GST

GSTR-2A / GSTR-2B

Auto-generated GST returns showing inward supplies from supplier GSTR-1 filings

Definition

GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B are auto-generated GST returns that show a registered business all the inward supplies (purchases) reported by their suppliers in their respective GSTR-1 filings. GSTR-2A is a dynamic document that updates in real-time as suppliers file or amend their GSTR-1 returns throughout the month. GSTR-2B, introduced in 2020, is a static monthly statement generated on the 14th of each month, providing a fixed snapshot of eligible and ineligible Input Tax Credit for that period. For Indian businesses, GSTR-2B is the primary document used to determine ITC eligibility when filing GSTR-3B. By comparing your purchase records with the data in GSTR-2B, you can identify invoices where the supplier has not filed their return, invoices with mismatched values, and credits that are ineligible. Regular reconciliation between your books and GSTR-2B is critical to avoid ITC reversals, notices from the tax department, and interest or penalty on wrongly claimed credits. Businesses should review GSTR-2B before filing every GSTR-3B to ensure accurate ITC claims.

How It Works

  1. 1When your suppliers file their GSTR-1, the invoice details they report are automatically populated into your GSTR-2A (real-time) and GSTR-2B (monthly snapshot on 14th of following month).
  2. 2You download or view your GSTR-2B from the GST portal and compare it against your own purchase records to identify matching invoices, mismatches, and missing entries.
  3. 3Invoices that appear in your GSTR-2B and match your purchase records are eligible for Input Tax Credit. Missing or mismatched invoices need to be investigated.
  4. 4Based on this reconciliation, you determine the ITC amount to claim in your GSTR-3B filing, ensuring you only claim credits that are verified and eligible.

Example

You run a building materials shop in Pune. In February, you purchased goods worth Rs. 6,00,000 from 5 different suppliers and paid GST of Rs. 1,08,000. When you check your GSTR-2B on 14th March, you find that only 4 suppliers have filed their GSTR-1, showing invoices worth Rs. 5,20,000 with GST of Rs. 93,600. One supplier (Rs. 80,000 purchase, Rs. 14,400 GST) has not filed. You can only claim ITC of Rs. 93,600 in your GSTR-3B. You contact the missing supplier and ask them to file their GSTR-1 so the remaining Rs. 14,400 ITC becomes available next month.

How Stock Register Handles This

  • Automatically reconcile your purchase invoices with GSTR-2B data to instantly identify matched, mismatched, and missing invoices
  • Highlight suppliers who have not filed their GSTR-1 so you can follow up and recover your blocked Input Tax Credit
  • Generate a reconciliation summary showing total ITC available, ITC matched, and ITC at risk for each tax period
  • Track GSTR-2B reconciliation status month-by-month to ensure no eligible credits are left unclaimed

Related Terms

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B?

GSTR-2A is a dynamic document that changes in real-time as suppliers file or amend their GSTR-1 returns — so the data keeps updating throughout the month. GSTR-2B is a static statement generated on the 14th of each month that does not change. GSTR-2B is the authoritative document for determining ITC eligibility when filing GSTR-3B.

Do I need to file GSTR-2A or GSTR-2B?

No, GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B are auto-generated by the GST portal from your suppliers' filings. You do not file them. They are reference documents for you to verify which of your purchase invoices are reflected in the system and how much ITC you can claim in your GSTR-3B.

What should I do if an invoice is missing from my GSTR-2B?

Contact the supplier immediately and request them to include the invoice in their GSTR-1 filing. Until the invoice appears in your GSTR-2B, you should not claim ITC on that purchase in your GSTR-3B. The credit will become available in a future period once the supplier files correctly.

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