Monthly GST Return Filing in Pakistan: Compliance Guide to Avoid Penalties

Published on: April 29, 2025

Filing monthly GST returns is mandatory for registered businesses in Pakistan under the Sales Tax Act, 1990. Missing deadlines or errors can trigger FBR audits, fines, and supply chain disruptions.

At ICT, we provide FBR-certified GST training to help businesses stay compliant and minimize risks.

Who Must File Monthly GST Returns?

✔ Registered persons (NTN holders) with taxable supplies
✔ Importers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers
✔ Service providers (if registered under Sales Tax)

⚠️ Exemption: Businesses with annual turnover below PKR 10 million (unless voluntarily registered).

Step-by-Step GST Return Filing Process

  1. Gather Required Documents
    • Sales invoices (with buyer’s NTN)
    • Purchase records (for input tax adjustment)
    • Bank payment challan (if tax is payable)
    • Import documents (for imported goods)
  1. Log in to FBR’s IRIS Portal
  1. Select the Correct Return Form
  • ST-7 (Monthly Return):Standard form for most businesses
  • ST-8 (Annual Return):Filed alongside monthly returns
  1. Enter Transaction Details
  • Output Tax (on sales)
  • Input Tax (on purchases)
  • Net Tax Payable (Output – Input Tax)
  1. Submit & Pay Dues (If Applicable)
  • Deadline:15th of the following month
  • Payment Options:
  • Online banking
  • FBR-approved bank branches

📌 Late Filing Penalty: PKR 1,000/day (Max PKR 50,000)

5 Common GST Filing Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Incorrect Invoice Details

❌ Error: Missing buyer’s NTN or wrong tax calculation
✅ Fix: Use FBR-approved invoicing software

  1. Underreporting Sales

❌ Error: Omitting cash sales or undisclosed income
✅ Fix: Reconcile with bank deposits and inventory records

  1. Ignoring Input Tax Adjustments

❌ Error: Not claiming eligible input tax (e.g., imports, local purchases)
✅ Fix: Maintain purchase records with supplier NTNs

  1. Late Filing

❌ Error: Missing the 15th of the month deadline
✅ Fix: Set calendar reminders or hire a tax agent

  1. Technical Errors in E-Filing

❌ Error: Portal crashes or submission failures
✅ Fix: File 2-3 days before deadline

ICT’s FBR GST Compliance Training

Our courses cover:
✅ GST Return Filing (ST-7 & ST-8)
✅ FBR Audit Preparedness
✅ Input Tax Optimization Strategies

🔗 Enroll Now: ICT GST Training

Pro Tips for Hassle-Free GST Compliance

✔ Digitize records (QuickBooks, Tally)
✔ Reconcile monthly with bank statements
✔ Consult experts for complex transactions

📞 Need help? Contact ICT Tax Consultants

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