The Central Government has enabled GSTR-9 on GSTN Portal for filing Annual Return.
For Filing GSTR-9, an option of ‘Annual Return Tab’ has been enabled by the GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network) which can be seen in the portal.
The due date for furnishing the annual returns in FORM GSTR-9, FORM GSTR-9A and reconciliation statement in FORM GSTR-9C for the Financial Year 2017 – 2018 has been extended till 30.06.2019.
GSTR-9 is prepared based on the earlier process of filling GSTR-1, GSTR-2, and GSTR-3. In GSTR-2, there was a requirement to report details of HSN wise summary of inward supplies. However, as GSTR-2 was not required to be filed till now, one will have to carry out an additional exercise to identify and report HSN wise summary from the books of accounts.
As per section 35(5) of CGST Act, every registered person whose turnover during the financial year exceeds prescribed limit (Rs. 2 cr.) shall get his accounts audited by a chartered accountant or a cost accountant and shall submit a copy of the audited annual accounts, the reconciliation statement under sub-section (2) of section 44 which is called GSTR-9C and such other documents in such form and manner as may be prescribed. Hence, the requirement of GST Audit u/s 35(5) would arise only if the prescribed limit of turnover exceeds Rs. 2 cr. and certified reconciliation statement -GSTR-9C shall require to be submitted.
On the other hand, GSTR-9 is an Annual return which is required to be filed by every registered person irrespective of threshold limit of turnover.
Consequences for not filing GST Annual Return
Notice to return defaulters– Section 46) Where a registered person fails to furnish a return under section 39 or section 44 or section 45, a notice shall be issued requiring him to furnish such return within fifteen days in such form and manner as may be prescribed.
Levy of late fee– Section 47 (2) Any registered person who fails to furnish the return required under section 44 by the due date shall be liable to pay a late fee of one hundred rupees for every day during which such failure continues subject to a maximum of an amount calculated at a quarter percent. of his turnover in the State or Union territory.