The GST Annual Return is a mandatory filing under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime in India, consolidating details of all supplies, purchases, and adjustments made during the financial year. This return ensures reconciliation between the financial statements of taxpayers and their GST filings, ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
The following registered taxpayers are required to file an annual return:
• Regular Taxpayers (excluding composition scheme taxpayers, casual taxpayers, input service distributors, non-resident taxpayers, and those liable for TDS/TCS under GST)
• Composition Scheme Taxpayers (via GSTR-9A)
• E-commerce Operators (via GSTR-9B)
• Taxpayers Requiring Audit (via GSTR-9C, applicable for businesses with turnover exceeding INR 5 crore)
The following entities are exempt from filing the GST Annual Return:
• Casual taxpayers
• Input service distributors
• Non-resident taxpayers
• Entities liable under TDS/TCS provisions of GST
• Small taxpayers with turnover below INR 2 crore (optional filing for specific financial years)
This form consolidates all outward and inward supplies, tax paid, and adjustments made during the financial year.
Applicable for businesses under the composition scheme, summarizing tax liability under simplified GST rates.
Filed by e-commerce operators collecting tax at source (TCS) under Section 52 of the GST Act.
Taxpayers with an aggregate turnover exceeding INR 5 crore must file GSTR-9C, which includes a reconciliation statement between audited financial statements and GST returns.
The due date for filing the GST Annual Return is 31st December following the end of the financial year.
Late Filing Penalties
• Rs. 200 per day (Rs. 100 each under CGST & SGST)
• Maximum penalty: 0.25% of turnover
• No late fees for IGST (as per current provisions)
For businesses operating in multiple states, separate GST registrations are required for each state. In such cases:
• The Annual Return must be filed separately for each state/UT where registration is held.
• The turnover, tax liability, and ITC must be segregated on a state-wise basis before filing.
• The total consolidated turnover in all states should reconcile with the audited financial statements.
• Any discrepancies must be resolved at the state level.
Discrepancies between GST returns and financial statements must be resolved before filing. If additional tax payment is required, it can be paid through DRC-03 Challan before submission.
a. Login to GST Portal – Go to www.gst.gov.in
b. Select Annual Return – Choose the relevant financial year and form type.
c. Verify Auto-Populated Data – Cross-check details with financial statements.
d. Make Necessary Adjustments – Include missing transactions or rectify errors.
e. Pay Additional Tax, if required – Use DRC-03 challan for tax discrepancies.
f. Submit and File – Once verified, file the return using DSC/EVC.
• Mismatch between GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and financial statements
• Errors in ITC claim reconciliation with GSTR-2A/2B
• Non-reporting of amendments made through credit/debit notes
• Late filing penalties impacting compliance rating
Filing the GST Annual Return is crucial for businesses to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. Proper record-keeping and reconciliation can simplify the process. Businesses with multiple state registrations must ensure state-wise compliance while maintaining consistency with audited financials.
For expert assistance with GST compliance, visit ReturnFilings.com to streamline your tax filing process, reach out to us on email: info@returnfilings.com or on whatsapp: https://wa.me/919910123091.
The GST Annual Return is a comprehensive return that summarizes all the transactions of a registered taxpayer during a financial year. It consolidates the information provided in the regular GST returns (GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B) filed throughout the year.
The GST Annual Return is required for: Providing a consolidated summary of yearly transactions. Reconciling data between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B. Reporting any discrepancies or additional information. Ensuring transparency and compliance.
Every registered GST taxpayer is required to file the annual return, except for a few exempted categories (e.g., composition taxpayers, casual taxable persons, etc. – check the latest notifications for exemptions).
The primary form for the GST Annual Return is GSTR-9. GSTR-9A was a simplified return for composition taxpayers, but it has been discontinued. GSTR-9C is a reconciliation statement between the audited annual accounts and GSTR-9, required for taxpayers above a specified turnover limit.
GSTR-9 is filed online through the GST portal (www.gst.gov.in).
The process generally involves: Visiting the GST portal. Logging in to the GST account. Navigating to the “Services” tab and selecting “Returns” and then “Annual Return”. Selecting the relevant financial year. Filling out the various sections of GSTR-9. Verifying the return using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar-based e-signing. Submitting the return.
GSTR-9 requires information related to: Details of outward and inward supplies made during the financial year. Details of ITC claimed and reversed. Details of tax paid (including TDS and TCS). Details of any refunds claimed. Any other information as required by the form.
The due date for filing GSTR-9 is usually December 31st of the following financial year. However, it’s essential to check the GST portal for the latest announced due dates, as they can be subject to extensions.
Late filing of GSTR-9 attracts penalties, which increase with the delay.
GSTR-9C is a reconciliation statement between the audited annual accounts and GSTR-9. It is required for taxpayers whose turnover exceeds a specified limit (check the latest notification from the GST Council as this limit is subject to change).
Taxpayers exceeding the specified turnover limit are required to file GSTR-9C.
The due date for filing GSTR-9C is usually the same as the due date for GSTR-9. Check the GST portal for the latest updates.
Generally, revisions to GSTR-9 are not allowed after it has been filed. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure accuracy before submitting the return.
Common errors include: Mismatch between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B data. Incorrect reporting of ITC. Errors in tax calculations.
A professional can assist with the preparation and filing of GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C, especially the reconciliation process and ensuring compliance with the law. For professional assistance, reach out to us on email: info@returnfilings.com or on whatsapp: https://wa.me/919910123091 to ensure all statutory obligations.
GSTR-9 is filed online; there is no offline form to download.
The format is available on the GST portal.
GSTR-1 is a monthly/quarterly return detailing outward supplies, while GSTR-9 is the annual return summarizing all transactions.
GSTR-3B is a monthly return summarizing outward and inward supplies, ITC, and tax payable, while GSTR-9 is the annual return.
You should compare the sales data reported in GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B to identify and correct any discrepancies.
Penalties are specified under the GST law and increase with the delay.
Challenges include data reconciliation, ensuring accuracy, and meeting the due date.
Maintain accurate records throughout the year and reconcile data regularly.
The GST portal is the official source for notifications and circulars.
The GST portal provides resources and helpdesk support for filing GSTR-9.
