Best GST Filing Service India 2026
There are two ways to get GST returns filed: a managed service, where an accountant prepares and files GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B for you, or GST software, where you or your accountant do the work. Tax Garden and Ankpal are managed services; ClearTax and ExpressGST are software. Pick based on how much of the work you want to hand off.
GSTR-1 is due on the 11th and GSTR-3B on the 20th of every month for regular taxpayers. You can file yourself on the GST portal, hire an in-house accountant, buy software, or pay a managed service. This guide compares the last two options.
Tax Garden: Best for Hands-Off SMEs
Model: Managed filing by a CA-led team, flat monthly fee by transaction volume.
Plans (professional fees, GST extra):
- GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B filing: Rs 1,500/month (up to 100 transactions), Rs 3,000/month (up to 225), Rs 5,000/month (up to 500)
- Retail Shops GST Package: Rs 2,100/month (GSTR-1 and 3B up to 100 transactions plus TDS filings up to 200 transactions)
- Compliance Standard: Rs 6,200/month (GST and TDS filings with quarterly reviews)
- Multi-GSTIN / Scale: Rs 17,600/month (multi-GSTIN reconciliations)
What you get:
- A dedicated account manager for your business
- GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B prepared and filed by our team from the invoices you share
- GSTR-2B and IMS reconciliation before every GSTR-3B
- Kavach cover of up to Rs 50,000 in service charges for clerical errors made by our team
GST notice replies are billed separately at Rs 3,500 per reply.
Trade-off: You do not operate the software yourself, so you rely on sharing invoices on time.
Best for: SME owners who want returns handled end to end.
ClearTax: Best for Tech-Comfortable Teams
Model: GST filing software, operated by you or your accountant, with assisted options.
What you get:
- GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B preparation and filing software
- Reconciliation tools
- Integrations with accounting and ERP systems
Trade-off:
- Someone on your side has to enter or upload data and run reconciliation
- Pricing depends on the GSTINs, invoice volume and modules you choose, so get a quote for your volume
Best for: Accountants, finance teams and businesses with in-house staff.
ExpressGST: Budget DIY Option
Model: DIY GST filing software.
What you get:
- GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B preparation and filing
- Invoice and return data management
Trade-off:
- You handle data entry, reconciliation and filing yourself
- No professional review before filing
Best for: Owners with simple GST and time to file themselves.
Ankpal: Managed Alternative
Model: Managed, accountant-led filing.
What you get:
- GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B filing handled by their team
- ITC reconciliation
Best for: Businesses comparing managed providers. Ask for a written scope and fixed fee, as you would with any provider.
Tax Garden vs ClearTax: Head-to-Head
For accounting software, billing apps and ITR tools beyond this list, see ClearTax alternatives for GST and ITR filing, or the detailed Tax Garden vs ClearTax comparison.
Tax Garden: Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000/month for GST-only filing (Rs 18,000 to Rs 60,000 a year), more for bundled plans. Our team does the work.
ClearTax: Software subscription priced on your GSTINs and volume. Lower cost if you already have someone to run it.
Verdict: Tax Garden if you want the work done for you. ClearTax if you have staff and want software control.
DIY vs Managed: What a Year Really Costs
DIY software:
- Software subscription
- Your time: data entry, GSTR-2B reconciliation and filing every month
- Late fee risk: Rs 50 per day per return (Rs 20 for nil returns), capped by turnover, plus 18% p.a. interest on tax paid late (Sections 47 and 50, CGST Act)
Managed service (Tax Garden, up to 100 transactions/month):
- Rs 1,500 x 12 = Rs 18,000/year in professional fees
- Your time: sharing invoices each month
- Kavach: up to Rs 50,000 in service charges covered for clerical errors by our team
Verdict: Software is cheaper on paper. Managed filing makes sense once your own hours and the cost of a late or wrong return are counted.
How to Choose
Choose Tax Garden if:
- You want compliance handled completely
- You want a flat, predictable fee (see our GST filing service)
- You don't want to learn GST software
Choose ClearTax if:
- You have an accountant or finance team to run it
- You need enterprise integrations
Choose ExpressGST if:
- Budget is the priority
- Your GST is simple (few invoices)
- You are comfortable with reconciliation
If you have only just registered, work through the GST compliance checklist for new businesses before you pick a filing service.
Bottom Line
Want hands-off: Tax Garden (dedicated account manager, from Rs 1,500/month).
Want software control: ClearTax.
Want lowest cost: ExpressGST, if you have the time to file yourself.
Don't delay: GSTR-1 is due on the 11th and GSTR-3B on the 20th each month.
