I have not made any sale in the previous month. Do I still need to file my return?

Yes, if there are no sales in a particular month, you’ll have to file a Nil return for that month.

A Nil return for a tax period can be filed if:

• There are no Outward Supplies (including supplies on which tax is to be charged on a reverse charge basis, zero-rated supplies, and deemed exports) during the month or quarter for which the return is being filed.
• No amendments need to be made to any of the supplies declared in an earlier return.
• No Credit or Debit Notes need to be declared or amended.
• No details of advances received for services need to be declared or adjusted.

The Nil return has to be filed in the GST portal. Click this link to know about the steps for filing Nil return in GST portal. Once the return is filed in the portal, you can mark the return as filed in Zoho Books.

Here’s how you can mark the return as filed in Zoho Books:

1. Log into Zoho Books after filing your return in the GST portal.
2. Click GST Filing in the left sidebar.

• If the Branches feature is enabled, you’ll be redirected to the List of GSTINs page. Click View Summary next to the required GSTIN.
• If the Branches feature is not enabled, you will be redirected to the GSTIN’s page.

3. In the Monthly/Quarterly Returns section:

• Go to GSTR 1 and click File Return. Click Generate OTP if your session has expired. An OTP will be sent to your GST registered mobile number or email address if your session has expired.
• Enter your OTP and click Verify OTP.

4. Navigate to the File your Return tab and click Mark as Filed.
5. Enter your Date of Filing in the pop-up that appears. Confirm that you’ve filed your return by checking the box near the option “I confirm that the transaction amount in Zoho Books and the GSTN are the same and I’ve filed the return in GSTN.”
6. Click Yes to mark your return as filed in Zoho Books.