GSTR-9 is an annual GST return for taxpayers with over ₹2 crore turnover, consolidating yearly transactions. GSTR-9C reconciles returns with audited statements. Due by 31st December, it excludes certain taxpayers, with penalties for late filing.
Meaning and Applicability
Your Guide to GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C Filing Requirements
GSTR-9 is an essential annual filing obligation for all taxpayers registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. GSTR-9 encapsulates comprehensive information concerning outward and inward supplies, encompassing transactions made or received during the relevant financial year. This includes supplies governed by Central GST (CGST), State GST (SGST), and Integrated GST (IGST) regulations. The return is a consolidated record of all monthly or quarterly returns submitted within the corresponding year.
Form GSTR-9C serves the purpose of filing the reconciliation statement by taxpayers for a specific financial year. This form constitutes a reconciliation between the Annual Returns submitted in GSTR-9 and the figures outlined in the taxpayer’s Audited Financial Statements.
Eiligiblity Criteria
Taxpayers with an annual aggregate turnover exceeding two crores are required to file GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C for a particular financial year. However, following taxpayers are excluded from filing Form GSTR-9/GSTR9C:
- Composition Taxpayers : Taxpayers operating under the composition scheme have a distinct annual return form, i.e., Form GSTR-9A, designed to cater to their specific requirements. As such, they are not required to file Form GSTR-9.
- Casual Taxpayers : Those taxpayers who engage in sporadic or occasional business activities, everyday taxpayers, are exempt from filing the Annual Return in Form GSTR-9.
- Non-Resident Taxpayers : Taxpayers who are not residents of the country and engage in taxable transactions within India, non-resident taxpayers, are not obligated to file Form GSTR-9.
- Input Service Distributors (ISD) and OIDAR Service Providers : Entities functioning as Input Service Distributors or providing Online Information and Database Access or Retrieval services are also excluded from the requirement to file Form GSTR-9.
Due date for filing Form GSTR-9
The due date for filing Form GSTR-9 for a particular financial year is 31st December of the subsequent financial year.
Penalties for Late Filing of GSTR-9 Form
The total liability was Rs 200 per day of default. This is subject to a maximum of 0.25% of the taxpayer’s turnover in the relevant state or union territory per Act.
