GSTR-2B Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here is the list of GSTR-2B frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is GSTR-2B and what does it do?

GSTR-2B is an auto-drafted ITC statement that is created for every regular taxpayer based on the information provided by his suppliers in their GSTR-1/IFF, GSTR-5 (NRTP), and GSTR-6 returns (ISD). The statement shows whether or not an ITC is available to the taxpayer for each return furnished by his suppliers.

Q2. When will GST-2B return be generated and made available to taxpayers?

GSTR-2B is a monthly statement that is released on the 14th day of the next month. For example, on the 14th of August 2021, the statement for the month of July 2021 was prepared and made available to the registered person. The details of all the documents in GSTR-2B are available both online and by download facility.

Q3. What are the GSTR-2B inputs?

1. All B2B information/documents filed by suppliers in their monthly or quarterly GSTR-1, IFF, and GSTR-5 return.
2. GSTR-6 information submitted by ISD taxpayers.
3. ICEGATE information on ITC of IGST paid on imported products and inward supplies from SEZ.

Q4. What should be done if import IGST isn’t included in GSTR-2B?

GSTR-2B also includes data on goods imported through the ICEGATE system, as well as the inward supply of goods received by SEZ Units / Developers. If any Bill of Entry is not reflected in your GSTR-2B, you can use GSTN’s self-service functionality to retrieve the missing records from ICEGATE. In this regard, an advisory has already been issued, which may be seen at https://www.gst.gov.in/newsandupdates/read/505.

Q5. What about entries with a reverse charge?

It should be noted that the reverse charge credit on services imported is not included in this statement and must be provided by taxpayers in Table 4(A)(2) of FORM GSTR-3B. The reverse charge on goods imported is auto-populated by ICEGATE.

Q6. What are the responsibilities of taxpayers?

It is recommended that taxpayers reconcile the data generated in GSTR-2B with their records and books of accounts. Taxpayers must guarantee that 

1. Under no circumstances can credit be used twice for the same document.
2. Credit will be reversed in accordance with the GST Act and Rules in their GSTR-3B form.
3. Tax must be paid on a reverse charge basis.
4. GSTR-2B has detailed and section-by-section instructions that taxpayers can review.

Q7. When will the advanced search feature become available?

If there are more than 1000 documents in all tables of Form GSTR-2B, the advanced search option will be enabled. Taxpayers can view a specific document by selecting this option. 

Q8. Is it possible to retrieve individual table details from the GSTR-2B Form? 

Yes, by clicking the Download Excel link in the document information, you can download each table detail in GSTR-2B Form. The same link will be available provided that the total number of documents across all tables reaches 1000. 

You can either utilize the advanced search option or download the complete file with more than 1000 records. 

Q9. What are the various instances in which ITC is unavailable? 

ITC availability is shown as No in Form GSTR-2B only in the following scenarios: – 

• i. Invoice or debit note for the supply of goods or/and services to a recipient who is not eligible for Input Tax Credit (ITC). 
• ii. Invoice or debit note in which the Supplier (GSTIN) and place of supply are in the same state as the recipient, but the recipient is in a different state. 

Q10. Is it possible for a taxpayer to download and save a copy of the GSTR-2B form for future use? 

Yes, in post-login mode on the GST portal, Form GSTR-2B for a specific tax period will be available for viewing and/or downloading (in Excel and/or JSON formats).