GSTR-1 client chase list for CA firms: the 5 days before the 11th
What you get from this guide: a finished day-by-day chase list for monthly GSTR-1 (usually due on the 11th), plus a short WhatsApp / email script pack your staff can copy. Split monthly vs QRMP/IFF clients, ask for one concrete invoice pack per message, and keep a shared sheet so no one double-pings the same client. Re-check gst.gov.in every morning in case an extension lands.
Confirm the due date first
- Monthly filers: GSTR-1 for the previous month is commonly due on the 11th of the current month (example for Oct 2026: Sep 2026 return → typically 11 Oct 2026).
- QRMP: full GSTR-1 is quarterly (often by the 13th of the month after the quarter ends). In months 1 and 2 of the quarter, clients may upload B2B invoices through the Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF) instead of a full monthly GSTR-1. Do not put QRMP clients on the same "before the 11th" sheet without checking their frequency.
- If CBIC publishes an extension, rewrite the due line on your sheet and tell clients once, with the circular or portal notice named.
Day-by-day chase (count back from the 11th)
| When | Who | What to ask for | Tone tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day −5 (e.g. 6th) | All monthly clients still missing sales / invoice packs | One line: "Please send B2B + B2C invoice list (or Tally/Zoho GSTR-1 export) for [month] by [Day −3]." | Batch send; no "urgent" yet |
| Day −4 | Clients with e-invoice / IRN gaps last month | Confirm every B2B invoice has an IRN where required, or send the mismatch list | Name the GSTIN or invoice numbers, not "please check e-invoice" |
| Day −3 | Still-silent monthly clients | Same ask as Day −5, plus a firm deadline of Day −2 noon | One follow-up only if you already wrote on Day −5 |
| Day −2 | Clients who sent partial data | List only the missing fields (credit notes, debit notes, amendments, HSN summary if you need it) | Bullet list beats a long paragraph |
| Day −1 | Anyone not filed / not confirmed "OK to file" | Yes/no: "May we file GSTR-1 for [month] with the invoices we hold?" | Short WhatsApp or email; log the reply |
| Due day (11th) | Internal only | File confirmed returns; park unconfirmed clients with a written reason | Do not invent client consent |
QRMP / IFF: keep a separate rhythm
- Month 1 and 2 of the quarter: if the client uses IFF, chase B2B invoices on the IFF cut-off (commonly the 13th), not the monthly GSTR-1 11th.
- Month after quarter end: chase the full quarterly GSTR-1 on its own due date (often the 13th).
- Mark each client row as monthly, QRMP+IFF, or QRMP quarterly only so junior staff do not send the wrong script.
What belongs on the chase sheet
- Client name, GSTIN, monthly vs QRMP (and IFF yes/no)
- Last contact date and channel (email / WhatsApp / call)
- Invoice pack received (Y/N), e-invoice gaps (Y/N), "OK to file" (Y/N/date)
- Portal due date you are working to (and extension note if any)
- Owner on your team for that client
A one-page calendar clients can keep (with your firm name on it) cuts "when is GSTR-1?" calls. Free national dates and a browser .ics builder: free CA due-date calendar tool.
WhatsApp / email script pack
Day −5: "Hello — GSTR-1 for [month] is due on [date] for monthly filers. Please send your B2B and B2C invoice list (or the GSTR-1 export from your books) by [Day −3]. Reply to this thread if anything is delayed."
Day −3 follow-up: "Reminder: we still need the [month] invoice pack for GSTR-1 by noon [Day −2]. If data will be late, reply with the expected time so we can plan filing."
Day −1: "Quick confirm: may we file GSTR-1 for [month] with the invoices we already have? Reply YES or send the correction today."
QRMP / IFF (month 1–2): "For QRMP, please send B2B invoices for IFF upload for [month] by [IFF cut-off]. Full GSTR-1 for the quarter will be chased separately."
Do not quote a late-fee amount unless you have calculated it for that client from the portal rules.
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If you want branded quarterly packs
The White-Label Client Compliance Calendar for CA Firms (₹999/year) sends four quarterly packs with your firm name on the DOCX, PDF and WhatsApp image, plus national .ics/.xlsx and extension notes. Files are made after checkout (not instant). 14-day refund from when you receive the first pack. Disclosure: that is an Unadhi product. You can use this chase list without buying anything.
This guide is general information, not tax advice and not an official government publication. Due dates move when CBIC publishes extensions — always re-check the GST portal before you file or message clients. Your firm stays responsible for advice to your clients.
Sources to re-check
- GST portal (gst.gov.in) — GSTR-1 / IFF due-date guidance and any live extension notices
- tutorial.gst.gov.in — official GST return tutorials (re-check the live GSTR-1 / IFF pages)
- Related guides: GSTR-3B chase list before the 20th · what belongs on a white-label calendar · new client onboarding due-date details · Oct 2026 client documents checklist
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