GST annual return is a yearly compilation of outward supplies, inward supplies, tax liability and input tax credit availed for the whole financial year. It is basically a summary of all the periodic returns filed by eligible taxpayers with the tax administrative authorities. Except following persons, all other registered persons are required to furnish annual return U/S 44 of CGST Act in Form GSTR-9 through the common portal on or before the due date of filing.
- Casual taxable person,
- Non-resident taxable person,
- Input service distributor,
- Person authorised to deduct tax at source U/S 51,
- Person authorised to collect tax from source (TCS) U/S 52
Prescribed forms for GST annual return
Government has prescribed forms for filing the annual return electronically through the common portal. GSTR-9 is prescribed for all registered persons liable to file GST annual return except taxpayers who have opted for a composition scheme.
Composition scheme suppliers are required to file their GST annual return in form GSTR-9A.
Every registered person who is required to get his accounts audited U/s 35(5), is required to furnish audited annual accounts and certified reconciliation statements in prescribed form along with the annual return.
As per section 25(5), every registered person is required to get accounts audited by a practicing chartered accountant or cost accountant if aggregate turnover during the relevant financial year exceeds 2 Crore rupees. Which means, in addition to GST annual return in form GSTR-9, taxpayers are also required to furnish a reconciliation statement in form GSTR-9C.
In a reconciliation statement, the taxpayer must reconcile the value of supplies declared in the return furnished for the financial year with the audited annual financial statement.
This is not mandatorily required to be filed by all taxpayers.
As per rule 80(2), every e-commerce operator required to collect tax at source under section 52 shall furnish an annual statement in form GSTR-9B.
| Category | GST form |
| Composition scheme supplier | GSTR-9A |
| E-commerce operator deducting tax | GSTR-9B |
| Others | GSTR-9 |
| Reconciliation Statement, if applicable | GSTR-9C |
Time limit to file GST annual return
As per GST law, annual return can be filed by 31st december, following the end of the financial year to which the said annual return is to be submitted. This means for the financial year 2018-19, the due date for filing GST annual return is 31st December 2019.
However, the government can extend the due date of filing. If it’s extended, then the extended date will be considered as the last date of filing.
In the case of the financial year 2018-19, the government has extended the date of filing to 30th June 2020.
For suppliers with an annual turnover of less than 5 Crore rupees, filing of GSTR-9C for the financial year 2018-19 has been waived off.
For suppliers with less than 2 crore rupees turnover in financial year 2017-18 and 2018-19, late fee will not be charged for delay in filing of GSTR-9.
| Turnover in INR | GSTR 9 | GSTR 9C |
| Up to 2 Crore | Optional | N/A |
| Above 2 Crore but not more than 5 Crore | Mandatory | Optional |
| More than 5 Crore | Mandatory | Mandatory |
Late fee for not filing GSTR-9
The late fee for not filing GSTR-9 within the due date is 100 rupees per day per act. Which means, you need to pay 100 rupees under CGST Act and another 100 rupees under SGST Act. The total late fee is Rs 200 per day of default. We do not have any late fee under IGST Act.
Total late fee to be paid will be restricted up to 0.25% of the taxpayer’s turnover in the relevant state or union territory.
Important points related to GST annual return
- If a registered person has no business transaction during the year, then nil annual return can be filed.
- If a person has opted for composition scheme then, such person is required to file GSTR-9 and GSTR-9A for the relevant period for the year in which composition levy opted.
