GSTR-9 / GST Annual Return Filing
Mandatory Annual Compliance • Reconciliation of Supplies and Tax Paid • Essential for GST Audit
What is GSTR-9 (Annual Return) Rs
The GSTR 9 is a document or statement that has to be filed once a year by a registered taxpayer. This document will contain the details of all supplies made and received under various tax heads (CGST, SGST and IGST) during the entire year along with turnover and audit details for the same.
The government has introduced a GSTR 9C audit form, which is to be filed annually by taxpayers who have a turnover of more than Rs.5 crores. It is basically a reconciliation statement between the annual returns filed in GSTR 9, and the audited annual financial statements of the taxpayer.
Different Types of GST Annual Returns
GSTR-9
GSTR-9 is the annual GST return that provides a consolidated summary of all monthly or quarterly GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B filings for the entire financial year, covering details of outward supplies, inward supplies, taxes paid under CGST, SGST, IGST and Cess, along with a complete report of Input Tax Credit (ITC) claimed, utilized, and reversed. Filing GSTR-9 is mandatory for businesses with an annual turnover above ₹2 crore, while taxpayers with turnover up to ₹2 crore may choose to file it voluntarily for better compliance accuracy and record maintenance.
GSTR-9A
GSTR-9A is the simplified annual GST return for taxpayers registered under the Composition Scheme. It provides a consolidated summary of all quarterly GSTR-4 filings for the financial year, including total turnover and the tax paid at the fixed composition rate. The form is designed to make compliance easier for small businesses that pay tax at a lower, predetermined percentage of their turnover. If a taxpayer shifts from the Composition Scheme to the regular scheme during the year, they must file GSTR-9 for the period under regular GST, while GSTR-9A applies only to the period they remained a composition taxpayer.
GSTR-9C
GSTR-9C is the Reconciliation Statement required for taxpayers whose annual turnover exceeds Rs5 crore. It compares the data reported in the GSTR-9 annual return with the figures from the taxpayer’s Audited Financial Statements, ensuring both records match in turnover, tax liability, and Input Tax Credit (ITC). The form includes detailed tables where taxpayers must explain any differences between GST filings and audited accounts. Although earlier it required certification from a Chartered Accountant, eligible businesses can now self-certify it. Despite this relaxation, GSTR-9C remains an important document for maintaining accuracy in GST records and ensuring readiness for any future audit.
Who Should File GSTR-9 Rs
Required to File
- All taxpayers/taxable persons registered under GST with aggregate turnover above ₹2 crores.
- Taxpayers with turnover up to ₹2 crore are currently given the option to file GSTR-9 (i.e., it is optional).
Not Required to File (Exemptions)
- Taxpayers opting for the Composition Scheme (They file GSTR-9A).
- Casual Taxable Persons under GST.
- Non-Resident Taxable Persons under GST law.
- Persons paying TDS under Section 51 of the CGST Act.
Documents Required for GSTR-9 Filing
- Bank Statement of the Financial Year for reconciliation (Soft copy).
- Purchase and Sales Details, including debit notes, credit notes, export details, etc.
- Tally data, Busy data or other software path.
Exemptions from Self-Certified GSTR-9C
GSTR-9C (Reconciliation Statement) is exempted for:
- Any department of the Central Government or a State Government or a local authority, whose books of account are subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India or an auditor appointed for auditing the accounts of local authorities under any law for the time being in force.
- Input Service Distributors (ISD).
- Registered persons Deducting Tax at Source as per Section 51 of the Act.
- E-Commerce operators liable to collect and pay tax as per Section 52 of the Act .
- Casual taxable Person.
- Non Resident Taxable Person.
- Any other registered person whose Aggregate Turnover during a Financial Year does not exceed Rs. 5 Cr.
Simple & Transparent Pricing for Gst Annual Return
Scale your features as your business grows. Find the plan that fits your needs today.
Basic Plan
No Hidden Charges.
- Prices are inclusive of Gst.
- GSTR-9 return filing.
- Book-Keeping and Accounting are not part of this package.
- Turnover less than Rs 3 crores.
Standard Plan
No Hidden Charges.
- Prices are inclusive of Gst.
- GSTR-9 return filing.
- Book-Keeping and Accounting are not part of this package.
- Turnover less than Rs 5 crores.
Premium Plan
No Hidden Charges.
- Prices are inclusive of Gst.
- GSTR-9 & 9C return filing .
- Book-Keeping and Accounting are not part of this package.
- Turnover up to Rs 15 crores.
FAQ's on GST Annual Return
Your Questions Answered
What is the purpose of the GST Annual Return (GSTR-9)?
GSTR-9 is an annual consolidation of the details furnished in the monthly/quarterly returns (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B) during a financial year, providing a summary of sales, purchases, and tax paid.
Who is mandated to file the GST Annual Return (GSTR-9)?
It is mandatory for all registered taxpayers under GST to file GSTR-9, with some exceptions for small taxpayers (e.g., those with turnover below a specified limit) and certain categories like Input Service Distributors.
What is GSTR-9C and who needs to file it?
GSTR-9C is a reconciliation statement between the GSTR-9 filed by the taxpayer and the audited annual financial statements. It is mandatory for taxpayers whose aggregate annual turnover exceeds a specified threshold (currently Rs 5 Crore).
What is the due date for filing the GST Annual Return (GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C)?
The due date for filing GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C for a financial year is typically the 31st of December of the succeeding financial year.
What is the key difference between GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C?
GSTR-9 is the annual return summarizing data. GSTR-9C is the reconciliation statement that verifies the GSTR-9 data against the legally audited books of accounts.
Can amendments be made to the GSTR-9 once it is filed?
No, once the GSTR-9 is filed, it cannot be revised or amended. Any discrepancies found later must be adjusted in the subsequent year's returns or through other compliance mechanisms.
What information does the GST Annual Return reconcile?
The Annual Return primarily reconciles the turnover declared in the audited financial statements with the turnover reported in GSTR-9, along with reconciling Input Tax Credit (ITC) details.
What penalties apply for late filing of the GST Annual Return?
Late filing of GSTR-9 attracts a late fee, calculated per day, subject to a maximum amount as specified by the GST laws.
GSTR-9 Filing
Annual return for GST compliance, summarizing yearly sales and tax details.
GST Annual Return Filing
GST annual return filing ensures consolidated reporting of yearly GST transactions and compliance with tax regulations. It helps businesses avoid penalties and maintain a clean compliance record.
