Special ReturnsUpdated: July 18, 2026·7 min read

GSTR-7 Filing Guide: TDS under GST for Deductors (2026)

Who must file GSTR-7, what rate applies (including metal scrap TDS), how deductee credit works, and the monthly due date — with practice tips.

GSTR-7TDSGST ReturnsRegistration

What is GSTR-7?

GSTR-7 is the monthly return for Tax Deductors under GST — persons required to deduct tax at source under Section 51 of the CGST Act (and related notifications). It is not the same as income-tax TDS returns. Here, deduction is on certain payments to suppliers, and the deductee gets credit in their electronic cash ledger pathway via portal credit flows.

Who must register as a Tax Deductor?

  • Specified government departments, local authorities, and notified entities that contract for taxable supplies above thresholds.
  • From late 2024 policy updates, registered buyers of metal scrap may need Tax Deductor registration (Notif. 25/2024-CT context) — metal scrap buyers typically register as Tax Deductor in Part A, not as a normal taxpayer “reason” for scrap alone.

Registration uses TAN/PAN as applicable on the portal flow; constitution tabs differ from regular taxpayer REG-01.

TDS rate snapshot (concept)

SituationTypical GST TDS
Standard Sec. 51 style deduction on contract payments (classic cases)Often discussed as 2% (1% CGST + 1% SGST) intra-state or 2% IGST inter-state on taxable value
Metal scrap B2B (registered seller → registered buyer) under notified regimeCheck current notification — commonly 2% total split by place of supply rules

Always confirm the live rate notification before deducting on a real contract. Simulation platforms teach the return shape; rates follow law updates.

What you report in GSTR-7

  • Deductee GSTIN / details
  • Amount paid / credited on which tax was deducted
  • IGST / CGST / SGST deducted
  • Period (MM-YYYY) and filing with payment of deducted tax to government

After filing, deductees look for credit visibility and may use GSTR-7A style certificate information for their records.

Due date

GSTR-7 is generally due by the 10th of the following month. Late filing attracts late fee concepts similar to other returns (subject to nil/non-nil rules in force).

Common errors

  • Registering as Taxpayer instead of Tax Deductor when the law requires deductor registration.
  • Deducting on gross including GST instead of the taxable base required by the notification.
  • Wrong place of supply → wrong CGST/SGST vs IGST split.
  • Missing deductee GSTIN for registered counterparties.

Practice on IndIaTaxSim

IndIaTaxSim supports TDS deductor registration and GSTR-7 practice entries, filing, and related workflows for students and institutes. Explore returns covered, course modules, and study notes.

Disclaimer

Educational summary only — not a substitute for the CGST Act, rules, or official portal advisories.

IT

IndIaTaxSim Team

GST compliance experts building India's most complete GST simulation platform. All articles are reviewed for accuracy against the latest GSTN portal updates.