GSTR-1 on the GST portal - the complete FAQ
QWhere do I upload the GSTR-1 JSON on the GST portal?
A
Services → Returns → Returns Dashboard → pick the period → GSTR-1 tile → PREPARE OFFLINE → choose the JSON. The upload starts as soon as you pick the file.
QHow long does the portal take to process an uploaded JSON?
A
Usually under two minutes. Refresh the upload page and check the status - Processed, In Progress, or Processed with Error. On due-date evenings it can take longer.
QWhat does "Processed with Error" mean?
A
Some rows were rejected and the rest were accepted. Generate and download the error report to see exactly which invoices bounced and why - then fix those rows and re-upload only a corrected file.
QWhere is the error report?
A
On the same PREPARE OFFLINE upload page - click "Generate error report"; a download link appears when it's ready. It lists each rejected record with an error code and message.
QCan I open and edit the JSON before uploading?
A
Don't. Hand-edited JSON is the most common cause of structure-validation rejections. If something needs changing, fix it in AprilTax and download a fresh JSON.
QThe portal says "Error in JSON structure validation" - why?
A
The file was altered after download, is incomplete, or was built for a different GSTIN/period. Re-download the JSON for the right business and period and upload it unmodified.
QWhat is "Invoice already exists"?
A
That invoice number is already on the portal - from an earlier upload or period. Re-uploading the same number replaces the record within the same period; across periods, each document number must be unique in the financial year.
QThe buyer's GSTIN shows as invalid or inactive - what do I do?
A
Check it under Search Taxpayer on the portal. Mistyped → correct it in your data. Genuinely cancelled → report that sale as B2C (unregistered) instead of B2B.
QWhy "IGST is mandatory for inter-state supply"?
A
A row's Place-of-Supply is another state but its tax is split as CGST+SGST (or vice versa). Inter-state = IGST; within your state = CGST+SGST. Fix the state or the tax split in the source data and regenerate.
QMy HSN summary was rejected for negative quantities - why?
A
The government's offline tool historically disliked negative HSN rows (returns-heavy months). AprilTax's JSON reports portal-compliant HSN aggregates - if a negative-quantity error still appears, contact us with the error report.
QUpload succeeded but a table looks empty on the portal - where's my data?
A
Open PREPARE ONLINE and check the specific table - records land table by table, and summaries only refresh after Generate Summary. If a section is genuinely missing, verify the JSON actually carried it (open the AprilTax detailed view for that section).
QDo I have to re-upload everything after fixing one error?
A
No. Upload a corrected file containing the fixed records - same invoice numbers replace the earlier rejected versions, everything else stays as accepted.
QWhat's the difference between Generate Summary and File Statement?
A
Generate Summary consolidates the uploaded records into the return's final numbers. File Statement is the legal act of filing - after signing with EVC or DSC, the return is final.
QEVC or DSC - which should I use?
A
Proprietorships and most individual sellers file with EVC (OTP to the registered mobile/email). Companies and LLPs are required to use a DSC (digital signature) of the authorised signatory.
QWhat is the ARN?
A
The Acknowledgement Reference Number the portal issues the moment GSTR-1 is filed - your legal proof of filing. Save it; support tickets and notices reference it.
QCan I revise GSTR-1 after filing?
A
No - a filed GSTR-1 is final. Corrections go into the amendment tables (9A/9B/9C) of a subsequent month's GSTR-1. That's why the pre-filing spot-check matters.
QI filed with a wrong invoice - what exactly do I amend?
A
In a later period's GSTR-1, amend the specific document: B2B invoices via Table 9A, credit/debit notes via 9C, B2C summaries via Table 10. The amendment replaces the original values for that document.
QDoes filing GSTR-1 also pay my tax?
A
No. GSTR-1 only reports sales. Tax is computed and paid in GSTR-3B - file GSTR-1 first (the portal auto-drafts 3B from it), then file GSTR-3B by its due date.
QWhat happens right after I file - anything to check?
A
Two things: the ARN email/SMS arrives, and your filed data starts appearing in buyers' GSTR-2B. Also download your filed return copy for records.
QThe portal is slow or throwing server errors near the deadline - any advice?
A
Peak load on the 10th/11th evenings is real. Upload a day early, avoid multiple simultaneous logins on one GSTIN, and if an upload hangs, retry after a few minutes rather than re-clicking - duplicate uploads create duplicate-invoice errors.
Official references: GST portal manual - Form GSTR-1 · Form GSTR-1 FAQs · Returns Offline Tool manual (PDF).
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