How to Check GST Filing Status Online (2025 Guide)

• Admin
• October 16, 2025

How to Check GST Filing Status Online (2025 Guide)

GST Filing Status: See, Understand, and Correct Mistakes

Hello there! I've been closely observing the world of Tax and Compliance for the last 20 years. I know that checking your GST Filing Status, especially for MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), is nothing short of a puzzle. The status shows 'Submitted', but you constantly worry if it's actually 'Filed' or not? And what if it gets 'Rejected'?

 

The goal of this article is not just to tell you how to check the status, but to explain the true meaning of every status and how to correct any mistake like an expert.

 

After reading this guide, you won't need to visit any other website to check your GST status.

 

1. Checking Your GST Return Status: The Right Way and Direct Link

 

The most important task after filing your GST Return is to confirm its Status. Why? Because if your return doesn't show 'Filed' on the portal, technically it will be considered as not filed, and you could be charged a Late Fee.

 

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check GST Status on the Portal (Both Login/Log-out Methods)

 

There are mainly two ways to check your return status:

 

A. By Logging into Your Account (The Most Reliable Method):

 

1. Go to the GST Portal: First, visit services.gst.gov.in and log in with your GSTIN/Username and Password.

 

2. Go to Return Dashboard: After logging in, click on the Services tab, then select Returns, and finally click on 'View Filed Returns'.

 

3. Select Details: Choose the Financial Year and Return Period from the drop-down menu whose status you want to see (e.g., GSTR-3B).

 

4. Confirm Status: Here you will see the exact Filing Status next to your return type—like Filed, Submitted, Pending for Filing.

 

💡 Expert Tip: There is often a technical Delay of 1-2 minutes between the GSTR-3B payment date and the arrival of the 'Filed' status. If it's still not 'Filed' after 24 hours, immediately check the status of your bank Challan by going to the 'Payment' tab. If the Challan has failed, you will need to file the return again.

 

B. The Importance of Tracking Status with an ARN Number

 

On the GST portal, a 16-digit ARN (Application Reference Number) is generated immediately after the return is submitted. This ARN is like a confirmation that your form has been recorded in the portal's system.

 

• ARN's Significance: Think of the ARN as the 'Tracking ID of the tax world'. Just as you get a tracking ID when you order goods from Amazon or Flipkart, the ARN is a guarantee that your data has reached the government.

 

What is the Difference Between GSTR-3B and GSTR-1 Filing Status?

Return Type	What Does It Show?	Meaning of the Status
GSTR-1 (Outward Supplies)	This is the detail of your Sales.	Unless it is 'Filed', your Buyers will not be able to claim their Input Tax Credit (ITC).
GSTR-3B (Summary Return)	This is the summary of your Tax Liability and payment.	Only when this return is 'Filed', the government gets confirmation that you have paid the tax.

 

2. GSTR-3B Filing Status: Deep-Dive Meaning of Every Message

 

GSTR-3B is the most crucial return. Understanding its status is essential to avoid Late Fees.

 

'Filed' vs. 'Pending for Filing' vs. 'Submitted' – Understand the Real Difference

 

Status	Meaning	Action Required
Submitted	You have entered the data and pressed the 'Submit' button.	This is NOT filing! Immediately pay the tax and click on the 'File GSTR-3B' button.
Filed	You entered the data, paid the tax, and successfully uploaded the return via DSC/EVC.	Congratulations! Your work is complete.

 

Real-World Experience: Many people get reassured by the 'Submitted' status, but they forget that until it shows 'Filed' and you receive the SMS/Email confirmation, your return is not considered complete.

 

Meaning and Solution for 'Pending for Payment' and 'Liabilities Not Paid'

 

This status appears when you have submitted the form, but the tax has not been paid.

 

        Meaning of 'Pending for Payment' even when Tax Liability is Zero:

 

        Simple Analogy: Think of this like cutting a cheque even when your bank account has zero balance.

 

Even if the tax is zero (due to ITC), you must generate a Challan and bring it to 'Paid' status; only then will the GSTR-3B be 'Filed'.

 

Solution: Ensure your Electronic Cash Ledger shows sufficient balance for your liability. If not, immediately generate a Challan and make the payment.

 

Expert Tip: GSTR-3B Status's Connection to ITC Claim

 

As a Deep-Research Analyst, I can tell you that you can legally use ITC only when your GSTR-3B is 'Filed'. If it is only 'Submitted' or 'Pending', you cannot legally utilize the ITC.

 

3. GSTIN Status Check: Why It's Crucial Before Making Payment to a Supplier?

 

Your Input Tax Credit (ITC) depends on whether your supplier is Active or not. Checking their GSTIN status is a vital part of Risk Management for your business.

 

Why does a GSTIN become Active or Inactive?

 

A GSTIN can become 'Inactive' due to the following reasons:

 

1. Not Filing Returns for 6 Consecutive Months: This is the most common reason.

2. Cancellation of Registration: Voluntary or cancellation process initiated by an officer.

 

How to Verify Any GSTIN Status Online (The Complete Process)

 

This process is public and does not require a login.

 

1. Go to the GST Portal and select Services > User Services > 'Search Taxpayer'.
2. Enter the GSTIN and fill the Captcha.
3. View Results: The portal will immediately show its Legal Name, Address, Registration Date, and most importantly, its GSTIN Status (e.g., Active or Cancelled).

 

Hard-to-Find Fact: While checking the status, its Previous Status and Date of Cancellation are also visible, which is a Critical Data Point for any business deal.

 

Identifying Composition Scheme (CMP-08 Status) and its Importance

 

If your supplier is in the Composition Scheme, you cannot claim ITC from them.

 

Simple Analogy: Think of a Composition Scheme dealer as a 'fixed-rate shop'. They cannot charge GST from you.

 

Identification: When you check the GSTIN status, 'Composition' will be written in their Taxpayer Type.

 

4. How to Track Refund and Other Application Status: The Master-Use of ARN

 

After submitting any application, you can track its status using the received ARN (Application Reference Number).

 

Direct Way to Track GST Refund Status

 

1. Log in to the GST portal.
2. Select Services > Refunds > 'Track Application Status'.
3. Enter your ARN number.

Refund Status	Meaning
Processed	Work is underway on your application by the officer.
Approved	The refund has been sanctioned and forwarded for payment.
Sent to PFMS	This shows that the refund amount has been sent to the Public Financial Management System. Check bank details if there is a delay.
Rejected	Your application has been denied.

What to Do Immediately if 'Processed', 'Approved', or 'Rejected'?

 

• If 'Rejected': You must download the Rejection Order using the ARN number. Correct the Error/Truti mentioned in it and, if possible, re-apply or reply to the GST officer.

5. Action Plan for Correcting Mistakes: When Status is 'Rejected' or 'Invalid'

 

The status showing 'Rejected' or 'Invalid' is a Warning, not a final decision.

 

Common GST Filing Errors (Error/Truti) and Their Solutions

Avoid ₹500 Penalty! Nil GST Return Filing 2025: The 5-Minute Guide to Filing GSTR-3B & GSTR-1

Cause of Error	Expert Solution (Action Plan)
Insufficient balance in Cash Ledger	Immediately generate a Challan and pay the required tax.
Mismatch between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B	Correct the mistake made after filing GSTR-3B through Amendment in the next month's GSTR-1.
Technical failure	Lodge a Grievance on the portal and contact the GST Helpdesk.

Expert Way to Avoid and Reduce Late Fees

 

If the Due Date has passed, the best way to avoid Late Fees is:

 

• Use the DRC-03 Form: Before filing GSTR-3B, deposit the interest and penalty amount by making a Voluntary Tax Payment through DRC-03. This is a 'safety-valve' that settles your liability immediately, ensuring you pay less penalty when filing a late return.

 

Final Action Checklist: What to Do After Checking the Status?

 

This checklist will help ensure that your GST Compliance is always on the green signal.

 

Status Scenario	Action	Priority
GSTR-3B status is not 'Filed'.	Immediately complete the filing process using DSC/EVC.	High
Supplier's GSTIN shows 'Inactive'.	Do NOT make any Payment to that supplier.	High
Refund Application Status is 'Rejected'.	Download the Rejection Order and immediately file a reply/new application with corrections.	High