CGST Act Section 150 – Obligation to Furnish Information Return

Section 150 at a Glance

PurposeSection 150 enables the GST administration to obtain specified information from persons and institutions maintaining relevant records.

Who can be covered?The section lists several categories and also permits other persons to be specified by Government on the recommendations of the GST Council.

What happens if defective?The Commissioner can intimate defects and allow rectification, normally within 30 days or a further permitted period.

In simple language: Section 150 is a data-reporting provision. It does not primarily ask a normal GST taxpayer to file another routine return. Instead, it can require specified persons who maintain relevant records—such as registration, accounts, tax-payment, transaction, bank-account, electricity or property-related records—to furnish an information return in the prescribed manner.

1. Statutory Text 2. Meaning in Simple Language 3. Who Can Be Required to Furnish Information?4. What Records Are Covered? 5. What Is an Information Return?6. Prescribed Time, Form and Authority 7. Defective Information Return – Section 150(2)8. Failure to Furnish – Section 150(3) 9. Connection With Section 123 10. Why GST Needs Information Returns 11. Practical Examples 12. Finance & Compliance Workflow 13. Third-Party Data and GST Reconciliation 14. Confidentiality and Section 152 15. Section 150 vs Sections 151 and 152 16. Common Mistakes 17. Search Questions 18. FAQs 19. Quick Revision

1. Statutory Text of Section 150

150. Obligation to furnish information return.—

(1) Any person, being—
(a) a taxable person; or
(b) a local authority or other public body or association; or
(c) any authority of the State Government responsible for the collection of value added tax or sales tax or State excise duty or an authority of the Central Government responsible for the collection of excise duty or customs duty; or
(d) an income tax authority appointed under the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961; or
(e) a banking company within the meaning of clause (a) of section 45A of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934; or
(f) a State Electricity Board or an electricity distribution or transmission licensee under the Electricity Act, 2003, or any other entity entrusted with such functions by the Central Government or the State Government; or
(g) the Registrar or Sub-Registrar appointed under section 6 of the Registration Act, 1908; or
(h) a Registrar within the meaning of the Companies Act, 2013; or
(i) the registering authority empowered to register motor vehicles under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988; or
(j) the Collector referred to in clause (c) of section 3 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013; or
(k) the recognised stock exchange referred to in clause (f) of section 2 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956; or
(l) a depository referred to in clause (e) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Depositories Act, 1996; or
(m) an officer of the Reserve Bank of India as constituted under section 3 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934; or
(n) the Goods and Services Tax Network, a company registered under the Companies Act, 2013; or
(o) a person to whom a Unique Identity Number has been granted under sub-section (9) of section 25; or
(p) any other person as may be specified, on the recommendations of the Council, by the Government,
who is responsible for maintaining record of registration or statement of accounts or any periodic return or document containing details of payment of tax and other details of transaction of goods or services or both or transactions related to a bank account or consumption of electricity or transaction of purchase, sale or exchange of goods or property or right or interest in a property under any law for the time being in force, shall furnish an information return of the same in respect of such periods, within such time, in such form and manner and to such authority or agency as may be prescribed.

(2) Where the Commissioner, or an officer authorised by him in this behalf, considers that the information furnished in the information return is defective, he may intimate the defect to the person who has furnished such information return and give him an opportunity of rectifying the defect within a period of thirty days from the date of such intimation or within such further period which, on an application made in this behalf, the said authority may allow and if the defect is not rectified within the said period of thirty days or, the further period so allowed, then, notwithstanding anything contained in any other provisions of this Act, such information return shall be treated as not furnished and the provisions of this Act shall apply.

(3) Where a person who is required to furnish information return has not furnished the same within the time specified in sub-section (1) or sub-section (2), the said authority may serve upon him a notice requiring furnishing of such information return within a period not exceeding ninety days from the date of service of the notice and such person shall furnish the information return.

Current-law note: The current CGST Act text continues to contain Section 150(1)–(3). The provision covers specified record-holders and permits the Government, on Council recommendations, to specify additional persons.

2. Section 150 Explained in Simple Language

GST administration does not depend only on information supplied directly by the taxpayer. Many transactions leave records with other organisations: banks, electricity providers, property-registration authorities, companies registrars, stock-market institutions, motor-vehicle authorities and other record-keeping bodies.

Section 150 creates a legal route through which specified record-holders can be required to provide relevant information to the GST administration.

Think of Section 150 as a “third-party information return” framework. Instead of asking only “What did the taxpayer report?”, the law can also allow the tax administration to obtain relevant information from persons or institutions that maintain independent records.

Why is independent information useful?

It can help identify transactions that may not appear consistently across records.
It can support data analysis and risk identification.
It can assist verification of taxpayer declarations.
It can help connect GST information with other legally maintained records.
It can support tax administration without making every taxpayer provide every possible item of third-party data themselves.

3. Who Can Be Required to Furnish an Information Return?

Section 150(1) lists categories of persons and institutions. The important point is that the obligation is linked not merely to the category of person, but also to the person's responsibility for maintaining the relevant records described in the provision.

Category	Examples / role under Section 150	Why relevant
Taxable person	A person covered by the statutory expression in the section.	May maintain records relevant to GST and transactions.
Local authority / public body	Government or public institutions covered by the provision.	May maintain registration, transaction or other records.
State/Central tax authorities	Authorities collecting specified taxes or duties.	May possess transaction and tax-related information.
Income-tax authority	Authority appointed under income-tax law.	Can hold information relevant to tax administration.
Banking company	Banking company within the statutory reference.	Maintains records relating to bank accounts and transactions.
Electricity authorities/licensees	State Electricity Board or specified electricity distribution/transmission entity.	Maintains consumption/account information.
Registrar/Sub-Registrar	Registration authorities under the Registration Act.	May hold property registration information.
Company Registrar	Registrar under the Companies Act.	Maintains corporate records.
Motor vehicle registering authority	Authority under motor vehicle law.	Maintains vehicle ownership/registration information.
Land-acquisition Collector	Statutory Collector reference in the Act.	May maintain land-related records.
Recognised stock exchange	Stock exchange covered by the statutory definition.	Maintains market transaction records.
Depository	Depository under the Depositories Act.	Maintains securities-related records.
RBI officer	Officer of the Reserve Bank of India.	May hold relevant regulated financial information.
GSTN	Goods and Services Tax Network.	Operates important GST information infrastructure.
UIN holder	Person granted Unique Identity Number under Section 25(9).	May maintain relevant records.
Other specified persons	Any other person specified by Government on Council recommendations.	Allows the framework to cover additional information sources.

Important: Section 150 should not be read as saying that every category must file a recurring information return every month. The actual obligation depends on the prescribed framework, period, form, manner and authority/agency specified.

4. What Records Are Covered?

The provision is deliberately broad because the tax administration may need information from different types of record systems.

Record / information mentioned in Section 150	Simple meaning	Illustrative source
Record of registration	Information showing registration or registration-related particulars.	Registration authority / statutory database
Statement of accounts	Account information maintained under law.	Banking or other record-holder
Periodic return	A recurring statutory return containing relevant information.	Tax authority or other regulated body
Tax-payment details	Information showing payment of tax or duty.	Tax authority / specified record-holder
Transaction of goods or services	Information concerning supplies or other transactions.	Specified institution or authority
Bank-account transactions	Information connected with bank accounts.	Banking company
Electricity consumption	Information relating to electricity consumption.	Electricity entity
Purchase, sale or exchange of goods	Transaction information involving goods.	Relevant statutory record-holder
Property / property rights	Purchase, sale, exchange or rights/interests in property.	Registration authority or other record-holder

The important legal phrase is “responsible for maintaining” the relevant record. Section 150 is therefore connected to information already maintained under another law or legal framework; it is not an unlimited request for any imaginable information.

5. What Is an Information Return?

An information return under Section 150 is a prescribed submission of information covered by the provision. It is different from the ordinary GST return filed by a registered taxpayer to report its own outward supplies, inward supplies, ITC and tax liability.

Ordinary GST return	Section 150 information return
Usually reports the taxpayer's own GST obligations and transactions.	Provides specified information from a person/entity maintaining relevant records.
Governed by the relevant return provisions and rules.	Governed by Section 150 and the prescribed form, period, manner and authority.
Often part of routine periodic GST compliance.	Depends on the prescribed information-reporting requirement.
Focuses on GST return reporting.	Can draw on wider legally maintained transaction or account records.

Key idea: “Information return” does not necessarily mean another GSTR-1 or GSTR-3B. It is a distinct information-reporting mechanism under Section 150.

6. Prescribed Time, Form, Manner and Authority

Section 150(1) deliberately leaves operational details to the prescribed framework. The information return must be furnished:

for the prescribed periods;
within the prescribed time;
in the prescribed form;
in the prescribed manner; and
to the prescribed authority or agency.

This means a person should not invent a filing frequency merely from the wording of Section 150. If a specific information-return requirement is notified or prescribed, the responsible person should follow that instrument exactly.

Example:

Suppose a specified institution receives a statutory direction to furnish a defined set of transaction information for a particular period. The institution should follow the prescribed data fields, reporting period, submission method and authority. The broad wording of Section 150 does not itself establish the file format or portal screen.

7. Defective Information Return – Section 150(2)

Section 150(2) deals with a return that has been furnished but is considered defective by the Commissioner or an authorised officer.

The correction process

The information return is furnished.
The Commissioner or authorised officer considers it defective.
The defect is intimated to the person who furnished it.
The person receives an opportunity to rectify the defect.
The normal rectification period is 30 days from the date of intimation.
A further period may be allowed where an application is made and the authority permits it.

Consequence of not correcting: If the defect is not rectified within the permitted period, the information return is treated as not furnished, and the provisions of the Act apply.

What can “defective” mean?

The section does not give a detailed list of every possible defect. In practice, a defect could relate to incomplete, inconsistent or otherwise non-compliant information against the applicable prescribed reporting requirements. The precise issue should be read from the intimation issued by the authority.

8. Failure to Furnish – Section 150(3)

If a person who is required to furnish an information return does not furnish it within the time specified under Section 150(1) or after the rectification process contemplated by Section 150(2), the authority may serve a notice requiring the information return to be furnished.

NoticeThe authority can require the information return to be furnished.

Maximum period in noticeThe notice can require furnishing within a period not exceeding 90 days from service.

Obligation continuesThe person required to furnish the return must comply with the notice.

The 90-day wording is important: it is a maximum period that may be specified in the notice, not a general statement that every information return has a 90-day original filing period.

9. Connection With Section 123 – Penalty

Section 123 is directly connected with Section 150. It provides a penalty for failure to furnish an information return within the period specified in a notice issued under Section 150(3).

Provision	What it does
Section 150(1)	Creates the obligation to furnish specified information returns.
Section 150(2)	Provides an opportunity to rectify a defective information return.
Section 150(3)	Allows a notice requiring a missing information return to be furnished within a period not exceeding 90 days.
Section 123	Provides a daily penalty for failure to furnish the information return within the period specified in the Section 150(3) notice, subject to the statutory cap.

Section 123 amount: The Act provides ₹100 for each day during which the failure continues, subject to a maximum penalty of ₹5,000. The trigger is specifically linked to failure to furnish the information return within the period specified in the Section 150(3) notice.

10. Why Does GST Need Information Returns?

GST is a transaction-based tax. A tax administration can improve verification when information from independent sources can be compared with taxpayer declarations.

Examples of possible administrative uses

Comparing transaction information from independent records with GST declarations.
Identifying unusual patterns for further verification.
Supporting registration-related risk analysis.
Supporting tax administration and recovery work where legally permitted.
Improving data quality through cross-verification.

GST Council records have historically discussed the use of Section 150 for obtaining information from banks and additional information sources. For example, GST Council material discussed information returns from banks and proposals involving institutions such as NPCI, credit-information organisations and mutual-fund-related bodies. These are examples of administrative discussions and should not be treated as proof that every proposed category or data field is currently an operative filing obligation.

11. Detailed Practical Examples

Example 1 – Bank information

A banking company is covered by the statutory category and maintains relevant account records. If a prescribed information-return requirement applies, it must furnish the specified information in the prescribed manner.

Example 2 – Property transaction

A registration authority maintains records of property transactions. Where the relevant information is required under the prescribed Section 150 framework, those records can form the basis of an information return.

Example 3 – Electricity consumption

An electricity distribution entity maintains consumption records. If a prescribed reporting requirement applies, specified consumption information can be furnished to the designated authority.

Example 4 – Company records

A Registrar maintains corporate records under company law. Relevant prescribed information can be reported where Section 150 and the applicable framework require it.

Example 5 – Motor vehicle records

A registering authority maintains motor-vehicle registration records. The authority can be within the information-return framework for prescribed information.

Example 6 – Defective return

An institution submits an information return but leaves required fields incomplete. The authorised officer identifies the defect and issues an intimation. The institution gets the statutory opportunity to rectify it.

Example 7 – No rectification

The person receives a defect intimation but does not correct it within 30 days or the further period allowed. The return can then be treated as not furnished.

Example 8 – Missing return

A person required to furnish an information return does not submit it. The authority may issue a Section 150(3) notice requiring it to be furnished within a period not exceeding 90 days from service.

Example 9 – Continued failure after notice

If the person still fails to furnish the required information return within the period specified in the notice, Section 123 may become relevant, subject to its statutory conditions and cap.

Example 10 – Data mismatch

A record-holder's information differs from another statutory data source. A mismatch does not automatically establish tax evasion. It may be a reason for verification or clarification.

Example 11 – Taxpayer receives a query

A taxpayer is asked to explain a transaction identified from third-party information. The taxpayer should reconcile invoices, contracts, bank entries, books and GST returns before responding.

Example 12 – Internal finance control

A company maintains a vendor master and reconciles purchases against GST records. Independent data can be used as a risk signal, but transaction-level evidence remains essential.

12. Finance & Compliance Workflow

For organisations that may receive or provide information under Section 150, a controlled workflow reduces errors.

Stage	Control
1. Identify obligation	Confirm the organisation is within the specified category and that a current information-return requirement applies.
2. Identify period	Confirm the reporting period and due date from the applicable prescribed framework.
3. Map data sources	Identify the exact systems and records from which required fields will be extracted.
4. Validate	Check GSTIN/PAN/reference numbers, dates, amounts and duplicate records as applicable.
5. Submit	Use the prescribed form, manner and designated authority/agency.
6. Preserve evidence	Keep submission acknowledgement, source files, validation reports and approvals.
7. Handle defects	Track any defect intimation separately and calculate the rectification deadline.
8. Escalate notices	Section 150(3) notices should be tracked by legal/compliance teams because a statutory response period applies.

13. Third-Party Data and GST Reconciliation

Section 150 is particularly relevant to modern tax administration because GST data can be compared with information maintained outside the taxpayer's own GST return system.

For a finance team

Do not assume every third-party data mismatch is an error by the taxpayer.
Trace the transaction to source documents.
Maintain invoice-level reconciliation.
Check whether a transaction belongs to the correct GSTIN and tax period.
Document explanations for unusual transactions.
Retain supporting contracts, invoices, payment records and ledger entries.

Example: If third-party information suggests a transaction involving a company, the company should compare the information with its purchase/sales register, GST returns, books and bank records. The third-party record is evidence for investigation; it is not automatically the final answer on tax liability.

14. Confidentiality and Section 152

Section 150 should be read together with the GST Act's provisions governing the use and disclosure of information. Section 152 contains restrictions concerning information furnished for Sections 150 and 151 and places limits on publication or use in the circumstances specified by that provision.

This is important because Section 150 is designed to collect information, while other provisions govern how certain information may be used or disclosed.

Practical lesson: Do not treat every information return as information that can automatically be published or shared without restriction. The applicable confidentiality and disclosure provisions must also be considered.

15. Section 150 vs Sections 151 and 152

Provision	Main subject	Simple distinction
Section 150	Obligation to furnish information return.	Targets specified persons who maintain relevant records and may be required to report information.
Section 151	Power to collect statistics / call for information under the applicable current text.	Deals with information collection directed by the Commissioner under the statutory framework.
Section 152	Bar on disclosure of information.	Provides safeguards around disclosure/use of information covered by Sections 150 and 151.
Section 123	Penalty for failure to furnish information return.	Provides the specific penalty linked to failure after the Section 150(3) notice period.

Always check the current consolidated Act. Older GST publications may show earlier wording of Sections 150–152 because these provisions have been amended over time.

16. Common Mistakes

Mistake 1 – Treating Section 150 as another regular GST return

It is a distinct information-return framework and should not automatically be equated with GSTR-1, GSTR-3B or GSTR-9.

Mistake 2 – Assuming every listed institution files every month

The section itself leaves the period and operational details to the prescribed framework.

Mistake 3 – Ignoring a defect intimation

Section 150(2) provides a specific opportunity to rectify a defective return. Failure can result in the return being treated as not furnished.

Mistake 4 – Treating 90 days as the original filing period

The 90-day language belongs to a notice under Section 150(3). It is not a universal original filing period.

Mistake 5 – Ignoring Section 123

Failure after the Section 150(3) notice period can attract the specific penalty provision in Section 123.

Mistake 6 – Treating third-party data as conclusive

Independent data can trigger verification, but the underlying transaction should be established from the relevant records.

Mistake 7 – Publishing sensitive information casually

Information-return data may be subject to statutory restrictions on disclosure and use.

Mistake 8 – Relying on an old notification or article

GST information-reporting mechanisms can change. Always verify the current rule, notification, portal instruction or prescribed form.

17. Questions People Commonly Search

18. Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Section 150 of the CGST Act?

Section 150 creates an obligation for specified persons who maintain relevant statutory records to furnish an information return in the prescribed circumstances, period, form and manner.

2. Is Section 150 a normal GST return?

No. It is a separate information-reporting mechanism and should not automatically be equated with GSTR-1, GSTR-3B or GSTR-9.

3. Who can be covered by Section 150?

The section lists categories including taxable persons, specified public authorities, tax authorities, income-tax authorities, banking companies, electricity entities, registration authorities, company registrars, motor-vehicle authorities, stock exchanges, depositories, RBI officers, GSTN, UIN holders and other persons specified by Government on Council recommendations.

4. What information can be covered?

The section refers to records of registration, statements of accounts, periodic returns, tax-payment details, transactions in goods or services, bank-account transactions, electricity consumption and purchase, sale or exchange of goods or property or rights/interests in property.

5. Does Section 150 itself give a fixed filing date?

No. It says the information return is to be furnished for the prescribed periods, within the prescribed time and in the prescribed form and manner.

6. What happens if an information return is defective?

The Commissioner or authorised officer may intimate the defect and give an opportunity to rectify it within 30 days, or a further period allowed on application.

7. What happens if the defect is not corrected?

The information return is treated as not furnished and the provisions of the Act apply.

8. What happens if the information return is not furnished?

Under Section 150(3), the authority may issue a notice requiring it to be furnished within a period not exceeding 90 days from service of the notice.

9. Is 90 days the normal filing deadline?

No. It is the maximum period that may be specified in a notice under Section 150(3).

10. What is the penalty for failure to furnish the information return?

Section 123 provides ₹100 per day for the period of failure, subject to a maximum of ₹5,000, where the statutory conditions relating to the Section 150 notice are satisfied.

11. Can banks be involved in Section 150 information reporting?

Banking companies are expressly included in Section 150(1), subject to the relevant record and prescribed reporting requirements.

12. Can electricity data be relevant?

Yes. The section expressly refers to records relating to consumption of electricity and includes specified electricity entities among the listed categories.

13. Can property transaction information be relevant?

Yes. The section includes transactions involving purchase, sale or exchange of goods or property and rights/interests in property, subject to the applicable reporting framework.

14. Does Section 150 allow the Government to specify other persons?

Yes. Clause (p) permits other persons to be specified by Government on the recommendations of the GST Council.

15. Does third-party information automatically prove tax evasion?

No. A mismatch or external data point can support verification, but liability must be determined under the applicable law and evidence.

16. Is Section 150 connected with Section 152?

Yes. Section 152 deals with restrictions concerning disclosure/use of information furnished for Sections 150 and 151 in the circumstances specified there.

17. Is Section 150 connected with Section 123?

Yes. Section 123 provides the specific penalty for failure to furnish an information return within the period specified in a Section 150(3) notice.

18. Why is Section 150 important for GST reconciliation?

It reflects the broader data-driven GST environment in which information from independent records can be used for verification. Businesses should therefore maintain consistent books, invoices, GST returns and supporting records.

19. Quick Revision – Section 150

Section 150 = Obligation to furnish information return.
It covers specified persons who maintain relevant records.
Covered information can include registration, accounts, tax payment, transactions, bank accounts, electricity and property-related records.
Other persons can be specified by Government on GST Council recommendations.
The return must be furnished for prescribed periods, within prescribed time, in prescribed form/manner and to the prescribed authority/agency.
Defective return → defect may be intimated → 30-day rectification opportunity.
Further time may be allowed on application.
If not rectified within the permitted period, the return is treated as not furnished.
Failure to furnish → Section 150(3) notice may require furnishing within a period not exceeding 90 days.
Section 123 provides a daily penalty subject to its statutory maximum where its conditions are satisfied.
Section 150 is different from ordinary GST returns.
Third-party information should be reconciled and verified, not automatically treated as conclusive.
Confidentiality and disclosure restrictions must also be considered.

20. Legal Disclaimer

This page is provided for general educational and GST compliance-workflow purposes. GST information-return requirements can depend on the current CGST Act, rules, notifications, prescribed forms, directions and portal procedures. Historical proposals or GST Council discussions should not be treated as current filing obligations unless implemented through the applicable legal framework. Verify the law and official instructions applicable to the relevant period before acting. This page is not a substitute for professional legal or tax advice.

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Section 150 of the CGST Act, 2017