Key Takeaways
- The QRMP scheme lets GST-registered businesses with aggregate turnover up to Rs 5 crore file GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B quarterly instead of monthly.
- Tax must still be paid monthly using PMT-06 by the 25th of the following month, either via Fixed Sum Method (35% of last quarter's cash tax) or Self-Assessment Method.
- The Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF) allows uploading B2B invoices for months 1 and 2 of each quarter (cap: Rs 50 lakh/month) so your buyers can claim ITC without waiting for your quarterly GSTR-1.
- GSTR-3B quarterly due date is the 22nd (Category 1 states) or 24th (Category 2 states) of the month following the quarter end.
- The scheme is not available to composition dealers, Input Service Distributors, non-resident taxable persons, casual taxable persons, OIDAR suppliers, or TDS/TCS deductors.
If your business has an aggregate annual turnover of Rs 5 crore or less, you do not have to file GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B twelve times a year. The Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme, introduced by the CBIC through Notification No. 84/2020-Central Tax (dated October 10, 2020), lets eligible taxpayers file both returns on a quarterly cycle while paying tax monthly. This cuts your total return filings from 24 per year (12 GSTR-1 + 12 GSTR-3B) down to 8 (4 GSTR-1 + 4 GSTR-3B).
The trade-off is straightforward: fewer returns, but you still settle your tax liability every month using PMT-06. This guide covers the eligibility rules, opt-in process, IFF mechanism, payment methods, due dates, and practical considerations for SMEs evaluating whether QRMP is the right fit.
Looking for expert help with QRMP scheme GST quarterly return monthly payment small business India? The team at Tax Garden, based in Kondapur, Hyderabad, helps Indian SMEs stay compliant end-to-end: filings, notices, and advisory, all in one place.
What Is the QRMP Scheme?
QRMP stands for Quarterly Return Monthly Payment. Under this scheme, eligible taxpayers:
- File GSTR-1 (outward supplies) once per quarter instead of monthly
- File GSTR-3B (summary return with tax payment and ITC claim) once per quarter instead of monthly
- Pay tax monthly for the first two months of each quarter using form PMT-06
- Optionally upload B2B invoices for months 1 and 2 using the Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF)
The scheme was introduced effective January 1, 2021, and remains in effect for FY 2026-27.
Who Is Eligible for QRMP?
Eligibility is determined at the PAN level, not the GSTIN level. This means the aggregate turnover of all GSTINs registered under your PAN is considered.
Eligible Taxpayers
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Aggregate annual turnover | Up to Rs 5 crore in the current FY and the preceding FY |
| Turnover basis | PAN-based (all GSTINs under the same PAN combined) |
| Last GSTR-3B | Must have been filed (not pending) |
| Taxpayer type | Normal taxpayers, SEZ developers/units, those who opted out of composition scheme |
Not Eligible
The following categories of taxpayers cannot opt for QRMP:
- Composition scheme dealers (they file CMP-08 and GSTR-4 separately)
- Input Service Distributors (ISD)
- Non-Resident Taxable Persons (NRTP)
- Casual Taxable Persons
- Online Information and Database Access or Retrieval (OIDAR) service providers
- TDS deductors under GST
- TCS collectors under GST (e-commerce operators)
If your turnover exceeds Rs 5 crore during any quarter, you are automatically migrated to monthly filing from the next quarter.
How to Opt In (and Opt Out)
Opt-In Process
- Log in to the GST portal at www.gst.gov.in
- Navigate to Services > Returns > Opt-in for Quarterly Return
- Select the quarter from which you want to start quarterly filing
- Confirm your selection
Once opted in, the scheme continues automatically until you either opt out or your turnover crosses Rs 5 crore.
Opt-In Window
The opt-in window runs from the 1st of the second month of the preceding quarter to the last day of the first month of the quarter you want to file quarterly for.
| Quarter You Want to File Quarterly | Opt-In Window Opens | Opt-In Window Closes |
|---|---|---|
| April to June (Q1) | February 1 | April 30 |
| July to September (Q2) | May 1 | July 31 |
| October to December (Q3) | August 1 | October 31 |
| January to March (Q4) | November 1 | January 31 |
Opting Out
To switch back to monthly filing, use the same portal path (Services > Returns > Opt-in for Quarterly Return) and select the monthly option during the opt-in window of the preceding quarter. Once you opt out, you file GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B monthly from the next quarter onwards.
Filing Structure Under QRMP
Under QRMP, your filing calendar changes significantly compared to a monthly filer.
Monthly Filer vs QRMP Filer: Filing Count
| Return | Monthly Filer (per year) | QRMP Filer (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| GSTR-1 | 12 | 4 |
| GSTR-3B | 12 | 4 |
| PMT-06 (tax payment) | Not applicable | 8 (months 1 and 2 of each quarter) |
| Total filings/payments | 24 | 16 |
The net reduction is 8 fewer return filings per year. However, PMT-06 payments add 8 monthly payment obligations, so you are still engaging with the portal 16 times instead of 24.
GSTR-3B Quarterly Due Dates (State-Wise)
The due date for quarterly GSTR-3B depends on which state your principal place of business falls under.
Tax Rate Chart
GSTR-3B Quarterly Due Date by State Category
Due date falls in the month following the quarter end
Category 1 States
Chhattisgarh, MP, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, AP, Daman & Diu, DNH, Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep
Category 2 States
HP, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, UP, Bihar, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam, WB, Jharkhand, Odisha, J&K, Ladakh, Chandigarh, Delhi
Source: CBIC Notification No. 84/2020-Central Tax; Rule 61A of CGST Rules
FY 2026-27 Quarterly GSTR-3B Due Dates
| Quarter | Period | Category 1 Due Date | Category 2 Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | April to June 2026 | July 22, 2026 | July 24, 2026 |
| Q2 | July to September 2026 | October 22, 2026 | October 24, 2026 |
| Q3 | October to December 2026 | January 22, 2027 | January 24, 2027 |
| Q4 | January to March 2027 | April 22, 2027 | April 24, 2027 |
Quarterly GSTR-1 Due Dates
GSTR-1 for QRMP filers is due by the 13th of the month following the quarter end.
| Quarter | Period | GSTR-1 Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | April to June 2026 | July 13, 2026 |
| Q2 | July to September 2026 | October 13, 2026 |
| Q3 | October to December 2026 | January 13, 2027 |
| Q4 | January to March 2027 | April 13, 2027 |
PMT-06: Monthly Tax Payment
Even though you file returns quarterly, tax liability must be discharged monthly. For months 1 and 2 of each quarter, you pay using form PMT-06. The third month's tax is settled through your quarterly GSTR-3B filing.
Due Date
PMT-06 is due by the 25th of the month following the tax period.
| Quarter | Month 1 PMT-06 Due | Month 2 PMT-06 Due |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 (Apr-Jun) | May 25, 2026 | June 25, 2026 |
| Q2 (Jul-Sep) | August 25, 2026 | September 25, 2026 |
| Q3 (Oct-Dec) | November 25, 2026 | December 25, 2026 |
| Q4 (Jan-Mar) | February 25, 2027 | March 25, 2027 |
Two Payment Methods
You have two options for calculating your PMT-06 payment amount:
1. Fixed Sum Method (FSM)
Pay 35% of the tax paid in cash (not through ITC) in your GSTR-3B of the preceding quarter. The PMT-06 challan is pre-filled with this amount on the GST portal. This method is simpler because it requires no monthly accounting. You simply pay the pre-calculated amount and settle any difference when you file the quarterly GSTR-3B.
2. Self-Assessment Method (SAM)
Calculate your actual tax liability for each month based on your sales and purchases, then pay that amount. This method is more accurate but requires you to maintain monthly books even though you file quarterly. It is preferable if your monthly turnover varies significantly, because paying 35% of a high-turnover quarter's tax during a low-turnover quarter ties up working capital unnecessarily.
Interest and Late Fees on PMT-06
- Interest: 18% per annum on any shortfall in PMT-06 payment, calculated from the due date (25th) to the date of actual payment
- Late fee: There is no late fee on PMT-06 itself. Late fees apply only to GSTR-3B and GSTR-1 filings. However, interest on delayed PMT-06 is automatically computed and added to your liability in the quarterly GSTR-3B.
Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF)
The IFF is an optional facility designed to solve a specific problem: when you file GSTR-1 quarterly, your B2B buyers cannot see your invoices in their GSTR-2B until you file at the end of the quarter. This delays their ITC claims by up to two months.
How IFF Works
- Available for months 1 and 2 of each quarter only (not month 3, which is covered by the quarterly GSTR-1)
- Upload B2B invoices only (invoices issued to registered buyers with GSTIN)
- B2C invoices (sales to unregistered persons) cannot be uploaded via IFF
- Due date: 13th of the following month (same as monthly GSTR-1 due date)
- Monthly cap: invoices involving aggregate value up to Rs 50 lakh per month
IFF and GSTR-1 Integration
Invoices uploaded through IFF for months 1 and 2 are automatically populated in your quarterly GSTR-1. You do not need to upload them again. When you prepare your quarterly GSTR-1, only add the invoices from month 3 plus any B2C and other supplies for all three months.
IFF Due Dates for FY 2026-27
| Quarter | Month 1 IFF Due | Month 2 IFF Due |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 (Apr-Jun) | May 13, 2026 | June 13, 2026 |
| Q2 (Jul-Sep) | August 13, 2026 | September 13, 2026 |
| Q3 (Oct-Dec) | November 13, 2026 | December 13, 2026 |
| Q4 (Jan-Mar) | February 13, 2027 | March 13, 2027 |
Should You Use IFF?
If a significant portion of your sales is to registered businesses (B2B), using IFF is strongly recommended. Your buyers depend on timely GSTR-2B data to claim ITC. Without IFF, they wait until your quarterly GSTR-1 is filed, which can be up to 2.5 months after the invoice date. During this period, the ITC remains invisible in their GSTR-2B, and some buyers may request you to switch back to monthly filing.
If your business is predominantly B2C (retail, restaurants, consumer services), IFF offers limited benefit because unregistered consumers do not claim ITC.
Benefits of the QRMP Scheme
1. Reduced Compliance Burden
Filing 8 returns per year instead of 24 significantly reduces the time spent on return preparation, data entry, reconciliation, and portal submissions. For small businesses managed by the owner or a part-time accountant, this is a meaningful operational benefit.
2. Cash Flow Flexibility
Under the Fixed Sum Method, you pay 35% of the previous quarter's cash tax liability for months 1 and 2. If your current quarter's actual liability is lower, you effectively have a buffer that gets adjusted in the quarterly GSTR-3B. This can improve short-term cash flow, particularly during seasonal low periods.
3. ITC Continuity for Buyers
The IFF ensures that your B2B customers do not suffer an ITC gap. By uploading invoices monthly through IFF, their GSTR-2B reflects your supplies in near-real time, just as if you were filing monthly.
4. Automatic Continuation
Once opted in, you do not need to re-opt every quarter. The scheme continues until you actively opt out or your turnover crosses the Rs 5 crore threshold.
Limitations and Practical Considerations
1. Monthly Tax Payment Still Required
The "quarterly" label can be misleading. You still interact with the GST portal monthly to pay tax via PMT-06. The saving is in return preparation, not in payment obligations.
2. IFF Cap of Rs 50 Lakh Per Month
If your monthly B2B invoices exceed Rs 50 lakh in aggregate, you cannot upload all of them through IFF. The excess invoices will only appear in your buyers' GSTR-2B when you file the quarterly GSTR-1. For businesses with high-value B2B transactions, this cap can be a constraint.
3. B2B Buyer Pressure
Many larger buyers and corporate procurement teams prefer suppliers who file monthly because it ensures immediate ITC visibility. If you operate in a B2B-heavy sector (manufacturing, wholesale, professional services to corporates), switching to QRMP may invite requests from buyers to revert to monthly filing.
4. Reconciliation Complexity
With quarterly filing, any mismatch between your books and the return is caught only once every three months. Monthly filers catch discrepancies sooner. If your accounting is not up to date, reconciliation at quarter-end can become more time-consuming than twelve smaller monthly reconciliations.
Step-by-Step: Opting In and Filing Your First QRMP Quarter
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Check your aggregate turnover across all GSTINs under your PAN. If it is within Rs 5 crore for both the current and preceding financial year, you are eligible. Confirm that your latest GSTR-3B has been filed.
Step 2: Opt In on the Portal
Log in to the GST portal. Go to Services > Returns > Opt-in for Quarterly Return. Select the quarter from which you want quarterly filing to begin. Ensure you are within the opt-in window (see the opt-in window table above).
Step 3: Pay Tax Monthly via PMT-06
For months 1 and 2 of your quarter, generate PMT-06 on the portal. Choose between Fixed Sum Method (pre-filled at 35% of last quarter's cash tax) or Self-Assessment Method (your calculated liability). Pay by the 25th of the following month.
Step 4: Upload B2B Invoices via IFF (Optional)
If you have B2B sales, upload invoices for months 1 and 2 through the IFF on the portal by the 13th of the following month. Keep within the Rs 50 lakh monthly cap.
Step 5: File Quarterly GSTR-1
By the 13th of the month following the quarter end, file your quarterly GSTR-1. Invoices already uploaded through IFF will be pre-populated. Add remaining invoices (month 3 B2B, all B2C, exports, credit/debit notes, nil-rated supplies, HSN summary).
Step 6: File Quarterly GSTR-3B
By the 22nd or 24th (depending on your state category) of the month following the quarter end, file GSTR-3B. Declare your total output tax, claim ITC, and pay the balance tax for the quarter. Any excess paid through PMT-06 in months 1 and 2 gets adjusted here.
QRMP vs Monthly Filing: Quick Comparison
| Parameter | Monthly Filing | QRMP Quarterly Filing |
|---|---|---|
| GSTR-1 filings per year | 12 | 4 |
| GSTR-3B filings per year | 12 | 4 |
| Tax payments per year | 12 (via GSTR-3B) | 12 (8 via PMT-06 + 4 via GSTR-3B) |
| B2B invoice visibility for buyers | Immediate (monthly) | Immediate if IFF used; else quarterly |
| IFF availability | Not applicable | Yes (Rs 50 lakh/month cap) |
| Turnover limit | No limit | Up to Rs 5 crore |
| Reconciliation frequency | Monthly | Quarterly |
| Best suited for | B2B-heavy, high-turnover businesses | B2C-heavy or low-turnover SMEs |
Common Mistakes to Watch For
-
Not paying PMT-06 on time: Missing the 25th deadline attracts 18% p.a. interest. Many first-time QRMP filers forget that tax payment is still monthly.
-
Using Fixed Sum Method in a high-variance quarter: If your Q1 turnover was Rs 40 lakh but Q2 drops to Rs 10 lakh, paying 35% of Q1's cash tax for July and August ties up cash unnecessarily. Switch to Self-Assessment for better accuracy.
-
Exceeding the IFF cap without realizing: If you upload invoices totalling more than Rs 50 lakh in a month through IFF, the portal rejects the excess. Track your monthly B2B invoice value before uploading.
-
Ignoring the opt-in window: You cannot opt in mid-quarter. If you miss the window, you wait for the next cycle.
-
Assuming QRMP means no monthly interaction: You still access the portal monthly for PMT-06 and optionally IFF. The saving is in return preparation, not portal visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I opt for QRMP if I have multiple GSTINs under the same PAN?
Yes, but each GSTIN can independently opt for or opt out of QRMP. One GSTIN under your PAN can file quarterly while another files monthly. However, the turnover threshold of Rs 5 crore is calculated at the PAN level (aggregate of all GSTINs), so if the combined turnover exceeds Rs 5 crore, none of the GSTINs are eligible.
Is PMT-06 required if I have zero tax liability for a month?
No. If your tax liability for a month is genuinely nil (no outward supplies, or ITC fully offsets the liability), you do not need to file PMT-06 for that month. PMT-06 is required only when there is a net tax payable in cash.
What happens if I do not use IFF at all?
IFF is optional. If you do not use it, your B2B invoices for months 1 and 2 will only appear in your buyers' GSTR-2B when you file your quarterly GSTR-1. Your buyers cannot claim ITC on those invoices until then. This may not matter for B2C-heavy businesses, but B2B buyers may request you to either use IFF or revert to monthly filing.
Can I upload B2C invoices through IFF?
No. IFF is strictly for B2B invoices (supplies to GST-registered recipients). B2C sales, exports, and other categories are reported only in the quarterly GSTR-1.
If I opted for QRMP but my turnover crosses Rs 5 crore mid-year, what happens?
You will be migrated to monthly filing from the quarter following the one in which your turnover exceeded Rs 5 crore. The system checks turnover at the PAN level. You cannot continue under QRMP once the threshold is breached.
Is there any late fee on PMT-06?
No. There is no late fee on PMT-06. Late fees under GST apply only to GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B filings. However, interest at 18% per annum is charged on any shortfall or delay in PMT-06 payment, calculated from the due date (25th) to the date of payment.
Can a newly registered taxpayer opt for QRMP immediately?
Yes, provided the taxpayer is a normal taxpayer (not composition, ISD, NRTP, or casual taxable person) and has filed the first GSTR-3B after registration. New registrations default to monthly filing, so the taxpayer must actively opt in through the portal during the applicable opt-in window.
Does QRMP affect my GSTR-9 annual return?
No. GSTR-9 (annual return) is filed once a year regardless of whether you are a monthly or quarterly filer. The data in GSTR-9 is aggregated from all your GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B filings for the year, whether those were filed monthly or quarterly.
Work with the Trusted Tax & Compliance Services in Kondapur, Hyderabad - Tax Garden for expert GST filing, ITR, TDS, ROC, and startup compliance support.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Services in Kondapur & Hyderabad
What makes Tax Garden a preferred GST consultant in Kondapur?
Tax Garden is ISO 9001:2015 certified and backs every engagement with Kavach, our ₹50,000 error-protection cover. Our flat-fee, no-surprise pricing and dedicated account manager make us a compliance partner for startups and SMEs in Kondapur's HITEC City corridor.
Why is Tax Garden a trusted tax compliance partner in Hyderabad?
Trust comes from three pillars at Tax Garden. First, transparency: you know the exact fee before you sign up, and it never changes mid-year. Second, certified expertise: our compliance team is qualified, and the firm holds ISO 9001:2015 certification. Third, accountability: Kavach, our unique error-protection plan, covers up to ₹50,000 in service charges for any clerical mistake made by our team.
Is there a reliable tax consultant near me in Kondapur?
Yes. Tax Garden's office is in Kondapur itself (CWS One Building, Hanuman Nagar). You can book an in-person consultation or get everything done fully online via WhatsApp and our client portal. We serve walk-in clients by appointment and remote clients across all of Hyderabad and Telangana.
I want a friendly CA who explains things clearly. Is that Tax Garden?
Absolutely. Every client gets a dedicated account manager reachable on WhatsApp, plain-language explanations of what is filed and why, and proactive reminders before every deadline. No jargon, no surprises, just friendly, expert compliance support from Kondapur.
Where is Tax Garden located in Hyderabad?
Tax Garden is located at 4th Floor, South Block, CWS One Building, Hanuman Nagar, Kondapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500084. We serve clients across Kondapur, HITEC City, Gachibowli, Madhapur, Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, and all of Hyderabad.
Can I get GST filing and registration services in Kondapur?
Yes. Tax Garden offers end-to-end GST services from our Kondapur office: GST registration, GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-9 annual returns, ITC reconciliation, e-invoicing setup, and GST notice handling for businesses of all sizes in Kondapur and Hyderabad.
Do you file ITR for salaried employees and businesses in Hyderabad?
Yes. Our Kondapur team files ITR for salaried employees, freelancers, consultants, business owners, LLPs, and companies across Hyderabad. We cover ITR-1 through ITR-6 with complete Chapter VI-A deduction reconciliation, AIS reconciliation, and proactive deadline management.
Which areas in Hyderabad does Tax Garden serve?
Tax Garden's Kondapur office serves clients across Hyderabad including HITEC City, Gachibowli, Madhapur, Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, Begumpet, Secunderabad, Ameerpet, Kukatpally, Uppal, LB Nagar, and all of Telangana. Most services are available fully online.
What compliance services does Tax Garden offer for startups in Kondapur?
Tax Garden is a compliance partner for startups in Kondapur and Hyderabad's HITEC City corridor. We handle company incorporation, GST registration, TDS filings, payroll, ROC annual filings, director KYC, and annual ITR filing, all under one flat-fee plan.
How is Tax Garden different from traditional accountants and tax firms in Hyderabad?
Unlike traditional accounting practices that charge hourly and are difficult to reach, Tax Garden operates on flat-fee subscription plans with a dedicated account manager, monthly compliance updates, and WhatsApp-first communication. Our AI-powered workflow catches errors before filings are submitted, and Kavach error-protection ensures you are never left alone if something goes wrong.
Sources and verification: This guide is based on CBIC Notification No. 84/2020-Central Tax dated October 10, 2020 (introduction of QRMP scheme), Rule 61A of the CGST Rules 2017 (quarterly return filing), Section 39(1) of the CGST Act 2017 (GSTR-3B filing obligation), Section 37(1) of the CGST Act 2017 (GSTR-1 filing obligation), and the GST portal QRMP scheme guidelines. PMT-06 payment rules, IFF mechanism, and the Rs 50 lakh monthly cap are verified against CBIC Circular No. 143/13/2020-GST and the GST portal's QRMP FAQ documentation. State-wise GSTR-3B due dates (22nd for Category 1, 24th for Category 2) are confirmed from CBIC notifications for FY 2026-27. Interest rate of 18% p.a. on late payments is per Section 50 of the CGST Act. All rules and thresholds should be verified against www.gst.gov.in before applying to specific compliance decisions.