITC entries get transferred from sources? | GSTR-1: Saved, filed, or submitted; GSTR-6: Submitted; GSTR-7 and GSTR-8: Filed | Goods and Services Tax return-1, GSTR-5, or GSTR-6: Filed |
| Maximum ITC entries visible on GST portal (without excel download) | 500 rows | 1000 rows |
| Frequency of availability | Monthly | Monthly |
| Advisory on ITC claims | It does not consist of details on the action a registered buyer requires to undertake | It consists of an advisory against every section on whether the Input Tax Credit is eligible/ineligible/reversal, for the taxpayer to undertake certain action as per his GSTR-3B |
GSTR 3B is a self-declared return summarizing the ITC a business is eligible to claim. Businesses must reconcile GSTR 2 with GSTR 3B to ensure accurate ITC claims. You must correct any discrepancies or excess claims to avoid penalties.
Understanding Goods and Services Tax return 2A is essential for GST compliance. While it is an auto-generated, read-only document, it provides crucial details about the purchases a business has made. By regularly reviewing and reconciling GSTR 2A with GSTR 3B, businesses can ensure accurate ITC claims and avoid potential penalties.
GSTR 2A provides a view of the invoices received by a business from its suppliers. It helps in verifying and reconciling purchase details for accurate tax reporting.
No, GSTR 2A is a read-only document. However, if discrepancies are found, they should be addressed by updating GSTR 2 and notifying the supplier.
GSTR 2A is updated automatically when suppliers file their returns. It can change frequently based on updates from GSTR 1, GSTR 5, and other forms.
GSTR 2A is not a filing requirement itself. It is used to verify purchase details and ensure accurate filing of GSTR 2.
If discrepancies are found, they should be corrected in the GSTR 2 return before submission. Notify the supplier if needed to resolve any issues.
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