How to check a company’s GST return filing status
To check a company’s GST filing status, search its GSTIN on the GST portal (Search Taxpayer → Show Filing Table) or on REFFNET, which shows its recent returns and a plain label such as “Filing regularly” or “GST return delayed”. Look mainly at GSTR-3B: it is the summary return with the tax payment.
The returns to look at
- GSTR-1: the business’s sales (outward supplies).
- GSTR-3B: the summary return with the tax paid. Regular GSTR-3B filing is the clearest sign a business is active and compliant.
Businesses file monthly or, if eligible, quarterly (the QRMP scheme for smaller businesses). Monthly GSTR-3B is due around the 20th of the next month; quarterly GSTR-3B around the 22nd–24th of the month after the quarter, depending on the state. Due dates can change, so check the current notification.
Step by step
- Open the REFFNET GST search or the GST portal’s Search Taxpayer.
- Enter the GSTIN.
- On REFFNET, read the filing label and the list of recent returns. On the GST portal, choose “Show Filing Table” and pick the financial year.
- Check that the latest GSTR-3B is recent: within the last month or two for monthly filers, the last quarter for quarterly filers.
What delays can mean
A missed or late return doesn’t prove anything on its own: there can be honest reasons. But several missed returns, especially with a large order or an advance payment involved, are worth a conversation before you pay. Missed returns can also affect your own input tax credit if your supplier doesn’t report your invoices: see what it means for your input tax credit.
On REFFNET you can also watch a business: we check it every night and alert you if a GST return is missed or its status changes.
Questions people ask
How often do businesses file GSTR-3B?
Monthly, or quarterly for businesses in the QRMP scheme. Quarterly filers still pay tax monthly but file GSTR-3B once a quarter.
Does a late GST return mean I shouldn’t deal with a business?
Not by itself. Treat it as a reason to ask questions, especially before an advance payment or credit.
Can I get alerts when a supplier stops filing?
Yes. Add the business to your watchlist in the REFFNET app; we check watched businesses every night and alert you about missed GSTR-3B returns and status changes.