GST data format for monthly return filing

Written by Tax Paramarsh editorial teamReviewed by Tax Paramarsh GST deskLast updated 3 October 2026Applies to: GST rules in force on 3 October 2026

Clean data in the right format turns GST filing from a week of back-and-forth into a quick review. These are the columns that matter.

Sales register (for GSTR-1)

Invoice number · Invoice date · Buyer name · Buyer GSTIN (blank for B2C) · Place of supply (state) · HSN/SAC · Taxable value · Tax rate · IGST · CGST · SGST · Cess · Invoice type (B2B, B2C, export, SEZ) · Linked invoice (for credit/debit notes)

Purchase register (for GSTR-2B matching)

Supplier GSTIN · Supplier name · Invoice number · Invoice date · Taxable value · IGST · CGST · SGST · Cess · Eligible / blocked · Capital goods (Y/N) · Payment date

Tips

Use one row per invoice line or per invoice, consistently.
Keep invoice numbers exactly as printed — matching depends on them.
Tag reverse-charge purchases separately.

Key takeaways

Invoice-level data, with GSTIN and place of supply.
Keep invoice numbers exactly as printed.
Tag blocked and reverse-charge items.

Common questions

Can I send data from Tally or Busy?

Yes — exports from accounting software usually contain these fields already.

Is there a template?

Yes — our free GSTR-2B reconciliation template covers the purchase side.

Need help with this every month?Tax Paramarsh can review your sales, purchases and GST records every month — and file on time.

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General information, reviewed on 3 October 2026 — not advice for your specific case. GST rules, forms and due dates change; talk to us before acting.