The Goods and Services Tax (GST) portal has enabled the filing of the GSTR-9 annual return and GSTR-9C reconciliation statement for FY 2024-25. The deadline for filing these returns is December 31, 2025. Taxpayers can access both online ("PREPARE-ONLINE") and offline ("PREPARE OFFLINE") filing options for GSTR-9, and "INITIATE-FILING" and "PREPARE OFFLINE" options for GSTR-9C directly on the GST portal.

Turnover Limits and Applicability

Filing GSTR-9 is compulsory if your turnover exceeds ₹2 crore. GSTR-9C, a reconciliation statement, is mandatory for those with a turnover exceeding ₹5 crore. However, the CBIC has exempted taxpayers with turnover up to ₹2 crore from filing annual GST returns for FY 2024-25 onwards. This exemption is based on Notification No. 15/2025 – Central Tax, dated September 17, 2025.

Key Changes and New Rules

The CBIC has notified changes to the annual GST return form GSTR-9, making the reporting of Input Tax Credit (ITC) more comprehensive. These changes came into effect on September 22, 2025, and apply to annual returns filed for FY25. The revised form includes new tables covering reversals under specified rules, re-claims in later years, transitional and import-related credits, and auto-populated mismatch disclosure.

Effective April 1, 2025, several other GST rule changes have come into effect:

• Mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA is now mandatory for all GST portal users.
• Compulsory Input Service Distributor (ISD) Registration: Businesses with multiple GSTINs under one PAN must obtain ISD registration.
• 30-Day Reporting Rule for E-Invoices: Businesses with an Annual Aggregate Turnover (AATO) exceeding ₹10 crore must report B2B e-invoices to the IRP within 30 days from the invoice date.
• E-Way Bill Validity Restrictions: E-Way Bills can only be generated for invoices issued within 180 days, and extensions are capped at 360 days.

Compliance Tips for FY 2024-25

To ensure accurate and timely filing of GST annual returns, consider the following tips:

1. Reconcile your records: Regularly reconcile your records with your GST returns to ensure accuracy and prevent discrepancies. Match your purchase records with the GSTR-2A (auto-generated based on suppliers' GSTR-1) to help verify your ITC claims.
2. Maintain accurate books of accounts: Maintain books of accounts as specified under Section 35 of the GST Act, with separate records for each place of business. Keep copies of all agreements, registration-wise audited financial statements, and specialized registers for e-way bills, delivery challans, and various ITC forms.
3. Ensure timely filing of GSTR returns: File your GST returns on time to avoid penalties and interest charges.
4. Accurate reporting: Ensure that all sales and purchase data is correctly reported, including the correct calculation of tax liability and the input tax credit (ITC) availed.
5. Review Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims: Validate ITC claims with GSTR-2B and supplier invoices. Reverse ineligible ITC and claim only eligible credits.
6. Update E-Invoice & E-Way Bill compliance: Businesses with turnover above ₹5 crores must ensure e-invoicing compliance. Verify e-way bill records and ensure compliance with movement of goods regulations.
7. Verify HSN & SAC Code Classification: Ensure correct HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) and SAC (Services Accounting Code) classification.
8. Reconcile GST Returns: Verify that the sales and purchase data match across GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and GSTR-9.
9. Maintain proper documentation: Maintain proper records of invoices, ledgers, and reconciliations. Ensure books of accounts are in sync with GST returns.

Other Important Considerations

• Late Filing Penalties: Every missed GST deadline impacts cash flow, credit, and business credibility.
• Record Keeping: Keep detailed records of all financial transactions for at least six years from the date of filing the annual return.
• GST Compliance Checklist: Reconcile sales and purchases, ensure timely filing of returns, review ITC claims, and reconcile data with income tax returns.
• GSTR-9 Due Date: The due date for filing GSTR-9 is December 31st of the year following the financial year.
• HSN Reporting: Use 6-digit HSN codes if turnover is greater than ₹5 crore; use 4-digit codes if it is less than or equal to ₹5 crore.

By staying informed and adhering to these guidelines, businesses can navigate the GST annual return filing process efficiently and ensure compliance with the latest regulations.