Learn the Difference Between GSTR 2A and GSTR 2B: Meaning & Significance

GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B are two separate GST return forms. Interestingly, both of them provide information about Input Tax Credit (ITC) available to you. As both talk about Input Tax Credit, they should not be confused as having the exact same information. This article will briefly but clearly explain the differences between GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B return forms.

GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B: Basic Definition

GSTR-2A

It contains entire details of your purchases from all of your suppliers during a specific tax period. The information in this form is auto-populated details. These reflected details are from your suppliers which they provided while filing their GSTR-1, GSTR-5, GSTR-6, GSTR-7 and GSTR-8 returns. This means that GSTR-2A shows the details of the invoices uploaded by your suppliers.

Being a receiver of goods or services, you cannot make any changes in GSTR-2A form as it is a read-only document. This document helps you to claim Input Credit Tax. It is a reliable source of information because the document is auto-populated. Even after that, the document cannot be a conclusive report of all the purchases that you have made from suppliers. As a business owner and taxpayer, it is your responsibility to verify the accuracy of the details that are submitted by your suppliers.

GSTR-2B:

GSTR-2B is generated by the GST portal every month. It is available for viewing on the 12th day of the following month. This document contains details that are collected from GSTR-1, GSTR-5, and GSTR-6.

This form gives a summarized visibility of Input Tax Credit that you hold. It is a static document once generated. It is very useful to reconcile/match your books with the purchases made for the whole month.

Differences between GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B

It is important to understand differences between GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B so that you in order to understand your Input Tax Credit information accurately. The table below shows distinction between them on the basis of some important categories. Have a look:

Category	GSTR-2A	GSTR-2B
Statement type	It is a dynamic form containing details of inward purchases in regards to Input Tax Credit which is updated by suppliers.	GSTR-2B- It shows the summary of Input Tax Credit that is based on the details filed by suppliers in GSTR-1, GSTR-5, and GSTR-6 returns. Also, it is a static statement.
Availability	The details get updated in real time when the supplier files GSTR-1, GSTR-5, GSTR-6, GSTR-7 and GSTR-8 returns.	It is generated once in a month and is available to view on the 12th day of the following month. The information is auto-populated when suppliers file GSTR-1, GSTR-5, and GSTR-6.
Usage	It is very useful for you to match details of your inward purchases that are uploaded by your supplier.	It shows the summary of Input Tax Credit available to you.
Contents	GSTIN of the supplier Invoice number and date HSN or SAC code Taxable value and tax amount (CGST, SGST, IGST, and Cess) Place of supply Input tax credit (ITC) eligible and ITC claimed	ITC available as per GSTR-2A ITC available as per Import of Goods ITC available as per Import of Services ITC available as per ISD credit ITC available as per TDS credit ITC available as per TCS credit ITC available as per any other ITC credit

It is clear from the information provided above that the differences between GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B is based on a few grounds as mentioned in the above table. Also, it is important to keep in mind that GSTR-2A should be matched or reconciled frequently with your books because of its dynamic nature but the same is not true with GSTR-2B. Utilizing a GST Billing App can streamline this process for businesses.. For more information like this, keep visiting our blog page.