There is no government-set universal professional fee for GST return filing. A fair quote depends on GSTIN count, filing frequency, invoice volume, quality of books, GSTR-2B/IMS reconciliation, exports, e-commerce, e-invoicing, reverse charge, amendments and whether notices or clean-up are included. Compare providers by scope and accountability—not only by the headline monthly price.
Ask what is included before asking the monthly price
The commercial question is whether the quote covers preparation only, filing only, reconciliation, advisory, corrections and notice support.
Any business comparing GST filing providers
It is particularly relevant when switching from bookkeeping-only support to reviewed compliance.
Different businesses create different review hours and risk
Clean cloud books reduce preparation time. Missing invoices, high e-commerce volume, exports, multiple GSTINs and prior mismatches increase work.
Questions to ask any GST provider
Who prepares? Who reviews? Is 2B/IMS reconciliation included? Are RCM and credit notes checked? Are GSTR-1 and 3B reconciled? What happens when documents are late? Are notices separate? What proof is delivered after filing?
| Scope level | Usually includes | Often excluded unless stated |
|---|---|---|
| Filing-only | Upload/file client-prepared data | Reconciliation, corrections, review |
| Reviewed filing | Books/returns checks + 2B/IMS + filing | Major clean-up, notices, bookkeeping |
| Managed compliance | Document process + reconciliation + filing + issue log | Special litigation/refund projects unless scoped |
| Catch-up/clean-up | Historic reconciliation and pending returns | Future recurring filing |
Define monthly deliverables and exclusions
List GSTINs, frequency, invoice volume, integrations, reconciliation, amendments, management review, client approval, filing and post-filing pack.
₹1,500 ‘filing’ and ₹5,000 reviewed compliance may not be comparable
If one quote simply uploads client-provided totals while another includes 2B matching, RCM review, tax preview, client approval and post-filing reconciliation, the headline numbers describe different services.
Hidden scope gaps become surprise fees and missed work
The business only discovers that reconciliation, amendments or notices were excluded when a problem arises.
Scope should be based on actual workload
A proper quote should capture GSTIN count, frequency, invoice volume, bookkeeping state, exports/e-commerce/e-invoice, reconciliation, prior pending returns and notice history.
What TargoLegal would ask for before filing or responding
The exact pack changes by issue, but these controls prevent the most common hand-off and accountability failures.
The proposed filing, payment, reversal, correction or response should be explained before submission. After filing, retain the ARN/filed PDF and any acknowledgement.
Do not make the problem harder to unwind
Reconcile books and source evidence before deciding tax treatment.
Use the exact period that created the mismatch, notice or filing obligation.
A correction should have a written bridge to the original error.
Save return PDFs, ARN, challans and the approved working.
What to send for a first review
For a clear GST scope, send the number of GSTINs, filing frequency and approximate monthly sales/purchase invoice volume. A proper quote should state exactly what is included before any work starts.
Related questions
What should I send first?
Send the GSTIN, exact tax period and the document or mismatch that triggered the question. That usually determines the rest of the checklist.
Should I pay before reconciling?
Do not make a blind payment merely because a portal difference appears. Establish the legal and factual basis first, unless an undisputed liability is already clear.
Can the GST Portal data be wrong or incomplete?
Portal data is essential evidence but it still has to be reconciled with books, supplier/customer records and the applicable law.
What should I keep after filing?
Retain the filed return PDF, ARN, payment evidence, reconciliation working and any client-approved summary of adjustments.
When should I involve a GST professional?
Professional review is advisable where the issue affects material tax, ITC, notices, refund, registration status, exports, e-invoicing or multiple return periods.
Official sources used
Legal and portal claims on this page were anchored to the official sources below. Secondary discussions are not used as legal authority.
TargoLegal Research and Editorial Desk · Last legally reviewed: 18 August 2026. GST Portal workflows, notifications and due-date extensions should be rechecked immediately before action.
