Even though both the Form GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B manifest identical details, both the forms adhere to plenty of differences. In the write-up, we will discuss the same in detail.
An Overview on GSTR-2A
GSTR-2A is a purchase-oriented dynamic tax return. It is automatically generated for each business. This form usually fetches information from the GSTR-1, means; it retrieves detail of goods and/or services which have been purchased in a particular month from the GSTR-1 form. As a registered buyer, you may take the reference from GSTR-2A for ITC details while filing GSTR-3B and GSTR-9. But, for preparing GSTR-3B, the taxable person must refer to GSTR-2B which acts as a static version of a GSTR-2A.
GSTR- 2A shall be automatically populated from the following returns of the counterparty/sellers:
| Return | Filed by |
| GSTR 1 | Registered seller |
| GSTR-5 | Non-resident taxable person |
| GSTR 6 | Input Service Distributor |
| GSTR 7 | Individual accountable for deducting TDS |
| GSTR 8 | e-Commerce operator |
What is GSTR-2B?
GSTR-2B renders eligible and ineligible ITC for each month, identical to GSTR-2A but remains unaltered for a period. Whenever a GSTR-2B is accessed on the Goods and Services Tax portal, the data in it stays the same without being altered for subsequent changes in later months.
The list below reflects the content of GSTR-2B
- Summary statement manifesting availability of ITC for every section.
- Advisory for each section enlists the type of action those taxpayers must take.
- Document-wise information such as credit notes, invoices, and debit notes to view and download.
- Cut-off dates and instructions related to the generation and usages of GSTR-2B.
- Importation of goods & imports from SEZ entities
Read our article:How To Obtain GST Registration in India?
Key differences between GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B
The differences between GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B exist on the following grounds:
Type of statement
Form GSTR-2A is generally recognized as a dynamic[1] statement. The details about inward supplies about input tax credit shall be updated continually. Conversely, Form GSTR-2B refers to a static statement form. The details under this form will be updated regularly.
The basis for the manifestation of details
In the case of Form GSTR-2A, the information related to the inward supplies shall be manifested in the statement on a real-time basis. Simply put, the details will get updated as soon as the suppliers submit the detail regarding the outward suppliers either via Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF) or Form GSTR-1.
Let’s say a registered taxpayer while filing GSTR-1 for Feb 2021 has failed to disclose some supplies. The missed supplies were provided by the taxpayer while filing Form GSTR-1 for March 2021. Correspondingly, the details of said missed supplies will be manifested in Form GSTR-2A in March 2021.
But, in the case of Form GSTR-2B, the details regarding the inward supplies shall be manifested statically. It will manifest the outward suppliers’ details disclosed by the suppliers between two dues of both Invoice Furnishing Facility and GSTR-1.
For instance, let’s say the taxpayer discloses the details related to outward supplies for Feb 2021 after the due date. Under such a scenario, the corresponding details related to inward supplies & the input tax credit will be disclosed in Form GSTR-2B in Feb 2021. In such a case, the corresponding details of inward supplies and the input tax credit will not be reflected in Form GSTR-2B in January 2021.
Bifurcation of eligible & ineligible Input Tax Credit
Form GSTR-2A lacks bifurcation of eligible ITC and ineligible input tax credit. Meanwhile, form GSTR-2B extensively bifurcates the eligible & the ineligible input tax credit.
Data source
Form GSTR-2A gathers/compiles data based on returns filed by the suppliers in Form GSTR-1; GSTR-5, GSTR-6, GSTR-7and GSTR-8. Form GSTR-2, on the contrary, compiles data from GSTR-1, GSTR-5, and GSTR-6 submitted by the suppliers.
GSTR-2A Vs GSTR-2B: At a Glance
The table will help you predict the differences between GSTR-
2a and GSTR-2B with ease.
| Grounds of Comparison | GSTR-2A | GSTR-2B |
| Nature of Statement | Dynamic as its changes in tandem with documents uploaded by the suppliers | Remains static as the GSTR-2B for a single month cannot be subjected to change based on future actions of the supplier. |
| Frequency of Availability | Monthly | Monthly |
| Information source | Form GSTR-1,Form GSTR-5, Form GSTR-6, Form GSTR-7, Form GSTR-8 | Form GSTR-1, Form GSTR-5, Form GSTR-6, ICEGATE system |
| Input Tax Credit on Importation of Goods | Doesn’t entails such details | Entails Input tax credit on importation of goods as availed from ICEGATE system |
Conclusion
The difference between GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B revolves around few grounds as mentioned in the table above. It’s important to note down that GSTR-2A seeks frequent reconciliation owing to its dynamic nature. But, the same is not true with GSTR-2B. Claiming ITC at the GST portal could be daunting at times. In case you are finding it hard to do the same then feel free to get in touch with a CorpBiz associate.
Read our article:How to apply for GST registration certificate online?
