GSTR-9 (the annual GST return) is not compulsory for taxpayers with an aggregate annual turnover of up to ₹2 crore, as it is optional for them from FY 2017–18 onwards, including the FY 2024–25 period. However, if the total PAN-based turnover across all registrations exceeds ₹2 crore, filing becomes mandatory.
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.
CBIC Notification (17-Sep-2025) – Small taxpayers with an aggregate annual turnover of up to ₹2Cr for a financial year are exempted from filing GSTR-9 for the same year. This is a permanent compliance relief applicable to annual returns filed for the 2024-25 financial year.
Is it mandatory to file Form GSTR-9? Yes, it's mandatory to file Form GSTR-9 for normal taxpayers. It may, however, be made optional for taxpayers having AATO up to a certain threshold, from time to time.
Section 44AD is a presumptive taxation scheme that allows taxpayers to pay tax on a presumed percentage of their annual turnover given that the annual turnover is less than Rs. 2 crores (Rs. 3 crores if 95% of receipts are through online modes).
The limit for turnover of ₹ 5 crore states that a 6-digit HSN is compulsory for all outward supplies. Following this, if the Turnover is less than ₹ 5 crore, then a 4-digit HSN is required for B2B and optional for B2C.
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.
Failing to file the return attracts late fees, which is ₹200 per day or a maximum of 0.5% of the turnover. In January 2025, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) announced relaxation in GSTR–9C via Notification No. 8/2025.
Late Fees and Penalties for GSTR-9
Filing GSTR-9 after the due date attracts penalties of: Rs. 200 per day up to a maximum of 0.25% of the turnover (Rs.
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.
GSTR 9 is an annual return that GST-registered businesses must file, detailing their financial transactions. GSTR 9C is a reconciliation statement, mandatory for businesses with a turnover exceeding Rs. 2 crores, ensuring consistency between audited financial statements and GSTR 9.
Non-resident Indians have the same rights as Indian citizens when it comes to Goods and Services Tax (GST) exemptions. If a Non-Resident Indian meets the criteria set out in the applicable law, he/she can avail of this benefit.
What is the Minimum Turnover Limit for GST Registration? Businesses are required to register for GST and pay tax on their annual turnover if their annual revenue exceeds Rs. 40 lakhs in the case of goods supplied and Rs. 20 lakhs for the supply of services.
Common Reasons for Wrong Data in GSTR-9
Every registered person, whose aggregate turnover exceed Rs. 2 crores, other than the following registered persons, shall electronically furnish an annual return in Form GSTR 9 on the common portal for every financial year: 1 An Input Service Distributor (ISD) 2.
If you have exceeded the threshold you must register for GST. You reach the GST turnover threshold if either: your current GST turnover – your turnover for the current month and the previous 11 months – totals $75,000 or more ($150,000 or more for non-profit organisations)
GSTR-9 annual return filling is mandatory for every taxpayer registered under GST. Certain categories are exempted from this filing, including casual taxpayers, non-resident taxpayers, Input Service Distributors, and those who deduct or collect tax under Section 51 or Section 52.
Is CA/CMA certification mandatory for GSTR-9C? No. Self-certification is now allowed. A CA/CMA audit is optional, but taxpayers must accurately reconcile their GST returns with audited financials.
“GST amnesty scheme for GSTR-9 delayed filing- Late fee in excess of Rs. 20,000 (Rs. 10,000 each CGST and SGST) is waived of for delayed filing of GSTR9 for years 2017-18 up to 2021-22 if filed between 1st April 2023 to 30th June 2023.
Late fees ₹200 (₹100 CGST + ₹100 UT/SGST) per day of delay, subject to a maximum cap of an amount at ₹0.50% (0.25% + 0.25%) of itsd turnover. No specific provision, hence, subject to a general penalty of ₹25,000. To be filed on the GST portal. To be filed on the GST portal at the time of or after filing GSTR 9.
Example 1 – If GSTR 9 is furnished on 25th December 2025 (due date 31st December 2025) and GSTR 9C is furnished on 7th January 2026. Then no late fees is levied for GSTR 9 as it is furnished within due date. However late fees for 7 days (delay in furnishing of GSTR 9C) is auto populated in GSTR 9C.
As recently as January 2022, the limit is Rs. 1 crore for businesses and Rs. 50 lakhs for professionals.
This exemption applies based on the type of supply, not the supplier. Example: Healthcare services, educational services, and public utility services (e.g., water supply) are exempt from GST. This exemption is unconditional, meaning the supply is fully exempt from GST without any terms or conditions attached.
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.
The GST limit for composition schemes in India is Rs. 1.5 crore turnover per annum. Composition schemes are voluntary schemes available for small businesses with annual turnovers up to Rs. 1.5 crore who can opt for fixed tax rates instead of regular GST rates.