FAQs on Annual Return in GST- FY 2023-24

1. What is the GST Annual Return?

The GST annual return is a compilation of all the details furnished by a taxpayer in their monthly or quarterly GST returns for a financial year. It is filed in Form GSTR-9 and is considered final.

2. Who is required to file Form GSTR-9?

Every registered person under GST, except specified exempt persons, must file Form GSTR-9. Exempt persons include:

• Input Service Distributors
• Non-resident Taxable Persons
• Casual Taxable Persons
• Persons registered as TDS Deductors or TCS Collectors
• Persons providing OIDAR services.

Additionally, registered persons with an annual turnover of up to ?2 crores are exempt.

3. What is the due date for filing Form GSTR-9?

The due date for filing Form GSTR-9 is December 31 following the end of the relevant financial year. However, extensions may be announced through notifications.

4. What are the consequences of late filing of Form GSTR-9?

Late filing attracts a fee of ?200 per day (?100 CGST + ?100 SGST), subject to a maximum of 0.5% of the turnover in the relevant state or union territory.

From FY 2022-23 onwards, late fee waivers are granted based on turnover slabs.

5. Can Form GSTR-9 be revised once filed?

No, Form GSTR-9 cannot be revised after submission. Errors or omissions cannot be rectified in subsequent filings.

6. What is Form GSTR-9C?

Form GSTR-9C is a reconciliation statement where values declared in the annual return are matched with audited financial statements. It is required for certain taxpayers based on turnover.

7. Are composition taxpayers required to file Form GSTR-9?

No, composition taxpayers must file their annual return in Form GSTR-9A.

If a taxpayer is a composition dealer for part of the year and a regular taxpayer for another part, they must file both Forms GSTR-9A and GSTR-9 accordingly.

8. What are the restrictions on filing Form GSTR-9?

Form GSTR-9 can only be filed if all GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B returns for the applicable financial year are filed.

9. Is there a time limit for filing Form GSTR-9?

Effective October 1, 2023, Form GSTR-9 cannot be filed after three years from the due date. Extensions may be granted via notifications.

10. Can payments for additional tax liabilities be made while filing Form GSTR-9?

Yes, taxpayers can voluntarily pay additional tax liabilities identified while filing Form GSTR-9 through Form DRC-03.

11. What happens if a taxpayer does not file Form GSTR-9?

A notice in Form GSTR-3A may be issued electronically, giving 15 days to file the return. Non-compliance may lead to demand proceedings under GST law.

12. Is Form GSTR-9 filed at the GSTIN level or PAN level?

Form GSTR-9 must be filed at the GSTIN level. Taxpayers with multiple GST registrations under the same PAN must file separate returns for each GSTIN.