Is GST annual return compulsory?

Asked by: Kayley Wunsch  |  Last update: June 2, 2026
Score: 5/5 (6 votes)

Yes, the GST Annual Return (Form GSTR-9) is generally compulsory for all registered taxpayers, especially those with an aggregate turnover exceeding ₹2 crores during a financial year. While often mandatory for normal taxpayers, it may be optional for certain, smaller taxpayers based on government notifications. It must be filed even if there are no transactions (NIL return).

Is GST annual return mandatory?

All registered persons, except for a few specified categories of persons, are required to file GST annual return for every financial year.

Is it mandatory to file a GST return?

GST return filing is mandatory even if there's no transaction during the period (NIL return). Important: You cannot file the current return if the previous return is pending. Late filing attracts interest & late fees, impacting compliance.

What is the penalty for not filing GST annual return?

Levy of late fee:

Therefore, effectively the late fee for delay in filing Annual Return by the due date is R 200/- per day subject to a maximum of an amount calculated at 0.50% of his turnover in the State or Union Territory.

What is the minimum turnover for GST annual return?

GST Annual Return is to be filed by the registered taxpayer whose turnover for the year exceeds Rs. 2 crores.

GSTR-9 Filing Mandatory Even If Sales is Zero | GST Annual Return 2025 Update #ksracademy

34 related questions found

Who is required to file an annual return?

Form GSTR-9 is an annual return to be filed once for each financial year, by the registered taxpayers who were regular taxpayers, including SEZ units and SEZ developers. The taxpayers are required to furnish details of purchases, sales, input tax credit or refund claimed or demand created etc. in this return.

How much turnover is allowed without GST?

Businesses with annual sales of Rs. 40 lakhs or more for goods, and Rs. 20 lakhs or more for services, must register for GST. If the turnover exceeds the allowed threshold, there is a penalty for failing to register under GST.

What happens if I don't file my GST return?

Therefore, upon non –filing of GST returns or missing out the GST due dates, the GST law prescribes a general penalty. The maximum penalty that may be imposed is Rs. 5,000. The taxpayer will be required to pay interest on late payment of GST at a rate of 18% annually in addition to the late payment penalty.

Who is eligible for GST reporting annually?

You can elect to report and pay GST annually. You can only use this method if you are voluntarily registered for GST. That is, you are registered for GST and your turnover is under $75,000 (or $150,000 for not-for-profit bodies).

Do I have to file a GST return?

If you are registered for GST/HST, you must file a GST/HST return for each reporting period.

Who is exempted from filing GST?

Businesses dealing in goods are exempt from GST if their annual aggregate turnover is below INR 40 lakhs. For businesses in hilly and northeastern states, this threshold is reduced to INR 20 lakhs to address regional challenges. Service providers are exempt from GST if their turnover is under INR 20 lakhs annually.

Is it compulsory to file an annual return?

Annual Return

All companies, including inactive and dormant companies, are required to file annual returns. As long as a company's status is "live", it must file its annual return with ACRA even if IRAS has exempted the company from filing its income tax return. Read our guide on filing Annual Returns.

Do I have to pay GST if I earn under $75000?

If your GST turnover is below the $75,000 threshold, you may choose to register. But if you do, regardless of your turnover, you must: include GST in the price of most goods and services you sell. claim GST credits for most business purchases you make.

Do I need GST if my turnover is below 20 lakhs?

GST is leviable only if aggregate turnover is more than 20 lacs. (Rs. 10 lacs in 11 special category States). For computing aggregate supplies turnover of all supplies made by you would be added.

Which of the following is exempted from filing of annual returns?

The Government has notified that the registered persons with an aggregate turnover of up to Rs. 2 crores in any Financial Year ('FY') would be exempted from filing annual return for that respective FY. This exemption shall be applicable from FY 2024-25 onwards.

Is it compulsory to file GST returns?

Filing is mandatory for all GST taxpayers. Returns must be filed on the GST portal monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on the taxpayer's classification. GST Return is mandatory for all GST-registered businesses. Regular taxpayers file GSTR-1, GSTR-3B monthly or quarterly, plus annual returns (GSTR-9/9C).

Do I have to pay GST if I make less than $30,000?

You have to start charging GST/HST on the supply that made you exceed $30,000. You exceed the $30,000 threshold 1 over the previous four (or fewer) consecutive calendar quarters (but not in a single calendar quarter).

How much turnover is required for GST annual return?

GSTR-9 (Annual Return) is optional for businesses with turnover up to Rs.2 crore since FY 17-18 onwards till FY 2023-24. Every year, the GST department notifies the threshold turnover limit above which it is mandatory to file GSTR-9.

Who is liable to file a GST return?

All business owners and dealers who have registered under the GST system must file GST returns according to the nature of their business or transactions. Regular Businesses. Businesses registered under the Composition Scheme.

Is GST suspended for not filing return?

When can the GSTIN get suspended? A taxpayer's GST registration or GSTIN can be suspended when they fail to file their GST returns for six consecutive months as monthly filers and for two consecutive quarters as quarterly filers.

What happens if I don't file returns?

Consequences of Not Filing ITR

While the due date for filing IT returns has historically been July 31, this date could be subject to change. Failing to meet this deadline could result in a penalty of ₹ 5000 if the return has been submitted after the due date under Section 234F.

What is the penalty for failing to file GST return?

The penalty for late GST/HST filing is 1% of any amount you owe, plus an extra 0.25% for each full month your payment is overdue, up to 12 months. If the CRA issues a formal demand to file and you ignore it, they add another $250 penalty even if you don't owe any tax.

Can I open my current bank account without GST?

Yes, you can open a Current Account without GST. You can also open a Current Account online without GST due to certain Current Account exemptions. Say you are a sole proprietor with a business turnover of less than ₹40 lakhs for goods.

How much turnover is required for audit?

A taxpayer must get a tax audit done if their business's sales, turnover, or gross receipts are over ₹1 crore, or if their profession's earnings exceed ₹50 lakh in a financial year. There are other situations where a tax audit might also be required.