Stepwise process and current updates for filing GSTR9
Introduction:
GSTR9 annual return for FY 2020-21 can be filed, as the forms are now available on the portal. All taxable persons registered under GST are required to file GSTR9 unless exempted by the Government through notification taxpayers opting composition scheme, casual taxable person, input service distributor, a person paying tax under section 51 or section 52 and a non- resident taxable person.
The due date for filing GSTR9 for FY 2020-21 is 31st December, 2021. Any registered person failing to furnish the GSTR9 within due date shall be liable to pay late fee of Rs. 200 per day during which such failure continues subject to maximum of an amount calculated at half percent of his turnover in state or union territory.
Stepwise process for filing GSTR9
- For Online filing : If number of records/lines are less than or equal to 500 records per table in Table 17 and Table 18, then you may use the online facility. The steps for filling online are as follows:
- Login to https://www.gst.gov.in/
2. Select Services- Return- Annual Return
3. Select Financial Year- Search & Select Annual Return
4. Select Yes if you want to file Nil return and file by EVC or DSC as is applicable
5. If you select No for Nil return a form will appear which will be auto filled depending upon the details you have furnished in GSTR1, GSTR3B and details reflecting in GSTR2A. You can edit and in case of any liability to be paid you can make the same through Form GST DRC-03. Once all the details are matching you click on compute liability, and click on preview the GSTR9 and thereafter file GSTR9 EVC or DSC as is applicable.
- Prepare Offline:-
If number of records/lines either in Table-17 or Table-18 are more than 500 records per table, then you should prepare your return by using the offline utility only and the same can be subsequently uploaded on Common Portal.
You can download the GSTR-9 offline tool from the Downloads section in the pre-login page on the portal and install it on your computer.
- Click on Prepare Offline;
- Click on Download to download auto-drafted GSTR-9 details, if any;
- Import downloaded json into offline tool;
- Follow instructions in GSTR-9 offline tool to add details and generate JSON file for upload; and
- Click on Upload to upload JSON file and file the return with the help of instruction available on GSTR-9 dashboard.
Further the Central Board has inserted to align Rules with the recent changes in Act with respect to self-certification. Further, by insertion of words “true and correct” and “concealed” under declaration statement during verification, the onus has been shifted to tax payer and it becomes more imperative for them to fill the reconciliation statements cautiously and after due diligence.
Central Board of Indirect taxes has issued notification No. 30/2021- Central Tax (Rate) and Notification No. 31/2021- Central tax (Rate) dated July 30, 2021, which shall come into force from the 1st day of August 2021. The following effect shall be made in the FY 2020-21 via aforementioned notification:
1. For GSTR-9 & GSTR-9C, all the exemptions, which were available in 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20, now shall be available for the FY 2020-21 also.
2. Auditors’ recommendation on additional liability due to non-Reconciliation has been omitted with respect to GSTR 9C.
3. In GSTR 9C, in Sl.9 (reconciliation of rate wise liability and amount payable thereon), SI.11 (Additional amount payable but not paid) & Point V (Additional Liability due to non-reconciliation), new entry has been inserted namely “K-1- Others” to specify the tax liability under other rates.
4. At the time of the Verification of GSTR 9C, the following line has been inserted in the declaration.
“ I hereby solemnly affirm and declare that the information given herein above is true and correct and nothing has been concealed there from”
5. Chartered accountant certification has been omitted under Part B of GSTR 9C.
6. As per Notification No. 31/2021- Central Tax (Rate) dated July 30, 2021, CBIC exempted the registered person whose aggregate turnover in the financial year 2020-21 is up to two crore rupees, from filing the annual return for the said financial year under section 44 of CGST Act, 2017.
