Making your GSTR-1 file

# Making your GSTR-1 file

GSTR-1 lists the sales you made in a month. Pop Books makes the file. You upload it yourself on gst.gov.in. Pop Books never files anything for you.

Before you start

1. Open Reports, India: GST, TDS and payroll files, Setup and save your GSTIN and state.
2. Check that each customer has a state, and a GSTIN if the customer is registered. The state decides whether the sale is CGST and SGST, or IGST.
3. Issue every invoice and credit note for the month. Drafts are left out.

Make the file

1. Open the GST returns tab.
2. Choose the month and press Make GSTR-1.
3. Read the problems and warnings. A problem means the portal is likely to refuse the file; fix it in the document and make the file again.
4. Press Download the file and save it.

Upload it

On gst.gov.in go to Returns, choose the month, open GSTR-1 and use Prepare offline, then upload the JSON file. Check the summary the portal shows before you submit.

What is in the file

Sales to registered customers, sales to unregistered customers (large and small), exports, credit and debit notes, nil-rated and exempt sales, and the HSN summary. The tables follow the offline tool layout. The portal can change its layout; if it refuses the file, tell your adviser and us.

Verify with your tax adviser. Last reviewed 2026-11.