GSTR-9 (Annual Return) is mandatory for registered taxpayers with an aggregate annual turnover exceeding ₹2 crore. For businesses with a turnover of up to ₹2 crore, filing GSTR-9 is optional. The due date for filing this return is typically December 31st of the following financial year.
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.
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.
Form GSTR-9A is an annual return to be filed once, for each financial year, by taxpayers who have opted for composition scheme, for any period during the said financial year.
The GST Composition Scheme is available to manufacturers, traders, and restaurants (excluding alcohol) with an annual turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore in regular states and Rs 75 lakh in special category states, while service providers have a Rs 50 lakh limit.
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 Exemption Limit
Under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime in India, businesses whose annual revenue exceeds specific thresholds are required to register and pay GST. Currently, the GST Exemption Limit is set at Rs. 40 lakhs for goods and Rs. 20 lakhs for services.
GSTR-9A is for composition scheme taxpayers, offering a simplified annual reporting format. GSTR-9C is a reconciliation statement, required from taxpayers whose turnover exceeds a specified limit, to be filed along with their audit report.
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.
Rule 9A formalises electronic, risk-based approval. The GST system matches PAN, Aadhaar and other records. If the filer looks low-risk, the portal may auto-approve or approve within three working days. That reduces manual intervention for clean, properly documented applications.
Initially, GSTR-9C was required if aggregate turnover exceeded ₹2 crore. Later, the limit was revised to ₹5 crore. At present, taxpayers with aggregate turnover up to ₹5 crore are exempted from filing GSTR-9C.
New Changes in GST Audit Rules 2025
Turnover Threshold: The threshold for GST Audit is up to ₹2 crore for businesses. However, stronger scrutiny is applied even on the lower turnover, with discrepancies being noticed.
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).
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.
These provisions apply to the filing of GSTR-9; however, no specific requirements apply to GSTR-9C, and hence, the filing of GSTR-9 and non-filing of GSTR-9C could be subject to a general penalty of Rs 25,000.
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.
GSTR-9C Applicability and Turnover Limit
As per CBIC notification no. 30/2021 dated 30th July 2021, every registered person under GST whose turnover during a financial year exceeds the prescribed GSTR-9C turnover limit of Rs. 5 crore satisfies the GSTR-9C applicability condition to file this statement.
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.
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.
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.
GSTR-9C is a form for annual GST reconciliation statement filed by applicable taxpayers. Every registered person whose aggregate turnover during a financial year exceeds Rs. 5 crore rupees must file this form.
What is the GSTR 9A? The GSTR-9A is an annual return that has to be filed by business owners who are part of the composition scheme. This return will include all the information that the composite dealers have provided in their quarterly returns during the financial year.
Check if your business needs to register for GST
You must register for GST if: your business has a GST turnover of $75,000 or more. your non-profit organisation has a GST turnover of $150,000 or more.
$533 if you are a single individual. $698 if you are married or have a common-law partner. $184 for each child under the age of 19.
$75,000 Threshold for Businesses
Even if you don't hit this figure yet, it's essential to monitor your revenue closely. The ATO requires registration if you either: Have a current GST turnover of $75,000 or more. Expect your turnover to reach $75,000 in the next 12 months.