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Understanding GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C Annual Return Formats in PDF

This article outlines the GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C annual return forms, which are crucial for GST-registered taxpayers exceeding certain turnover thresholds. It explains the purpose and content of each form, noting recent government amendments that affect their latest PDF formats. Readers will find instructions on how to download these official PDF documents from the government's tax information portal, ensuring access to the most current versions for compliance.

📖 2 min read read🏷️ GST Annual Returns

Businesses registered under GST are required to file GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C annual return forms, particularly if their aggregate turnover in a financial year surpasses a specific threshold. For the financial year 2023-24, the filing deadline is December 31st, 2024. Recent governmental notifications, specifically numbers 12/2024 – Central Tax, dated July 10th, 2024, have introduced amendments to both GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C forms. These updates can make it challenging to locate the most current PDF formats. This article aims to clarify the annual GST return forms, providing comprehensive overviews of the GSTR-9 PDF format and the GSTR-9C Annual Reconciliation Statement PDF format.

Understanding the GSTR-9 Annual Return Document

The GSTR-9 is an annual Goods and Services Tax return submitted by most GST-registered taxpayers. However, it is optional for those whose total annual turnover does not exceed Rs. 2 crore in a financial year. The GSTR-9 form generally includes annual summaries of sales and purchases, any adjustments made, tax liabilities, input tax credit details, refund information, HSN summary, and particulars of tax demanded and paid. Certain taxpayer categories are exempt from filing GSTR-9, including casual taxable persons, non-resident taxable persons, entities involved in TDS deduction or TCS collection, and input service distributors. Businesses preparing to file this return can refer to detailed guides for completing specific tables within GSTR-9, such as tables 4, 5, 10, and 11 or tables 6, 7, 8, 12, and 13, which outline required information and data sources.

Steps to Download GSTR-9 in PDF

The most recent GSTR-9 format in PDF can be downloaded from the official website https://taxinformation.cbic.gov.in. This downloadable PDF also contains instructions and a history of amendments in its footnotes. To access it, navigate to the 'GST' tab, then 'Forms', select 'Return' under 'Form Category', and finally click on the 'GSTR-9' option.

Accessing the GSTR-9 PDF Document

For comprehensive information regarding GSTR-9 annual return filing, including eligibility criteria, rules, and necessary documents, further details are available.

Understanding the GSTR-9C Annual Reconciliation Statement Format

Form GSTR-9C serves as an annual self-certified reconciliation statement. It primarily highlights any discrepancies in tax liability and Input Tax Credit (ITC) by comparing audited financial statements with the GSTR-9 form. All regular taxpayers with an aggregate turnover exceeding Rs. 5 crore for a financial year are mandated to file the GSTR-9C format. The same exceptions applicable to GSTR-9 also apply to GSTR-9C, with an additional exemption for foreign airline companies complying with the Companies Act 2013. Furthermore, non-resident individuals providing Online Information and Database Access or Retrieval (OIDAR) services in India to unregistered persons are exempt from submitting both GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C. The authorized individual of the taxpayer must self-certify the GSTR-9C format PDF alongside the reconciliation statement. This form must be filed either simultaneously with or after the submission of GSTR-9. Businesses preparing this reconciliation statement can utilize a comprehensive guide to completing GSTR-9C, which details the tables and required information sources.

Downloading the GSTR-9C Format

The latest GSTR-9C format in PDF, along with instructions and a history of amendments, is accessible at https://taxinformation.cbic.gov.in. To download, select the 'GST' tab, then 'Forms', choose 'Return' under 'Form Category', and click on the 'GSTR-9C' option.

Accessing the GSTR-9C PDF Document

Further information about GSTR-9C annual return filing, including eligibility, rules, and required documents, is available.

Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary purpose of filing GSTR-9?
GSTR-9 is an annual GST return that summarizes a taxpayer's sales, purchases, tax liabilities, ITC, and amendments made during a financial year.
Who is exempt from filing GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C?
Certain taxpayers such as casual taxable persons, non-resident taxable persons, those deducting TDS/collecting TCS, and input service distributors are generally exempt from filing GSTR-9. GSTR-9C has similar exemptions, with additional ones for specific foreign companies and OIDAR service providers to unregistered persons.
What is the key difference between GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C?
GSTR-9 is an annual return providing an overview of transactions, whereas GSTR-9C is an annual reconciliation statement comparing audited financial statements with GSTR-9 data to highlight discrepancies in tax liability and ITC.
Where can taxpayers find the official PDF formats for GST annual returns?
Official PDF formats for GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C can be downloaded from the government's tax information portal, taxinformation.cbic.gov.in, under the GST > Forms > Return section.
Is GSTR-9 filing mandatory for all registered GST taxpayers?
GSTR-9 is mandatory for most regular GST-registered taxpayers, but it is optional for those with an aggregate annual turnover of up to Rs. 2 crore in a financial year.
What is the turnover threshold for filing GSTR-9C?
All regular taxpayers with an aggregate turnover exceeding Rs. 5 crore in a financial year must compulsorily file GSTR-9C.