How to get Gst Sales Data : Using APIs and GST Suvidha Providers (GSPs)
The GST Network (GSTN) provides APIs through authorized GST Suvidha Providers.
With APIs, businesses can pull sales data directly into their ERP or accounting system.
This is useful for companies with thousands of invoices every month.
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Introduction
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) system has made compliance more structured in India. Every registered business must file details of its sales and purchases through the GST portal. If you are a business owner, accountant, or analyst, you may often wonder: How can I get sales data from the GST portal?
In this article, I will walk you step by step through the process of downloading and using sales data from the GST portal. I will also explain what kind of data you can get, why it matters, and how to use it for compliance and business analysis.
What Does Sales Data Mean in GST?
Before we begin the steps, let’s clarify what “sales data” means under GST.
Sales data under GST is officially called outward supplies.
It refers to all the goods and services sold by a business during a given period.
This data is reported through GSTR-1 (invoice-wise details) and summarized in GSTR-3B.
In short, sales data = all invoices and turnover details you upload to the GST portal.
Why Get Sales Data From the GST Portal?
1. Compliance
Ensures accurate filing of returns.
Helps match sales with tax liability.
2. Reconciliation
Useful for comparing with purchase data (GSTR-2B).
Prevents mismatch notices from the GST department.
3. Business Insights
Shows turnover growth over months.
Helps identify customer and regional trends.
4. Verification
Confirms that invoices reported in books match those uploaded to GST portal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Get Sales Data From GST Portal
Step 1: Log in to the GST Portal
Visit https://www.gst.gov.in/.
Enter your GSTIN, username, and password.
Use the OTP sent to your registered mobile/email if required.
Step 2: Go to Returns Dashboard
On the home page, click on Services > Returns > Returns Dashboard.
Select the financial year and return filing period (month or quarter).
Step 3: Access GSTR-1 (Outward Supplies)
Choose GSTR-1 from the list.
Click on View Filed Returns or Prepare Online if you have not filed yet.
Here you will see:
Invoice-wise sales data.
Taxable value.
GST amount.
Step 4: Download Sales Data
Click on Download Filed GSTR-1.
You can download in Excel format or JSON format.
If you want customer-wise details, select the B2B section.
For retail sales, check the B2C section.
Step 5: Use GSTR-3B for Summary Data
Go back to the dashboard and select GSTR-3B.
This shows total sales and tax liability in a summarized format.
Download it for monthly reconciliation.
Step 6: Download Annual Return (Optional)
If you want yearly data, check GSTR-9 (Annual Return).
This return gives complete sales figures for the year.
Different Types of Sales Data Available
When you download from the GST portal, you can access:
Invoice-Level Data
Invoice number, date, GSTIN of customer, taxable value, tax amount.
Customer-Wise Sales
B2B data shows customer-wise sales with GSTIN.
Retail Sales (B2C)
Summarized data for sales to unregistered customers.
Exports
If you export goods/services, export invoices are listed separately.
Credit/Debit Notes
Adjustments to sales are also included.
Example: Getting Sales Data for One Quarter
Let’s say a company wants its sales data for April to June 2025:
Log in and select Financial Year: 2025-26, Return Period: April-June.
Open GSTR-1 and download all outward supplies.
Extract B2B invoices to see customer-wise sales.
Check B2C invoices for retail transactions.
Download GSTR-3B for summary turnover.
At the end, the company has both detailed and summary sales data for the quarter.
Common Challenges While Getting Data
JSON Format Issues – Many downloads come in JSON format, which needs conversion.
Solution: Use the GST offline tool or accounting software.
Large Data Sets – Businesses with thousands of invoices may face download limits.
Solution: Download in smaller chunks or use APIs.
Mismatch With Books – Sometimes portal data does not match your accounts.
Solution: Reconcile monthly to avoid year-end problems.
Delayed Supplier Filing – If suppliers delay, your purchase data may not match.
Solution: Monitor supplier compliance regularly.
Tips to Manage Sales Data Efficiently
Use Accounting Software – Integrate your books with GST portal using APIs.
Reconcile Monthly – Match GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and books every month.
Verify Invoices – Cross-check invoice numbers and amounts before filing.
Maintain Backups – Keep copies of all downloads for audit purposes.
Automate Reports – Use ERP systems for trend analysis.
How Businesses Use GST Sales Data Beyond Filing
Revenue Analysis – Compare sales across months and quarters.
Customer Insights – See which clients give maximum turnover.
Geographic Insights – Check state-wise supply to target new markets.
Tax Planning – Plan working capital based on GST liability.
Investor Reports – Share verified sales figures with banks or investors.
Conclusion
Getting sales data from the GST portal is straightforward once you know where to look. Log in to the portal, go to the Returns Dashboard, and download GSTR-1 for detailed sales and GSTR-3B for summary sales. For yearly data, use GSTR-9.
This data is not only useful for compliance but also for business intelligence. By reconciling it regularly and analyzing trends, you can make smarter business decisions and stay fully GST-compliant.
Takeaway: The GST portal is your single source for authentic sales data — use it not just for tax returns but as a tool for growth and transparency.
