Comparison B/w GSTR 9 Annual & GSTR 9C Audit Return Forms

Comparison B/w GSTR 9 Annual & GSTR 9C Audit Return Forms

The goods and services tax regime in India has been a transformative solution in the taxation landscape of the country. It had created a unified system which has simplified the indirect tax compliance. For the small and medium sized enterprises, it is important that they ensure compliance with the law and avoid any form of penalties and audits through the proper return of the GST.

In this article, we will simplify and discuss two of the main GST returns that need to be filed annually for every financial year; GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C . These returns are critical for ensuring GST compliance, and we'll look into their purpose, eligibility, due dates, and filing requirements in an easy-to-understand manner. Whether you're a business owner, Chartered Accountant, or tax professional, this guide will help you navigate through the annual filing process with ease.

Form GSTR-9 is an  annual return to be filed by registered taxpayers in GST for every financial year

Form GSTR-9C is a  reconciliation statement to be furnished by the taxpayer whose aggregate turnover is above a specified limit, during a financial year.

A Comparative view of GSTR 9 & GSTR 9C for better and easy understanding of Annual compliances

Understanding GSTR 9 Annual & GSTR 9C Audit Return Forms

Feature	GSTR 9 (Annual Return)	GSTR 9C (Audit Return)
Purpose	Consolidates details of all returns filed during the year	Acts as a reconciliation statement for audit purposes
Applicability	Mandatory for all regular taxpayers under GST. Turnover up to 2 Cr > Optional More than 2 Cr - 5 Cr > Mandatory More than 5 Cr > Mandatory	Mandatory for businesses with an annual turnover exceeds Rs. 5 Crore Turnover up to 2 Cr > Not Required More than 2 Cr - 5 Cr > Not Required More than 5 Cr > Mandatory
Not applicable to	Casual Taxable Person Input service distributors Non-Resident Taxable Person Person authorized to Deduct/Collect tax at Source u/s 51/52 Composition Scheme Taxpayer	Those who are not applicable to file GSTR-9 Registered person whose aggregate turnover in an FY is less than INR 5 Cr Central Government or a State Government or a local authority, audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India or an auditor appointed legally.
Data Included	Details of outward and inward supplies, ITC, and tax paid	Reconciles GSTR 9 with the audited financial statements
Certification Requirement	No certification required; filed by the taxpayer.	Required to furnish Self certified Reconciliation statement Note - Earlier required certification by a Chartered Accountant or Cost Accountant.
Filing Deadline	Due by December 31st of the following financial year unless extended i.e. 31St December 2024 for F.Y. 2023-24	31st December of following financial Year Note - GSTR 9C has to follow the GSTR-9 annual return
Late Fee & Penalty	Minimum of Rs 50 per day (Rs 25 each under CGST and SGST Act)  Maximum up to 0.04% of taxpayer turnover (0.02% each under CGST and SGST Act)	No specific provision, Hence, subject to a general penalty of Rs 25,000
Complexity	Relatively simpler and focuses on summarizing data.	More complex as it involves detailed reconciliation and audit.

 

Free Demo of EasyGST Software for filing Annual Return with Ease

Delayed/ Non Filing of Annual Return (GSTR – 9):

Aggregate Turnover in Relevant F.Y.	Late Fee Per Day	Maximum Late Fee  (Based on Turnover in State/UT)
Up to Rs. 5 Crore	Rs. 50 per day  (Rs. 25 CGST + Rs. 25 SGST/UGST)	0.02 % of turnover each under CGST and SGST/UTGST
More than Rs. 5 Crore Up to Rs. 20 Crore	Rs. 100 per day (Rs. 50 CGST + Rs. 50 SGST/UGST)	0.02 % of turnover each under CGST and SGST/UTGST
Above Rs. 20 Crore	Rs. 200 per day (Rs. 100 CGST + Rs. 100 SGST/UGST)	0.25 % of turnover each under CGST and SGST/UTGST

 

How EasyGST Software Simplifies GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C Filing

• Auto Fetch Data : Feed data from GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B, reducing manual effort.
• Seamless Reconciliation : Identifies discrepancies between Portal Data & Books data along with GST returns and Audited financials.
• Pre-Filled Data : Automatically populates GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C with available data.
• Single-Click Filing : Simplifies submission with a user-friendly interface.
• On Screen Preparation : Direct data view button of GSTR 3B/2A/2B/1/Purchase & Sale
• On Screen Preparation : Direct data view button of GSTR 3B/2A/2B/1/Purchase & Sale

 

Conclusion

It is very important that you know how to file the accurate GST return because it is the cornerstone of a business financial compliance strategy. For the SMEs to manage all the resources effectively, it will need the right amount of manpower, but at the age of automation it is always advisable that you use the right software that can simplify the working process. So, to ensure your business is not getting into any form of penalties, EasyGST is the best GST return software. The above distinctions between GSTR 9 and GSTR 9C can help you understand the way better and stay tax compliant. 

 

Most Frequently Asked Question:

1. What is the Turnover limit for filing Form GSTR 9 & GSTR 9C?

Turnover	GSTR-9 Filing	GSTR-9C Filing
Up to ₹2 crore	Optional	Not Required
Above ₹2 crore	Mandatory	Not Required
Above ₹5 crore	Mandatory	Mandatory

2. Who are exempted from filing the Self Certified Reconciliation statement (GSTR-9C)?

Registered person whose aggregate turnover in an FY is less than INR 5 Crore 

3. Is GSTR 9 Applicable to Composition Taxpayer?

       Composition Taxpayer is not eligible to file GSTR 9 as they are required to file:

• CMP-08 (Quarterly Statement for Tax Payment)
• GSTR-4 (Annual Return)

4. Can a GSTR 9 be revised if any correction to be done?

Taxpayers must remember that the return can be filed only once and there are no provisions to revise GSTR 9 return.

5. Can GSTR 9C be filed without filing GSTR 9?

GSTR-9C is dependent on GSTR-9 Annual Return. And hence the annual return must be filed first.

6. What is the last date towards GSTR 9 & GSTR 9C for FY 2023-24?

31st December 2024 is the last date to file Annual Return and Audit Report for F.Y. 2023-24, so assessee should file it soon to prevent late filing fees and Penalty.