GSTR-9: Filing Frequency, Penalties and Due Dates

The goods and services tax (GST) has transformed the indirect tax system in India by replacing multiple taxes with a single, unified tax. It brought transparency and efficiency to the tax regime with its own set of rules and regulations. Filing returns as specified is an important component of compliance under GST. GSTR-9 is one such return. It is an important return as it helps the government monitor the compliance of taxpayers. For taxpayers, it helps in maintaining accurate records of their GST transactions and also ensures compliance. Here we discuss the filing frequency and due dates for GSTR-9.

What is GSTR-9 annual return?

GSTR-9 is an annual return that has to be filed by all taxpayers registered under the goods and services tax regime in India. It is a summarized return that contains consolidated details of all the returns filed under GST by a tax payer during a financial year.

Who should file the GSTR-9 return?

All taxpayers registered under GST are required to file GSTR-9. But the following persons are exempt from filing this return:

1. Taxpayers who have opted for the composition scheme
2. Casual taxable persons
3. Input service distributors
4. Non-resident taxable persons
5. Persons paying TDS or TCS under Section 51 of the CGST Act

Due Date for filing GSTR-9

Rule 80 of the CGST Rules specifies that every registered taxpayer is liable to file the GSTR-9 annual return on or before the 31^st of December of the next financial year. Non-filing and late filing of the return can result in late fees, interest, and other penalties.

Penalties for late filing of GSTR-9

As per Section 47(2) of the CGST Act, 2017, any registered person who fails to furnish the annual returns within the due date is liable to pay a late fee of Rs. 200/- (CGST-Rs. 100/- and SGST-Rs. 100/-) per day. There is no late fee for IGST. Therefore, it is crucial for taxpayers to file their returns by the due date to avoid penalties and ensure compliance.

Pre-requisites for filing GSTR-9

Taxpayers must ensure timely submission of GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, or GSTR-4 returns as per the classification of the taxpayer. It is also important for the taxpayer to clear any outstanding dues; otherwise, the taxpayer will not be able to file the GSTR-9.

Structure of GSTR-9

The return is divided into six parts, containing altogether 19 tables with consolidated information about the inward and outward supplies, the applicable GST rate, the tax applicable, and the amount paid on the supplies.

At the end of the return, the taxpayer has the option to pay any additional liability declared in this form. This can be done through Form DRC-03. The taxpayer has to select the annual return in the drop-down provided in Form DRC-03.

Steps to file GSTR-9

The taxpayer has to follow these steps to file GSTRS-9 online in the GST portal:

Step 1:Navigate to the GST portal at https://www.gst.gov.in/ and login with valid credentials.

Step 2: Go to Service>Returns>Annual Returns

Step 3: Select the relevant financial year and click on prepare online

Step 4: Answer the question of whether to file a NIL return. For a regular return, data from GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B is auto-populated in the GSTR-9 form. Click ‘Next’

Step 5: Then the ‘Annual returns for normal taxpayers’ page is displayed.

Step 6: Fill in the required details in each section. The summary of the details in excel or pdf format can be viewed by clicking the ‘Preview’ option.

Step 7: Proceed to ‘Compute liabilities’ and the ‘late fee payable and paid’ will appear. Along with it, the available cash balance will be shown in the ‘Electronic Cash Ledger’.

If the cash balance is less than the tax liability, the details will be shown in the ‘cash required’ section.

Step 8: Click on the ‘create challan’ button. The challan will be auto-populated.

Step 9: After selecting the payment method, click on ‘generate challan’.

Step 10: Click on ‘preview draft GSTR-9 (pdf)’ and download the form.

Step 11: After checking the declaration box and authorized signatory, click on the ‘File GSTR-9’ button.

How to check the status of GSTR-9

To check the status of GSTR-9, the taxpayer has to go through the following steps:

1. Login to the GST portal

2. Go to ‘services>returns>track return status
3. Enter the return filing period and the ARN, and the status of the GSTR-9 is shown.

Amendments in GSTR-9:

Amendments in Rule 80 of the CGST Rules, applicable from 2020–21 onwards, GSTR-9 is not required to be filed for taxpayers with a turnover of up to Rs. 2 crore. Further GSTR 9C can be self-certified by taxpayers with a turnover of less than Rs. 5 crore. If the turnover of the business exceeds Rs. 5 crore, then they must furnish both GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C.

Important points regarding filing of GSTR-9

Data reconciliation: One of the main issues faced by taxpayers is data reconciliation between different returns, mainly GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B. Mismatched data can lead to notices from the tax authorities. Businesses should therefore maintain accurate records and regularly reconcile the data.

Input tax credit (ITC) reconciliation: ITC should be verified at every stage and regularly reconcile and match the ITC claimed in GSTR-3B with the eligible ITC as per their purchase records to avoid ITC reversals and additional tax liabilities.

Modifications and Revisions: Once filed, GSTR-9 cannot be revised or modified. So, it is important for taxpayers to maintain a proper record of all transactions and reconcile regularly with the returns filed.

ITC on exempt supplies and reversal of ITC: Taxpayers must be careful while calculating ITC and not take the credit on exempt supplies. Likewise, reversals of ITC for various reasons, like non-payment to suppliers within 180 days, should be monitored to ensure that the rules are followed to avoid ITC reversals.

Provision of GSTR-9 in pdf format in GST: A system-computed GSTR-9 is provided on the portal for taxpayers’ reference by GST, which can be used by taxpayers for matching with the other returns filed and the records maintained at their end.

Conclusion

Filing GSTR-9 on time is a statutory requirement and an important part of compliance. Non-filing can lead to late fees, interest, and other penalties. It provides a comprehensive summary of the GST transactions of the taxpayer. The annual return is important for computing the tax liability and claiming the correct input tax credit. Therefore, taxpayers’ should be aware of the process of filing the annual return and update themselves with the rules and regulations regularly.

Also Listen: Understanding The Information Provided In GSTR 2B

Frequently asked questions

1. What is meant by the GSTR annual return audit?

As per Sub-Section 5 of Section 35 of the CGST Act, every taxpayer registered under GST whose aggregate turnover during a financial year is more than Rs. 5 crores must get his accounts audited and submit a copy of the audited annual accounts and a reconciliation statement duly certified in GSTR-9C.

2. Can additional liabilities not declared in GSTR-3B be declared in GSTR-9?

Yes, additional liability not reported in GSTR-3B can be declared in GSTR-9, and payment can be made through GST DRC-03.

Vidya Sagar Freelance Writer

Vidya Sagar has post graduate and Law graduate qualifications. She has worked in the finance industry for many years. She is passionate about writing and keen on writing articles related to tax, accounting, audit, and other finance related topics. She likes to simplify complex financial matters to help her readers understand easily. She reads a lot in her spare time and keeps herself updated with the latest financial news. She likes helping people in all their financial and compliance requirements

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