Preparing GSTR-1/Viewing GSTR-2A using Offline Utility

FAQs
1.What is Returns Offline Tool?

Businesses that generate a large number of invoices in a tax period may find it cumbersome to upload invoices one-by-one. Not only that, it will become a time-consuming activity with huge cost implication. Therefore, to facilitate the upload of invoices in bulk, a Returns Offline tool has been provided for preparing Returns (Form GSTR-1/IFF), in which a taxpayer can add up to 19,000 line items in the offline mode and upload them to the GST Portal in one go.
In case a taxpayer has more invoice data, they can use the Returns Offline tool multiple times to upload the same. The appearance of the Returns Offline tool is similar to that in the web portal and the functionalities are identical. Before you download and install the Returns Offline tool, make sure that your desktop meets the system requirements.
This tool can also be used to download and view data in your Form GSTR-2A, auto-populated on basis of returns furnished by your suppliers in their respective Form GSTR.

2.Can a taxpayer sign/ submit his/her return in the Offline tool?

No. After upload of the return to the GST Portal, the taxpayer has to generate a summary, verify the correctness of the summary and electronically sign the FORM GSTR-1/ IFF, by either using DSC or EVC. You can also sign/ submit DSC or EVC by logging into the GST Portal http://www.gst.gov.in.

Note:
• Click here to know more about Form GSTR-1 online filing.
• Click here to know more about Furnishing Documents in Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF) through online mode.

3. Is the Offline tool mobile compatible?

No, currently, Offline tool can only be used only on desktops/laptops. Offline tool cannot be used on mobile. For system requirement, please refer
(https://www.gst.gov.in/download/returns).

4.Where can I find the detailed user manual of the Offline tool?
The detailed user manual gets downloaded along with the Offline tool and the excel workbook template.