What is GSTR-2B? A Complete Overview for Easy Business and Tax Payment

GSTR 2B is auto-drafted taxpayer data. It offers ineligible and eligible ITC (Input Tax Credit) every month, the same as GSTR 2A. Still, the difference between the two is that they remain unchanged or consistent for a period. The basics of GSTR 2B are when GST portal GSTR 2B is accessed for a month, the given data remains unchanged for the supplier’s subsequent changes in the next month. For those who fall under the GST slab, it is important to have a proper introduction to GSTR-2B. 

GSTR 2B is accessible to all casual, regular, and SEZ taxpayers. Based on GTR1, GSTR 5, and GSTR 6, all recipients can generate GSTR 2B. The given statement will show the details according to the document series of Input Tax Credit eligibility. The information in ITC will be filed from the recorded date of the M-1 (preceding month) for GSTR 1 up to the given filing date for the M (current month) of GSTR 1.

GSTR 2 Definition

While explaining GSTR-2B, it is an ITC statement; it is auto-drafted and can be generated by average taxpayers on the data given by the supplies according to GSTR 1/IFF, GSTR 5, and GSTR 6. The data indicates to the taxpayers the non-availability and availability of ITC according to the documents the suppliers file.

Understanding the Purpose of GSTR 2B

The information in the statement is reported in such a way that allows the taxpayers to reconcile input tax credits with their records and accounts. This will help them identify the documents to confirm the following points while understanding GSTR-2B:

• ITC is only assisted once against a single document.
• In GSTR 3B, the GST law, the ITC is reversed whenever required.
• GST is paid based on the reversed charge for the applicable documents, which include the import of services.

Also Read: GSTR- 2B: Everything You Need to Know

What are the Benefits of GSTR-2B?

Taxpayers can reconcile ITC using their accounting records, thanks to how the data in GSTR-2B is reported. They will find it easy to identify the following papers with their assistance:

• A single document cannot be used to claim an input tax credit more than once.
• When necessary, the tax credit is reversed by the GST rules in their GSTR-3B.
• GST is paid for the relevant papers, including the import of services, using a reverse charge basis.
• The statement lists the appropriate GSTR-3B tables or columns that must be accessed to claim an invoice’s or debit note’s input tax credit.

Also Read: Benefits and Limitations of using GSTR- 2B

What are the Two Categories of GSTR-2B?

The GSTR-2B are divided into two different categories. It is crucial to understand information in GSTR-2B. These are-

• Availability of ITC– PART-A of ITC Available is divided into four sections: ITC for supplies from registered individuals, ITC from ISD, ITC for inward supplies on reverse charge, and import of products. It includes information on inward supplies, including amendments, credit-debit notes (CDN), and import of goods. On the other hand, the “Others” section of PART-B, which deals with ITC Reversal, includes information on credit notes and changes.
• Not availability of ITC: Three sections comprise PART-A of ITC Not Available- All other ITC for supplies from registered individuals, ITC from ISD, and ITC towards inbound supplies on reverse charge. Part A also includes purchase invoice or CDN data, including any changes. In contrast, PART-B’s “Others” heading contains CDN data and updates.

What are the Important Features of GSTR 2B?

GSTR 2B provides prominent features to businesses. Those are:

• Remains Unchanged

The statement remains unchanged if the vendors want to make even a slight change in the data. These features help companies distinguish between the data mentioned in the returns and the data mentioned in the vendor’s invoices.  

• Maximum Convenience

Taxpayers can view the statement and save it in Excel or PDF format on their electronic devices. Apart from this, taxpayers are allowed in the GST portal to get the option of advanced searching, filtering, hiding, and sorting the data.

Each month, registered taxpayers get auto-populated generated statement information through e-mail or SMS.

• Detailed Information

You will receive detailed information from GSTR 2B regarding your business dealing with supplier. Taxpayers get the option of either downloading or viewing individual invoices, credit notes, or debit notes.

• Import Information

The import-related information has consisted in GSTR 2B. The Special Economic Zones and Customs unit provides the information.

• Input Tax Credit Segregation

Input Tax Credit (ITC) has been segregated into two different parts. The first one is available, and the other one is not available. Hence, the updated details in the open section are called ‘ITC available.’ And this information is reflected automatically in GSTR 3B.

The taxpayers might not get the ITC available option to affirm if it is invalid or cancelled or when Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) is charged wrongly during intra-state goods supply. For example – the place from where the supply has been done is ‘A,’ and the supplier state is also the same, i.e., ‘A,’ but the recipient of the good belongs from another state, viz., ‘B.’

• View Advisory

In every return section, taxpayers will have the option to view the advisory. When the taxpayer clicks on this given option regarding the action, they get a clarification on what has to be taken in that return’s particular section.

• Details According to the Suppliers

In the GST portal, taxpayers can view the monthly details according to the suppliers.

Differences Between GSTR 2A and GSTR 2B

 Understanding the difference between GSTR-2A and GSTR 2B is important. It follows-

Also Read: Key Differences Between GSTR-2A And GSTR-2B

How To View & Download GSTR 2B?

With the following steps, you can view and download the statement from the GST portal.

• Step 1: Visit the GST Council’s official website. 
• Step 2: Now log in to the GST portal by filling in the username, password, and captcha code blanks. 
• Step 3: Click on “services”.
• Step 4: Now click on “returns dashboard”, the option is under the tab “returns”. 
• Step 5: Choose your required tax period.
• Step 6: Time to select the required month and year. 
• Step 7: Now click on GSTR 2B.
•  Step 8: Download the file from the option “download”. 

In the moment it will be saved in your electronic device. Now you can see it anytime, even if you are offline. 

Understanding the Format of GSTR-2B

Below is the overall format of GSTR-2B

How is GSTR-2B is Generated?

There are certain steps how GSTR-2B is generated. These are-

• The vendor first files a copy of GSTR-1 having details about outward supplies.
• The GSTR-1 information is auto-populated in GSTR-2B.
• The GST liabilities and ITCs are automatically entered into GSTR 2B upon receipt of the supplier’s GSTR 3B.
• The recipient can access the generated GSTR 2B through their GST portal.
• Prior to filing a return, it is important to balance differences between a company’s returns and the supplier’s invoice in GSTR 2B.
• After the reconciliation is finished, click the ‘File’ button on the portal to file GSTR 2B.

FAQs:

1. How can I file GSTR 2B?

To give a GSTR-2B overview, you have to file GSTR 2B. Here are the steps. 

• First, go to the GST official website, click on services, then click returns, then returns dashboard, now file returns, and finally GSTR 2B file. 
• Entries drop-dead date to audit the statement?
• Depending on the return type, the 11th to 13th of the succeeding month. Then on the 14th of the month, the statement is to be generated.

2. When is GSTR 2B generated?

Ans: The GSTR 2B is generated 14th of every month and is a static statement. 

3. What is the purpose behind GSTR 2B?

The purpose behind the form GSTR 2B is that taxpayers should ensure that they received the correct ITC on GSTR 3B’s specific action.

4. Is it important for taxpayers to refer the GSTR-2A or 2B for the input tax credit claims?

Ans: For preparing GSTR 3B, taxpayers need to GSTR -2B- a static version of GSTR-2A.

5. Why is GSTR-2B reconciliation important?

Ans: Before introducing GSTR-2B, there was a major issue with having to claim ITC twice, which might happen if you don’t reconcile. GSTR-2B helps you avoid this. But you can keep track of which invoices used to claim Input Tax Credits (ITC) with the use of GSTR-2B reconciliation.

Pratis Amin Freelance content developer

Pratish is a seasoned financial writer with a profound understanding of the financial world. With years of experience in content development, especially in finance and IT, and being a commerce graduate, he offers valuable insights to help readers navigate the complex landscape of money management, GST and financial planning. With simple reading content, but with great information, Pratish keeps himself updated with the finance industry. In spare time, he loves binge watching series and socializing.

See Full Bio