GSTR-9C is mandatory for regular GST-registered taxpayers with an aggregate annual turnover exceeding ₹5 crore. It is a reconciliation statement filed alongside the annual return (GSTR-9), confirming that audited financial records match the GST returns. As of FY 2020-21, it requires self-certification rather than a Chartered Accountant (CA) signature.
According to section 125 of the CGST and SGST Acts of 2017, there is a general penalty of Rs. 25,000 for non-compliance. Since no specific penalty has been prescribed for the late filing of GSTR-9C, this general penalty would apply to those who fail to submit the form on time.
All regular GST-registered taxpayers with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 2 crores are required to file GSTR-9C, which includes a reconciliation statement and certification by a Chartered Accountant (CA) or Cost Management Accountant (CMA).
GST registrants who obtained or held registration anytime during a given financial year are required to file annual return for the said financial year.
Scope of the Scheme: The waiver scheme applies to only those taxpayers who have failed to file GSTR-9 earlier. To avail benefits of this scheme, taxpayers have to file the return before March 31, 2025. Already Paid Late Fees: No refunds will be issued if the taxpayer has already filed the return with late payment fees.
GSTR-9C Turnover Limit
Steps to Apply for the GST Waiver
Here's a simplified breakdown of the process under Section 128A: File an Application on the GST Portal: Apply electronically using FORM GST SPL-01 for non-fraudulent notices or FORM GST SPL-02 for certain orders. Include details of the tax payments made using FORM GST DRC-03.
If you don't file an annual report, your business risks late fees, suspension of its right to do business, and eventually administrative dissolution (being shut down by the state), which can lead to losing your liability protection, making it hard to get financing or contracts, and having your business name taken by others. Reinstatement is often possible but involves back payments, penalties, and extra paperwork, according to NCH inc..
Composition taxpayers can file Annual Return in Form GSTR-9A. Annual Return is not required to be filed by casual taxpayer / Non Resident taxpayer / ISD/ OIDAR Service Providers.
Tables 5, 7, 9 & 12 are mandatory for GSTR-9C. Tables 6, 8, 10 & 13 must only be filled if there are any unreconciled amounts as per mandatory tables mentioned above.
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.
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.
The GST law requires that every claim for refund is to be filed within 2 years from the relevant date.
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.
If you (a regular taxpayer) does not file a return for a continuous period of six months, then the GST Officer may cancel the GST registration of such person. Before cancellation, the officer will issue a Notice seeking your clarification.
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.
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.
This waiver applies to registered persons who failed to submit the required reconciliation statement (FORM GSTR-9C) along with the annual return but submit it before March 31, 2025.
If you do not complete your annual return, the Registrar may remove your company from the register, which means it would cease to exist. This could have serious consequences. For example: Your business would have difficulty obtaining credit, goods or services.
Failing to file GSTR-9 on time results in financial penalties of ₹200 per day, capped at 0.25% of annual turnover, disrupting cash flow for businesses. Non-compliance with GSTR-9 can lead to denial of input tax credits, audits, legal risks, and even suspension or cancellation of GST registration.
Penalty Charge
More than 15 days and up to 30 days (Sections 93, 139 and 157) and up to 30 days in remaining forms. The penalty for not filing a company's annual return (Form MGT-7 and Form AOC-4) is set to be increased to Rs. 200 per day.
Maximum marginal rate is the highest rate of tax at any income level. This means for those with incomes between Rs 2 crore and Rs 5 crore, 39% will be the highest applicable tax rate, and for those with incomes above Rs 5 crore, it will be 42.74% — the highest tax rate since 1992.
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.