CMP-08 Filing: Due Date, Format, Late Fees, Eligibility & Rules
The CMP-08 filing is an important compliance requirement for taxpayers registered under the GST Composition Scheme. Many small businesses face confusion due to fixed deadlines, specific formats and strict rules. Missing the due date or filing incorrect information can result in late fees and penalties. Since composition taxpayers pay tax at a fixed rate and cannot claim input tax credit, timely and accurate CMP-08 filing becomes important. A clear understanding of the due date, eligibility, format and rules helps businesses avoid errors and stay compliant.
What is CMP-08?
Form CMP-08 is a statement-cum-challan. Taxpayers registered under the Composition Scheme use it. It is not a standard return but a method to declare details. You use it to declare self-assessed tax payable for a specific quarter. This form replaced the GSTR-4 quarterly return in the 2019-20 financial year. It simplifies compliance for small taxpayers. Dealers use CMP-08 to deposit tax payments. You must complete the GST CMP-08 return filing process every quarter. It ensures your tax liabilities remain clear with the government.
Eligibility Criteria for CMP-08 Filing
Specific taxpayers must file this form. You are eligible if you registered under the Composition Scheme via Form CMP-02. This scheme supports small businesses with lower turnover.
- Manufacturers and Traders: Your turnover must be up to ₹1.5 crore.
- Service Providers: Your turnover must be up to ₹50 lakhs.
- North-Eastern States: The limit is ₹75 lakhs for manufacturers and traders.
Certain businesses are not eligible for the Composition Scheme. You cannot opt for it if you manufacture ice cream, pan masala or tobacco products. Casual taxable persons and non-resident taxable persons are also excluded. It is important to check your eligibility before filing the CMP-08, as incorrect classification can lead to compliance issues and penalties.
CMP-08 Due Dates and Filing Frequency
You must file this form quarterly. The deadline is the 18th of the month succeeding the quarter. Sticking to the schedule is mandatory.
- April to June Quarter: Due by 18th July.
- July to September Quarter: Due by 18th October.
- October to December Quarter: Due by 18th January.
- January to March Quarter: Due by 18th April.
For example, the CMP-08 due date for January to March quarter is 18th April. The government may extend dates through notifications. Always check the official GST portal for updates. Timely filing of the GST CMP-08 return prevents late fees.
Also Read: What is GST in India?
Step-by-Step Process to File CMP-08
Filing the return is a fully digital process. It can be completed through the GST portal or by using approved GST-compliant software. Follow the steps carefully to ensure an accurate, error-free submission.
- Log in to the GST Portal.
- Navigate to the Dashboard.
- Click on 'Services' then 'Returns' and select 'Returns Dashboard'.
- Select the Financial Year and the Return Filing Period.
- Click on 'Prepare Online' under Form CMP-08.
- Enter details of outward supplies.
- Enter details of inward supplies attracting reverse charge.
- Input interest payable if applicable.
- The system calculates tax payable.
- Deposit the tax amount in the Electronic Cash Ledger.
- Preview the draft to check for errors.
- Submit the form using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Electronic Verification Code (EVC).
This process completes your GST CMP-08 return filing. Verify all data before final submission. Errors can be difficult to rectify later.
CMP-08 Format Explained
The form contains four specific parts. Understanding the layout helps you prepare data beforehand.
- GSTIN: Your Goods and Services Tax Identification Number.
- Legal Name: Auto-populated based on your login.
- Summary of Self-Assessed Liability: This is the main table. It includes outward supplies. It also includes inward supplies liable to reverse charge. You report the tax payable here.
- Payment of Tax: This section details how you paid the tax. It shows the amount debited from the Electronic Cash Ledger. It includes interest if the filing is late.
Familiarity with the CMP-08 format ensures you have the right data ready. Proper data management aids smooth CMP-08 filing.
Penalties and Late Fees for CMP-08 Non-Filing
Missing the deadline attracts penalties. The government imposes a daily late fee.
- CGST: ₹100 per day.
- SGST: ₹100 per day.
- Total: ₹200 per day.
- Maximum Cap: ₹5,000 per return.
CMP-08 late fees accrue from the due date until the actual filing date. You must pay interest at 18% per annum on the tax liability. This applies in addition to the late fee. These accumulating costs can strain cash flow for small businesses, so planning ahead with tools like a Business Loan EMI Calculator helps forecast and manage such financial pressures effectively.
Continuous non-filing has severe consequences. If you fail to file for two consecutive quarters, your e-way bill generation facility gets blocked. You must file Form EWB-05 to restore it. Avoiding late fees for GST CMP-08 returns saves capital.
Also Read: Everything you need to know about Business Loan
Common Errors and How to Resolve Them During CMP-08 Filing
Technical glitches or data errors can happen. Being aware of them helps you resolve issues quickly.
- Last Return Not Filed: You must file previous returns. The portal blocks the current filing if prior periods are pending.
- Negative Liability: The form does not accept negative figures. Adjustment requires a different process.
- Insufficient Balance: Ensure your Electronic Cash Ledger has funds. Create a challan to add money before filing.
- DSC/EVC Issues: Ensure your signer software is up to date. Check your registered mobile number for OTPs.
- System Error RET00009: This indicates a technical glitch. Clear your browser cache and try again later.
Addressing CMP-08 filing errors promptly prevents delays. Resolving GST CMP-08 filing issues ensures you meet the deadline.
Final Thoughts
Filing the CMP-08 form on time is important for composition dealers to stay compliant with GST laws and avoid penalties. A clear understanding of eligibility, format and due dates ensures accurate filing. Digital tools help reduce errors and support smooth compliance, strengthening business credibility. If you need funds to manage working capital or compliance-related expenses, a Business Loan can be a practical option.
Apply now for a Business Loan.
FAQs
Q.1. Can I file nil CMP-08 if there is no turnover?
A. You must file a Nil return. This applies even if you have no business activity for the quarter.
Q.2. Is the CMP-08 filing mandatory even if there is no tax liability?
A. Filing is mandatory for all composition dealers. You must declare the status for every quarter.
Q.3. Can the Input Tax Credit (ITC) be used to pay the CMP-08 tax?
A. Composition dealers cannot claim ITC. You must pay the liability from your cash ledger.
Q.4. Can CMP-08 be revised after it is filed?
A. You cannot revise the form after submission. Any errors must be adjusted in the statement for the next quarter.
Q.5. What is Negative Liability Adjustment in CMP-08?
A. This occurs when the tax paid exceeds the liability. The excess amount is applied to future liabilities.
Q.5. Which signature modes are accepted for CMP-08 filing?
A. You can use a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). You can also use an Electronic Verification Code (EVC).
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