GSTR-9

A Complete GSTR-9 Handbook

What is GSTR-9?

The annual return form that combines all monthly or quarterly returns presented by the taxpayer in the course of a financial year is GSTR-9. This reflects the short summary of the sales and purchases of a taxpayer and amount paid in terms of tax regarding input tax credit. It reconciles details provided through GSTR-1, GSTR-3B , and GSTR-2A, and informs the government whether data had been correct at the time of filing for a taxpayer.

Due Date of GSTR-9

GSTR-9/ annual gst return needs to be filed on or before the 31st December succeeding the end of the financial year. For example, for the fiscal year 2022-23 it will be 31st December, 2023 .

GSTR-9 Amnesty Scheme

Relief is, under GST Amnesty Scheme, offered to taxpayers in the form of complete or partial relief from fee for late charges payable in respect of delayed GSTR-9 filings/ annual gst return. This is an exercise wherein all the pending returns may be filed without heavy penalties.

Who Has to File GSTR-9?

Every registered tax payer under GST is to file GSTR-9 /annual gst return, except for the following:

• Composition Scheme Taxpayers : They have to file GSTR-9A.

• Casual Taxable Persons : Any person or business rendering supplies in India without a fixed place of business in that territory.




• Input Service Distributors (ISD) : Such businesses that would distribute the credit of input tax among their branches.




• Non-Resident Taxable Persons : Any individual or business being a non-resident in India supplies goods and/or services here.

• Section 51 TDS Deductors under the CGST Act : All persons liable to deduct tax at source, 6. Section 52 TCS Collectors under the CGST Act: All e-commerce operators liable to collect tax at source.

GSTR-9 Applicability

All regular taxpayers, furnished both GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B during the relevant financial year, need to furnish GSTR-9/ annual gst return. It would however not be applicable for the following:

• Composition taxpayers, who would furnish GSTR-9A.

• Casual taxable persons.

• Input Service Distributors.

• Non-resident taxable persons.

• Persons liable to deduct or collect tax at source (TDS/TCS).

Turnover limit in GSTR-9

For all those companies which have a turnover of over ₹2 crores, the filling of GSTR-9 / annual gst return is irresistibly compulsory. However for furnish the reconciliation statement, GSTR-9C, the cut is ₹5 crores. This cut of turnover shall be arrived by adding up the total turnover of such firm in a financial year.

Annual Returns Under GST

The annual returns under the GST are as follows. This system has three types of taxpayers.

• FORM GSTR-9 : 9 If he's a regular taxpayer compulsorily registered under GST.

• FORM GSTR-9A : If he is a registered taxpayer under the composition scheme.

• FORM GSTR-9b : E-commerce operators who are collecting TCS under GST

• FORM GSTR-9C : Those taxpayers who have more than ₹ 5 crores and have to obtain an audited reconciliation statement by a CA.

Steps to File GSTR-9

The filing process for GSTR-9/ annual gst return requires multiple steps. Here is the stepwise process to file it.

• Login and Proceed to GSTR-9 : Login to the GST Portal Open Services >> Returns >> Annual Return, and click on GSTR-9.

• Download the Forms : Download forms GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and GSTR-2A to accumulate information.

• Fill-up Details : Fill up details, including outward and inward supplies with detailed information regarding tax paid as well as ITC claimed.

• Preview the Draft : Vouch for the accuracy of all the details in the draft return.

• Computation of Liabilities : Raise tax liabilities and clear all dues before filing.

• Final Preview of the Return : Again preview the final return to ensure accuracy.

• Filing GSTR-9 : Filings are made through DSC or EVC End.

Filing GSTR-9 is an important part of GST compliance by Indian businesses. It isn't just a yearly statement summarizing financial activities but is also to be filed to reconcile the data submitted through various returns filed throughout the year. An understanding of its applicability, turnover limits, and filing process will keep it smooth and avoid penalties. Consult a tax professional or use reliable GST software for accurate filing. This is an exhaustive GSTR-9 guide, given in support of assisting you to understand and file your annual return. For further details, please refer to the official GST portal or a GST expert.