How to Download GSTR-1 JSON from GST Portal - Step by Step 2026

Why Download GSTR-1 JSON File?

Downloading GSTR-1 JSON file from the GST portal allows you to:

• ✅ Backup your data - Keep offline copy of filed returns
• ✅ Convert to Excel - Analyze data in spreadsheet format
• ✅ Reconcile with books - Match with your sales register
• ✅ Share with auditors - Provide to CAs and tax consultants
• ✅ Verify accuracy - Check filed data for errors
• ✅ Import to software - Load into accounting systems

Prerequisites for Downloading GSTR-1 JSON

Before you begin, ensure:

1. ✅ GSTR-1 is filed - You can only download after filing
2. ✅ Valid login credentials - Username and password for GST portal
3. ✅ Active internet connection
4. ✅ Updated browser - Chrome, Firefox, or Edge (latest version)
5. ✅ Sufficient storage - At least 10-50 MB free space

Note: You cannot download GSTR-1 JSON if the return is only saved as draft but not filed.

Step-by-Step: Download GSTR-1 JSON from GST Portal

Step 1: Login to GST Portal

1. Open browser and visit https://www.gst.gov.in
2. Click on “Login” button (top right)
3. Enter your Username (GSTIN or email/mobile)
4. Enter Password
5. Complete Captcha verification
6. Click “LOGIN” button

Alternative: If using DSC/EVC, select appropriate login method.

Step 2: Navigate to Returns Dashboard

After successful login:

1. From top menu, click “Services”
2. Select “Returns”
3. Click “Returns Dashboard”

You’ll see dashboard showing all return types and periods.

Step 3: Select Return Period

1. Under “Return Type”, locate GSTR-1
2. Click Financial Year dropdown → Select year (e.g., 2024-25)
3. Click Return Period dropdown
   • For monthly filers: Select month (e.g., March 2024)
   • For quarterly filers: Select quarter (e.g., Jan-Mar 2024)
4. Click “SEARCH” button

The status will show whether GSTR-1 is filed or not.

Step 4: Download GSTR-1 JSON

Once you see “FILED” status:

1. Look for three dots (⋮) or “Actions” button in the GSTR-1 row
2. Click the button to open action menu
3. Select “Download GSTR-1” or “Download”
4. A popup appears with download format options
5. Select “JSON” format (other options: Excel, PDF)
6. Click “Download” or “Submit”

Download Location:

• Default: Downloads folder
• File name format: GSTR1_[GSTIN]_[PERIOD].json
• Example: GSTR1_29AABCT1332L000_032024.json

Step 5: Verify Downloaded File

After download completes:

1. Open Downloads folder
2. Locate the JSON file
3. Check file size (should be at least 1 KB, typically 100 KB - 10 MB)
4. Right-click file → Properties → Verify size is not 0 bytes
5. Optional: Open in text editor to verify it’s not corrupted

Alternative Method: Download from Returns Tab

Via Filed Returns Section

1. After login, go to Services → Returns → Track Return Status
2. Select Return Period (month/quarter)
3. Under GSTR-1, click “FILED” status
4. Click “Download” button
5. Select JSON format
6. Click Download

Downloading GSTR-1 for Multiple Periods

If you need JSON files for multiple months:

Method 1: Download One by One

Repeat the process for each period:

1. Select different month in dropdown
2. Download JSON separately
3. Save with different file names

Method 2: Bulk Download (Not Available)

GST portal doesn’t support bulk download of multiple months at once. Must download individually.

Tip: Organize files by creating folders:

GST_Returns/
  ├── 2024/
  │   ├── Jan/
  │   │   └── GSTR1_29AABCT1332L000_012024.json
  │   ├── Feb/
  │   │   └── GSTR1_29AABCT1332L000_022024.json
  │   └── Mar/
  │       └── GSTR1_29AABCT1332L000_032024.json

Downloading JSON Before Filing (Not Possible)

Important: You CANNOT download GSTR-1 JSON before filing.

If return is in draft:

• You can view data on portal
• You can download invoice-wise summary (Excel/PDF)
• JSON download is only available AFTER filing

Workaround: If you want to backup before filing, use “Save as Draft” and take screenshots or export summary Excel.

Common Download Issues and Solutions

Issue 1: “Download” Button Not Visible

Cause:

• GSTR-1 not filed for that period
• Wrong period selected
• Portal session timeout

Solution:

1. Verify GSTR-1 status shows “FILED”
2. Refresh page and re-login if needed
3. Check if you selected correct financial year

Issue 2: Download Fails or Incomplete

Cause:

• Poor internet connection
• Large file size
• Browser issue

Solution:

1. Try again with stable internet
2. Clear browser cache and cookies
3. Try different browser (Chrome/Firefox)
4. Disable browser extensions/ad blockers

Issue 3: Downloaded File is Corrupt

Cause:

• Interrupted download
• Antivirus interference

Solution:

1. Re-download the file
2. Temporarily disable antivirus during download
3. Check if file size is reasonable (> 1 KB)

Issue 4: “No Data Available”

Cause:

• No transactions in that period
• GSTR-1 filed with zero invoices

Solution:

• This is normal if you had no sales
• JSON will be nearly empty: {"gstin": "...", "fp": "...", "b2b": []}

Issue 5: Wrong Format Downloaded

Cause:

• Selected Excel/PDF instead of JSON

Solution:

• Repeat download process
• Carefully select JSON in format dropdown
• Verify file extension is .json not .xlsx or .pdf

What’s Inside Downloaded GSTR-1 JSON?

The JSON file contains all data you filed in GSTR-1:

Main Sections

1. b2b - Business to Business invoices
2. b2cl - B2C Large invoices (> ₹2.5L, inter-state)
3. b2cs - B2C Small invoices (consolidated)
4. cdnr - Credit/Debit notes to registered
5. cdnur - Credit/Debit notes to unregistered
6. exp - Export invoices
7. at - Advances received
8. atadj - Advance adjustments
9. exemp - Nil rated, exempted supplies
10. hsn - HSN summary

Sample Structure

{
  "gstin": "29AABCT1332L000",
  "fp": "032024",
  "b2b": [
    {
      "ctin": "29AABCU1332L000",
      "inv": [
        {
          "inum": "INV001",
          "idt": "01-03-2024",
          "val": 11800,
          "itms": [...]
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "b2cl": [...],
  "b2cs": [...]
}

Converting Downloaded JSON to Excel

After downloading, convert to Excel for easy analysis:

Using Our Free Tool

1. Visit GST JSON to Excel Converter
2. Upload your downloaded JSON file
3. Tool automatically extracts all sections
4. Download Excel with organized sheets (B2B, B2CL, B2CS, etc.)
5. Open in Excel/Google Sheets for analysis

Benefits:

• ✅ Instant conversion (2-10 seconds)
• ✅ No installation needed
• ✅ Works in browser (privacy guaranteed)
• ✅ Organized data in multiple sheets
• ✅ Ready for reconciliation

Convert GSTR-1 JSON to Excel →

Post-Download Best Practices

1. Organize Files

Create folder structure:

Documents/
  └── GST_Returns/
      └── FY_2024-25/
          └── GSTR-1/
              ├── Apr_2024.json
              ├── May_2024.json
              └── Jun_2024.json

2. Backup to Cloud

Upload to:

• Google Drive
• OneDrive
• Dropbox
• Or company server

Why? Protect against local drive failure.

3. Convert to Excel Immediately

Don’t wait. Convert JSON to Excel right after download for:

• Immediate verification
• Quick reconciliation
• Easier sharing with team

4. Verify Data Accuracy

After converting to Excel:

• Check total invoice count
• Verify total taxable value
• Match with your sales register
• Look for any anomalies

5. Archive Original JSON

Keep original JSON file even after conversion:

• Excel might not have all nested data
• JSON is official source format
• Needed if re-converting later

Downloading JSON for Amended Returns

If you filed amendments to GSTR-1:

Download Latest Version

1. Follow same download steps
2. Latest JSON includes all amendments
3. File will show both original and amended invoices
4. Section names: b2ba (amended B2B), b2cla (amended B2CL)

Identify Amended Records

In JSON, amended sections have ‘a’ suffix:

• b2ba - Amended B2B
• b2cla - Amended B2CL
• cdnra - Amended CDNR

Downloading for Different GSTINs

If you manage multiple businesses:

Switch GSTIN

1. After login, top-right corner shows current GSTIN
2. Click on GSTIN
3. Select “Change GSTIN”
4. Choose different GSTIN from dropdown
5. Proceed with download steps

Portal remembers last selected GSTIN for next login.

Downloading JSON for Offline Tool Upload

Some offline GST tools require JSON import:

1. Download JSON from portal (as explained above)
2. Open offline tool software
3. Look for “Import JSON” or “Upload Return” option
4. Browse and select downloaded JSON file
5. Tool loads all invoice data

Common Offline Tools:

• Tally
• SAG Infotech
• Busy Accounting
• Gen GST Software

Security and Privacy

Is Downloaded JSON Safe?

✅ Yes, but:

• Contains sensitive business data (customer GSTIN, invoice amounts)
• Should be password-protected if sharing
• Delete from public/shared computers after use

Recommendations

1. Don’t share publicly - Contains confidential sales data
2. Encrypt files - Use password-protected ZIP
3. Secure transmission - Use encrypted email or secure file sharing
4. Delete after use - Remove from public computers/cloud if no longer needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download JSON before filing GSTR-1?

No. JSON download is only available after filing. For draft data, download Excel summary.

How long is JSON file available for download?

Indefinitely. You can download GSTR-1 JSON for any past period that was filed.

Can I edit downloaded JSON and re-upload?

Not recommended. Manual edits can corrupt structure. To make changes, file amendment through portal.

What if I forgot which periods I filed?

Use Track Return Status on portal to see filing history for all periods.

Is there a file size limit?

No limit from portal side. But very large files (>50 MB) may take time to download.

Can CA/accountant download on my behalf?

Yes, if you add them as authorized signatory with download rights in portal.

Conclusion

Quick Steps to Download GSTR-1 JSON:

1. 🔐 Login to GST Portal
2. 📊 Go to Returns Dashboard
3. 📅 Select return period
4. ⬇️ Click Download → Choose JSON
5. ✅ Verify file downloaded correctly
6. 📁 Organize and backup
7. 📈 Convert to Excel using our tool

Remember:

• JSON available only after filing
• Download separately for each period
• Always backup important files
• Convert to Excel for easy analysis

Next Steps: After downloading, convert your JSON to Excel → for:

• Easy data analysis
• Reconciliation with books
• Sharing with team/auditors
• Custom reporting

---

Related Articles:

• How to Open GSTR-1 JSON Files
• GSTR-1 JSON Structure Explained
• GST JSON File Not Opening - Fix