What is GSTR-9 and who needs to file it
GSTR-9 is the annual return that every GST-registered taxpayer must file, summarising all monthly and quarterly returns filed during the financial year. If your aggregate turnover exceeds Rs. 2 crore in FY 2025-26, filing is mandatory. Below Rs. 2 crore, it is optional but advisable. GSTR-9C (the reconciliation statement) is mandatory if your turnover exceeds Rs. 5 crore and must be certified by a CA.
Key deadline you must not miss
GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C for FY 2025-26 are due on December 31, 2026. Missing this deadline attracts a late fee of Rs. 200 per day (Rs. 100 CGST + Rs. 100 SGST), capped at 0.25 percent of your turnover in the state. Given that late fees can add up quickly for higher-turnover businesses, filing well before the deadline is strongly recommended.
What information goes into GSTR-9
GSTR-9 consolidates outward supplies (taxable, exempt, zero-rated, and non-GST), inward supplies (on which ITC was availed), ITC details split by IGST, CGST, SGST, and cess, tax paid during the year broken into through cash and credit, and details of demands and refunds. It should match your books of accounts and the monthly/quarterly returns filed during the year.
Common mistakes that trigger notices
The most frequent errors include: ITC claimed in GSTR-3B not matching purchases in GSTR-2A or GSTR-2B, outward supplies in GSTR-1 not tallying with GSTR-3B, turnover declared in annual return not matching financial statements, and amendment entries not properly reflected. These mismatches are the primary reason taxpayers receive departmental scrutiny notices.
How to prepare without errors
Start by downloading GSTR-2B data for all 12 months and reconcile against your purchase register. Identify ITC that was claimed in GSTR-3B but is not reflected in GSTR-2B and be prepared to reverse or justify it. Reconcile your GSTR-1 output liability against your sales register and financial statements. Keep HSN-wise summary data ready as it is required in GSTR-9.
GSTR-9C: who needs it and what it covers
GSTR-9C is a reconciliation statement between the GSTR-9 figures and your audited financial statements. It covers turnover reconciliation (explaining differences between the two), ITC reconciliation, and a declaration by a Chartered Accountant or Cost Accountant certifying the statements. Since FY 2020-21, self-certification is allowed in place of CA certification, but engaging a CA significantly reduces the risk of errors.
Need help?
Let our CAs handle your GSTR-9 filing.
We reconcile all your GST data, prepare the annual return, and file GSTR-9C if required, so you stay compliant without the stress.