The Goods and Services Tax ( GST ) regime has simplified the tax structure in India, yet it comes with its own set of compliance requirements. Among these, the Annual Goods and Services Tax Return, Form GSTR-9 form holds significant importance.
Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding Form GSTR-9, who needs to file it, and the key aspects surrounding it.
What is Form GSTR-9?
Form GSTR-9 is an annual return that must be filed once for each financial year by registered taxpayers under GST. This includes regular taxpayers, Special Economic Zone ( SEZ ) units, and SEZ developers. The form requires taxpayers to furnish details regarding their purchases, sales, input tax credit, refunds claimed, and demands created throughout the year.
Who Needs to File Form GSTR-9?
Form GSTR-9 must be filed by all normal taxpayers, including SEZ units and developers, as well as those who transitioned from the composition scheme to the regular taxpayer status during the financial year.
Note:
– Composition taxpayers should file their annual return using Form GSTR-9A.
– Casual taxpayers, non-resident taxpayers, Input Service Distributors ( ISD ), and Online Information and Database Access or Retrieval ( OIDAR ) service providers are exempt from filing the annual return.
Difference Between Form GSTR-9 and Form GSTR-9C
– Form GSTR-9: Filed by every registered normal taxpayer, unless exempted by a government notification.
– Form GSTR-9C: Required for taxpayers with an aggregate turnover above a certain threshold. This form includes a reconciliation statement and audited annual accounts, certified by a Chartered Accountant or Cost Accountant.
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Is Filing of Form GSTR-9 Mandatory?
Yes, filing Form GSTR-9 is mandatory for normal taxpayers. However, it may be made optional for those with an Annual Aggregate Turnover (AATO) below a specified threshold.
Specific Scenarios and Filing Requirements
1. Partial Periods as Regular and Composition Taxpayer:
– Taxpayers must file both GSTR-9 and GSTR-9A for the respective periods.
2. Cancelled Registration:
– Annual returns must be filed even if the registration was cancelled during the financial year.
3. Transition to/from Composition Scheme:
– Taxpayers must file GSTR-9 for the period they were regular taxpayers.
Preconditions for Filing Form GSTR-9
Before filing Form GSTR-9, ensure:
– You have an active GSTIN for at least one day during the financial year.
– All applicable returns ( GSTR-1/IFF and GSTR-3B ) for the relevant year have been filed.
Filing Nil Form GSTR-9
A Nil Form GSTR-9 can be filed if there were no outward supplies, purchases, input tax credits, refunds, liabilities, or demands throughout the financial year.
How to File Form GSTR-9
– Online Filing: Navigate to Services > Returns > Annual Return on the GST portal.
– Offline Tool: An offline tool is available for filing Form GSTR-9.
Filing Deadlines and Extensions
The due date for filing Form GSTR-9 is 31st December of the subsequent financial year, although this date can be extended by government notification.
Level of Filing
Form GSTR-9 is filed at the GSTIN level. If a taxpayer has multiple GST registrations under the same PAN, an annual return must be filed for each GSTIN separately.
Data Entry in Form GSTR-9
Details must be entered in various tables of Form GSTR-9, which include summaries of supplies, input tax credits, tax paid, and other relevant transactions. Some tables are auto-populated from previously filed GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B forms, and GSTR-2A.
Auto-populated Data
Certain tables in Form GSTR-9 are auto-populated with data from GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and GSTR-2A, reducing manual entry errors.
Editing and Reviewing Data
Taxpayers can edit most auto-populated data before filing, except for specific tables like 6A and 8A. It is possible to preview the form in PDF or Excel format to ensure accuracy before submission.
Late Fees and Additional Liabilities
– Late fees apply if the return is filed after the due date.
– Additional liabilities not reported earlier can be declared in GSTR-9 and paid using Form GST DRC-03.
Post-Filing Considerations
Once filed, Form GSTR-9 cannot be revised. The filing generates an Application Reference Number (ARN), and the form can be downloaded for records.
Special Cases
For taxpayers in newly created or merged Union Territories (e.g., Ladakh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu), annual returns must be filed for both the old and new GSTINs for the relevant periods.
In conclusion, understanding and accurately filing Form GSTR-9 is crucial for GST compliance. Ensuring all details are correctly entered and submitted on time can help avoid penalties and ensure smooth tax management.
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