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Verified · 29 Sept 2026

GST Portal Error Codes & How to Fix Them

Common GST portal, e-invoice and e-way bill errors — what they mean and how to fix them.

✓ Verified against official notifications · 29 Sept 2026 · How we verify →

  • Duplicate IRN (2150)

    E-invoice (IRP)

    Why: An IRN has already been generated for this document number, type and financial year for your GSTIN.

    Fix: Fetch the existing IRN using 'Get IRN by document details'. Don't change the invoice number to force a new IRN unless the original was cancelled within 24 hours.

  • IRN cannot be cancelled after 24 hours

    E-invoice (IRP)

    Why: The IRP allows cancellation only within 24 hours of generation.

    Fix: Issue a credit note for the invoice and report it to the IRP, or amend it in GSTR-1.

  • Recipient GSTIN is invalid / not active

    E-invoice (IRP)

    Why: The buyer's GSTIN is typed wrongly, cancelled or suspended.

    Fix: Verify the GSTIN with 'Search Taxpayer' on the GST portal. If cancelled, treat the supply as B2C.

  • Invalid HSN code

    E-invoice (IRP)

    Why: The HSN is not in the master, or has fewer digits than required for your turnover.

    Fix: Use a valid HSN from the GST HSN master with at least 4 digits (6 digits above ₹5 crore AATO).

  • Distance exceeds the permitted limit between PIN codes

    E-way bill

    Why: The entered distance is more than 10% above the portal's auto-calculated distance between PIN codes.

    Fix: Use the auto-calculated distance, or check the PIN codes of dispatch and delivery.

  • E-way bill generation blocked for GSTIN

    E-way bill

    Why: GSTR-3B (or CMP-08) not filed for two or more consecutive periods.

    Fix: File all pending returns; blocking lifts automatically after the portal updates (usually next day).

  • E-way bill can be extended only 8 hours before or after expiry

    E-way bill

    Why: You tried to extend validity outside the allowed window.

    Fix: Extend between 8 hours before and 8 hours after expiry. After that, generate a new e-way bill.

  • GSTR-1 filing blocked: respond to DRC-01B

    GSTR-1

    Why: An intimation under Rule 88C is pending for a liability mismatch.

    Fix: Reply in DRC-01B Part B, or pay the difference through DRC-03 and link it in your reply.

  • GSTR-1 filing blocked: respond to DRC-01C

    GSTR-1

    Why: An intimation under Rule 88D is pending for excess ITC claimed.

    Fix: Reply in DRC-01C Part B with reasons, or reverse the excess ITC through DRC-03.

  • Previous period's return not filed

    GSTR-3B

    Why: Returns must be filed in sequence.

    Fix: File all earlier pending GSTR-3B returns first.

  • GSTR-3B can be filed only after GSTR-1 for the period

    GSTR-3B

    Why: GSTR-3B liability is auto-populated from GSTR-1.

    Fix: File GSTR-1 (or IFF / quarterly GSTR-1 for QRMP) for the same period first.

  • Late fee must be paid before filing

    GSTR-3B

    Why: The return is being filed after the due date.

    Fix: Pay the late fee in cash through the electronic cash ledger. Use our late fee calculator to check the amount.

  • Auto-populated ITC cannot be edited beyond the limit / field is locked

    GSTR-3B

    Why: Table 3.1 and 4 figures are auto-populated from GSTR-1 and GSTR-2B; some fields are hard-locked.

    Fix: Correct the source (GSTR-1A amendment or supplier's GSTR-1), or claim/reverse through the prescribed tables.

  • Return cannot be filed after three years from the due date

    GST portal

    Why: Returns are time-barred three years after their due date.

    Fix: Nothing can be filed for that period; seek professional advice on any outstanding liability.

  • CPIN expired

    Payment

    Why: A challan (CPIN) is valid for 15 days.

    Fix: Create a new challan and pay again.

  • Amount debited but not reflected in cash ledger

    Payment

    Why: Bank has not yet shared the CIN with GSTN.

    Fix: Wait 24 hours, then use 'Track payment status'. If still missing, file a grievance in PMT-07.

  • PAN details do not match CBDT records

    Registration

    Why: Name or date of birth/incorporation differs from the PAN database.

    Fix: Enter details exactly as they appear on the PAN card, or correct them with the Income Tax Department first.

  • Aadhaar authentication failed / biometric verification required

    Registration

    Why: Aadhaar OTP failed or the application was flagged for biometric verification.

    Fix: Book a slot at the GST Suvidha Kendra shown in the intimation and complete biometric authentication.

  • Select a valid jurisdiction

    Registration

    Why: The ward/range does not match the principal place of business.

    Fix: Find your jurisdiction on your state's commercial tax website and select the correct centre and state jurisdiction.

  • DSC not registered / DSC signing failed

    GST portal

    Why: The Digital Signature Certificate isn't registered for the authorised signatory, or the emSigner utility isn't running.

    Fix: Register the DSC under 'Register/Update DSC', and run the latest emSigner as administrator.

  • EVC OTP not received

    GST portal

    Why: The authorised signatory's mobile/email isn't updated.

    Fix: Update contact details via non-core amendment, or file using DSC.

  • Invalid username, password or captcha

    GST portal

    Why: Credentials or captcha were typed wrongly, or the account is temporarily locked after repeated failed attempts.

    Fix: Re-enter carefully with a fresh captcha. After 3 failures wait 30 minutes, or reset the password via the registered email/mobile.

  • OTP expired

    GST portal

    Why: EVC OTPs are valid only for a few minutes after generation.

    Fix: Generate a fresh OTP and file promptly. If OTPs never arrive, update the signatory's mobile/email via non-core amendment or use DSC.

  • Invoice cannot be amended — time limit has passed

    GSTR-1

    Why: Amendments are barred after 30 November of the next financial year (s.16(4)) or once GSTR-9 for the year is filed.

    Fix: Disclose and pay any liability through DRC-03. Amendments to that invoice are no longer possible — seek professional advice.

  • GSTR-2B not yet generated for this period

    GST portal

    Why: GSTR-2B is generated on the 14th of the following month, after suppliers file GSTR-1 or IFF.

    Fix: Wait until the 14th. Ask suppliers to file on time, and use GSTR-2A for a provisional view meanwhile.

  • Table 12 HSN summary is mandatory

    GSTR-1

    Why: An HSN-wise summary of outward supplies is required — 4 digits up to ₹5 crore AATO, 6 digits above.

    Fix: Fill Table 12 with the correct HSN, UQC and quantity for each line. Match it with the invoice-level tables before filing.

  • E-way bill has expired

    E-way bill

    Why: Validity (1 day per 200 km) lapsed and it was not extended within 8 hours before or after expiry.

    Fix: Generate a fresh e-way bill. Movement after expiry invites detention and penalty under s.129 — keep the vehicle stationary until then.

  • Invalid access token / session expired on the IRP

    E-invoice (IRP)

    Why: The API access token expired or the GSP session timed out.

    Fix: Re-authenticate through your GSP or accounting software to get a fresh token, then retry. Rotate credentials if it recurs.

  • QR code / signed invoice verification failed

    E-invoice (IRP)

    Why: The invoice was edited after signing, or the QR was not issued by the IRP.

    Fix: Verify on the e-invoice portal's 'Verify Signed Invoice' page. Always use the signed JSON and QR returned by the IRP, never a regenerated one.

  • Challan (CPIN) already utilized

    Payment

    Why: The CPIN was already consumed by a filed return or payment.

    Fix: Check the electronic cash ledger before repaying. Create a fresh challan only for the unpaid balance.

  • Address proof rejected for principal place of business

    Registration

    Why: The utility bill or rent agreement is older than two months, or the owner's name doesn't match.

    Fix: Upload a bill dated within the last two months plus the rent deed or NOC in the property owner's name, exactly as per the application.

  • TDS / TCS credit not reflecting in the ledger

    GST portal

    Why: The deductor hasn't filed GSTR-7 or GSTR-8 yet, or filed it with the wrong GSTIN.

    Fix: Ask the deductor to file or correct the return, then accept the credit in the 'TDS/TCS credit received' tile before filing GSTR-3B.

  • Negative liability / set-off exceeds the available balance

    GSTR-3B

    Why: The ITC and cash-ledger balances are insufficient for the Rule 88A set-off order claimed.

    Fix: Check both ledgers, correct Table 4 entries, and pay the shortfall in cash through the electronic cash ledger.

Reply clocks: DRC-01B/C 7 days · ASMT-11 30 days · REG-18 7 working daysVerify on gst.gov.in →Share on WhatsApp

For estimation only. This calculator applies the rules as we understand them on 29 Sept 2026. It is not legal or tax advice. Verify with the official notification or consult a Chartered Accountant / labour-law professional before filing or changing payroll.

Did this tool give you the right answer?

How to search

Type a few distinctive words from the error, not the whole message. “Duplicate IRN”, “CPIN expired” or “DRC-01B” find the entry faster than a copied sentence with a timestamp in it. Many IRP errors also carry a four-digit code, such as 2150 for a duplicate IRN, which works as a search term.

Errors that stop filing

ErrorUsual causeFirst step
GSTR-3B can be filed only after GSTR-1GSTR-1 or IFF for the period is not filedFile GSTR-1 first
Previous period's return not filedReturns must go in sequenceFile the oldest pending return
GSTR-1 blocked: respond to DRC-01B or DRC-01CA mismatch intimation is openReply in Part B or pay through DRC-03
Late fee must be paid before filingReturn filed after its due datePay the fee in cash; ITC cannot be used
Return cannot be filed after three yearsThe period is time-barredNothing can be filed; take advice on the consequences

Errors that stop business

Two errors hit operations rather than returns. E-way bill generation is blocked once GSTR-3B has been missed for two periods in a row, and trucks cannot leave until the returns are filed. On the IRP, an IRN cannot be cancelled after 24 hours, so a wrong invoice has to be reversed with a credit note. Both are cheaper to prevent than to fix.

Payment problems

  • A challan (CPIN) is valid for 15 days. After that, create a new one.
  • If money left your bank but the cash ledger is empty, the bank has not yet sent the CIN to GSTN. Wait 24 hours, then use Track Payment Status. Do not pay again in the meantime.
  • Check the cash ledger before you reuse a CPIN that the portal says is already utilised.

When the lookup has no answer

Take a screenshot showing the full error and the page it appeared on, note the time, and raise a ticket on the GST Self-Service Portal. If a due date is close, file the ticket before the date passes. A ticket number is your evidence that the portal, not you, caused the delay. Tell us the message too and we will add it here.

Errors about ITC mismatches often end in a notice. The reply template generator drafts the response.

Frequently asked questions

What if my error isn't listed?

Search by a few words from the message. If it's still missing, send it to us and we'll add it.

Where do I raise a portal issue?

On the GST Self-Service Portal (selfservice.gstsystem.in), with screenshots.