Step-by-Step Guide: How to File GSTR-1 in Tally Prime Accurately and Easily (Complete Tutorial)

Oct 27, 2025

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in Finance and Accounting, Tally ERP 9 Training

Filing GSTR-1 is one of the most important responsibilities for every GST-registered business in India. It is a monthly or quarterly return that contains all the details of outward supplies (sales) made during the period. Tally Prime, one of India’s most trusted accounting software, simplifies this process by automating data compilation and helping users file GSTR-1 accurately.

This article provides a complete, step-by-step guide on how to file GSTR-1 in Tally Prime, along with detailed explanations, tables, and best practices to ensure error-free compliance.

What is GSTR-1?

GSTR-1 is a return that includes details of outward supplies of goods or services made by a registered taxpayer under GST. It must include invoice-wise sales data, debit and credit notes, and export invoices.

Key Facts About GSTR-1:

Particulars	Details
Form Name	GSTR-1
Type of Return	Outward Supplies (Sales) Return
Who Must File	Every GST-registered dealer
Frequency	Monthly (if turnover > ₹1.5 crore) / Quarterly (if turnover ≤ ₹1.5 crore)
Due Date (Monthly)	11th of the following month
Due Date (Quarterly)	13th of the month following the quarter end
Purpose	To report all sales transactions under GST

Why File GSTR-1 Using Tally Prime?

Tally Prime automates the entire process of preparing and exporting GSTR-1 data. It reduces manual effort and minimizes errors while ensuring accuracy.

Key Benefits of Using Tally Prime for GSTR-1:

Auto-calculates GST for each transaction.
Classifies sales transactions correctly (B2B, B2C, Exports).
Identifies missing or incorrect GSTINs automatically.
Enables direct JSON export for GST portal upload.
Helps reconcile data with GSTR-3B and GSTR-2A.

Step-by-Step Process: How to File GSTR-1 in Tally Prime

Let’s now explore each step in detail.

Step 1: Activate GST in Tally Prime

Before filing GSTR-1, GST must be activated in your company data.

To enable GST:

Open your company in Tally Prime.
Go to Gateway of Tally → F11 (Features) → Statutory Features.
Set Enable Goods and Services Tax (GST) to Yes.
Enter your GSTIN, State, and Registration Type.
Accept the screen and save settings.

This ensures Tally Prime starts tracking all GST-related data automatically.

Step 2: Record Sales Transactions

Once GST is enabled, all your outward supplies (sales) must be recorded correctly.

To record a GST-compliant sales voucher:

Go to Gateway of Tally → Vouchers → F8: Sales.
Select the Customer Ledger (ensure GSTIN is entered).
Choose the correct Sales Ledger (e.g., Local Sales, Interstate Sales).
Enter Stock Items, Quantity, Rate, and Taxable Value.
Tally will automatically calculate CGST, SGST, or IGST as per place of supply.
Save the voucher.

Make sure all transactions are updated regularly to keep your data ready for GSTR-1 reporting.

Step 3: Check GSTR-1 Report in Tally Prime

Tally Prime offers a built-in GSTR-1 report that automatically compiles all outward supply details.

To view GSTR-1:

Go to Gateway of Tally → Display More Reports → Statutory Reports → GST Reports → GSTR-1.
Choose the reporting period (month or quarter).
The screen will display data categorized under various tables of GSTR-1 such as:
- B2B Invoices
- B2C (Large)
- B2C (Small)
- Exports
- Credit/Debit Notes
- Nil-rated/Exempted supplies

Step 4: Understand GSTR-1 Report Structure in Tally Prime

Tally presents GSTR-1 data in a structure that mirrors the actual GST form.

Section	Details Included	Purpose
B2B Invoices	Business-to-Business sales with GSTIN	Captures taxable value and tax rate per invoice
B2C (Large)	Business-to-Consumer sales > ₹2.5 lakh (Interstate)	Identifies large consumer sales
B2C (Small)	Sales to unregistered customers < ₹2.5 lakh	Consolidated data
Exports	Zero-rated sales (with/without payment of tax)	Export transactions
Credit/Debit Notes	Adjustments against sales	Reflects return or additional charges
Nil/Exempted/NON-GST	Non-taxable sales	Summary view

Step 5: Verify and Correct Errors

Before exporting your return, verify the report carefully.

Check for missing GSTINs in B2B invoices.
Ensure HSN codes are entered for all goods/services.
Confirm GST rates are correctly applied.
Verify place of supply for interstate transactions.
Review credit/debit notes for correct linkage.

Tally Prime also highlights any errors or missing data in red for easy identification.

Step 6: Export GSTR-1 Data from Tally Prime

After validation, the next step is to export your data in a format compatible with the GST portal.

To export the report:

From the GSTR-1 screen, press Alt + E (Export).
Choose Format: JSON (Data Interchange Format).
Select the return period and destination folder.
Press Enter to export.

Tally will create a GSTR1.json file containing all your outward supply data.

Step 7: Upload JSON File on GST Portal

Once the file is generated, log in to the GST portal and upload it under the GSTR-1 section.

The portal will validate your data and show any discrepancies. After successful upload, preview the summary, make corrections if needed, and submit the return.

Step 8: File GSTR-1 with EVC or DSC

After reviewing, file the GSTR-1 return using:

EVC (Electronic Verification Code) for proprietors and partnerships.
DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) for companies and LLPs.

Once filed, an Acknowledgment Reference Number (ARN) will be generated, confirming successful submission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filing GSTR-1 in Tally Prime

Mistake	Impact	How to Avoid
Missing GSTIN for B2B customers	Rejection of invoices	Update all GSTINs in ledger masters
Incorrect HSN/SAC codes	Mismatch in compliance	Maintain correct HSN/SAC mapping
Wrong tax rate applied	Over/under payment	Use correct GST ledgers
Not reconciling before filing	Misreporting	Match with GSTR-3B
Forgetting debit/credit notes	Data mismatch	Include all notes before export

Pro Tips for Accurate GSTR-1 Filing in Tally Prime

Use proper voucher classification (local, interstate, export).
Reconcile GSTR-1 with GSTR-3B monthly.
Maintain HSN summary for every sale item.
Regularly update ledgers and stock masters with correct GST details.
Review Nil-rated and exempted sections to ensure full reporting.
Backup data before final export to prevent file loss.

Advantages of Using Tally Prime for GSTR-1 Filing

Feature	Benefit
Automated GST calculation	Reduces manual workload
Built-in error detection	Ensures accurate return
JSON export support	Seamless GST portal integration
Multi-period analysis	Helps monitor filing consistency
Data reconciliation	Matches sales with purchase returns

Conclusion: Simplify GST Compliance with Tally Prime

Filing GSTR-1 in Tally Prime is not just about generating reports—it’s about ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. With its automated GST features, Tally Prime saves time and minimizes errors. Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, mastering this process ensures smooth GST return filing and avoids penalties.

By following the above step-by-step method, you can prepare, verify, export, and file your GSTR-1 return confidently every month or quarter.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. The procedures, rules, and due dates mentioned are subject to change as per GST laws and government notifications. Users are advised to verify the latest updates before filing returns.

About the author

I’m Himanshu Dhar, a dedicated MIS trainer proudly associated with I Turn Institute. My journey in the realm of data management and automation spans over 14 enriching years. My passion for this field extends to freelancing projects, where I bring real-world practicality into my teaching. My impact in education is marked by the success of over 25,000 students I’ve had the privilege of mentoring, hailing from diverse backgrounds. Beyond the classroom, I’ve had the honor of conducting corporate training sessions and seminars, catering to the unique needs of businesses. Let’s unlock your potential together in the realm of data analysis and automation.