Yes, several exemptions from filing GSTR-9 (annual return) exist for specific taxpayers, particularly for smaller businesses. For the financial year (FY) 2024-25, taxpayers with an aggregate turnover up to ₹2 crore are exempt. Other exempted categories include casual taxable persons, non-resident taxpayers, input service distributors, and TDS/TCS deductors.
As per the notification, registered persons whose aggregate turnover in any financial year does not exceed ₹2 crore will be eligible for this exemption.
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.
GSTR9 Late Fee and Penalty
As per section 47, late fees for not filing the GSTR 9 within the due date is Rs.100 per day, per Act. That means late fees of Rs.100 under CGST and Rs.100 under SGST are applicable in case of delay. Accordingly, the total liability is Rs.200 per day of default.
The GST/HST break includes certain qualifying goods, such as:
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.
Customers do not pay GST on goods and services that are GST‑free such as basic food, many medical and health services, some education courses, childcare, certain medical aids, and exports.
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.
The GST law requires that every claim for refund is to be filed within 2 years from the relevant date.
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).
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.
Penalty on Missing the GST Due Date:
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 registered person whose aggregate turnover in any financial year is up to two crore rupees is exempt from filing annual return that said financial year. This is with respect of filing of annual return for the financial year 2024-25 onwards.
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.
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).
The GST exemption essentially allows the earmarking of transfers, made during lifetime or at death, that either skip a generation or are made in trust for multiple generations.
From December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025, you should not have charged the GST/HST on the qualifying goods and services listed above. Keep your records and remit and report your regular GST/HST as usual.
The person claiming the refund must be an international tourist as per Section 15 of the IGST Act. The person's stay in India should not exceed 6 months. Refunds can be claimed only when the tourist is leaving India and taking the goods out of the country.
1. Introduction. The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) has issued an advisory to remind taxpayers about the three-year time limit for filing GST returns. This rule, introduced by the Finance Act, 2023 and brought into effect from 1 October 2023 through Notification No.
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.
Businesses operating as regular tax players now have the opportunity to submit their GSTR-9 returns during the period between 1st April and 30th June 2023, with a total late fee capped at ₹20,000, which can be split into two parts of ₹10,000 for CGST and SGST. Any extra late fee is waived.
From FY 2020-21 onwards, taxpayers can self-certify GSTR-9C, and it is no longer necessary to get it certified by a Chartered Accountant (CA) or Cost Accountant.
Specific individuals and businesses are exempt from GST registration, including: Agriculturists (Also read - GST Exemption for Farmers) Individuals and businesses with an annual turnover below INR 40 lakhs for goods and INR 20 lakhs for services (INR 20 lakhs and INR 10 lakhs for specified categories)
Claim the GST Refunds
If the SMB is exporting goods or services or providing them to SEZ, or if the SMB has accumulated ITC as a result of the inverted duty structure, the SMB may submit a refund application with the GST Department and claim the refund.
The GSTT exemption may be used for both outright transfers as well as transfers in trust. The allocation of the GSTT exemption is generally reported on a gift or estate tax return (IRS Form 709 or IRS Form 706), though this is not required by law.