What is GST annual return?The GST annual return is a statement of return that is required to be filed annually by each registered person (except for a few specified categories of persons) under GST, providing summarised details of outward supplies and taxes paid thereon, input tax credits claimed, taxes paid, and refund claimed in the fiscal year in which such annual return is filed. |
What is GSTR 9?The GSTR 9 is a type of form that a registered taxpayer must file once a year for filing the GST annual return. |
Sub-categories of GSTR 9
| S. No. | Sub-category name | Who has to file it? |
| 1 | GSTR 9A | GSTR-9A is a simplified GST annual return filed by business owners who have chosen the GST composition scheme. This return incorporates all quarterly returns filed by the composite dealers during the fiscal year. Since the introduction of GSTR 4 (Annual), this return has been discontinued. |
| 2 | GSTR 9B | GSTR-9B is a summary of the information filed in GSTR-8 by taxpayers registered as GST E-commerce operators. |
| 3 | GSTR 9C | GSTR-9C is a return form that registered taxpayers must file if their total turnover exceeds Rs.5 crores, but it is optional for taxpayers with a turnover between Rs.2 and Rs.5 crores. In this case, the taxpayer must also submit a copy of the audited annual accounts as well as a reconciliation statement that reconciles the value of supplies declared in the return furnished for the financial year. |
Who needs to file GSTR 9?
Except as specified in section 44 (1), all registered persons under the CGST and SGST Acts are required to file GSTR.
- Casual Taxable Individual
- Non-Resident Taxable Person
- Individual who collects TCS or deducts TDS
- Distributor of input services
The annual GSTR’s applicability varies depending on the type of taxpayer:
- Normal taxpayers need to fill out the GSTR 9 form
- Composition taxpayers need to fill out the GSTR 9A form
- eCommerce operators need to fill out the GSTR 9B form
Do keep in mind that all required registered taxpayers must file an annual return, regardless of their turnover limit.
GSTR 9 due date for FY’2021-22
The deadline for filing GSTR-9 for a financial year is December 31st of the year following the relevant financial year. For example, the GSTR-9 due date for the financial year 2021-22 is December 31, 2022.
Consequences of not filing or late filing
The tax department has always strictly enforced noncompliance with the law, and GSTR 9 is no exception. Non-filing GSTR 9 or filing it after the due date can result in significant penalties for the taxpayer.
Not filing
In the event of non-filing, the authorities may issue a notice under section 46 requiring the immediate filing (within 15 days) of GSTR 9.
A general penalty of up to Rs 25,000/- can be imposed under Section 125 of the CGST Act 2017.
Late filing
The late fee shall be the lesser of the following, according to section 47(2) of the CGST Act 2017.
- 100 rupees per day
- 0.25 percent of the state or union territory turnover
- In addition, a general penalty of up to Rs 25,000/- can be imposed under Section 125 of the CGST Act 2017.
However, in this case, a person making an interstate supply will face a double penalty because the same penalties will be imposed under both the CGST and SGST Acts. This means that the penalty, in this case, will become
Lower of:
- 200 rupees per day
- 0.25 percent of the state or union territory turnover
Details required for filing GSTR 9
GSTR 9 is divided into 6 sections. Each section requests information that is readily accessible from your previously filed returns and books of accounts.
In general, the form demands annual sales information, classifying them into tax-exempt or non-tax-exempt categories.
The yearly value of inward supplies and the ITC inferred from them must be disclosed on the purchase side.
These purchases must be categorised as inputs, input services, or capital goods as well. Any ITCs that need to be overturned due to ineligibility must be specified.
Structure of GSTR 9
The Annual Return format, as specified in GSTR 9, is a lengthy document in which all transactions from the previous years must be reported. It is divided into six sections listed below:
Part I: Basic details
Part II: Information on outward supplies reported in returns during the financial year
Part III: ITC availed and reversed details declared in returns filed during the financial year
Part IV: Information on taxes paid, as reported in returns filed during the fiscal year
Part V: Particulars of previous financial year transactions declared in returns from April to September of the current financial year, or up to the date of filing of the previous financial year’s annual return, whichever is earlier (Table 10 to 14)
Part VI: Other information
How to file GST annual return?
To file your GST annual return, go to the GST Portal. Form GSTR 9 should be completed and submitted to the portal.
You can also visit the GST Portal Tutorial Section for detailed instructions and screenshots on how to file your GST annual return on the portal. The basic outline of the steps is listed below:
- Login to the GST Portal and scroll down to Form GSTR-9
- Download forms GSTR 1, GSTR 3B GSTR 9 summary
- Fill out each form with the information requested
- Preview draft of form GSTR 9 summary
- Calculate liabilities and, if applicable, pay late fees.
- Preview draft of form GSTR 9
- File form GSTR 9 with DSC/EVC
On a concluding note
The Annual Return comprises one of the most important returns because it contains information on all transactions that occurred during the fiscal year. As a result, the taxpayer must exercise caution as well as responsibility.
It is critical to file GST returns on time to avoid penalties and to remain in the good graces of both clients and the government.
