Official Source
GSTN Notification
The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) has notified the due dates for Annual GST Returns for Financial Year 2026-27. All eligible GST-registered taxpayers must file GSTR-9 by December 31, 2026. Self-certified reconciliation statement GSTR-9C is applicable for taxpayers with turnover above ₹5 crore.
Who Must File
GSTR-9 (Annual Return): Mandatory for all regular GST taxpayers with aggregate turnover exceeding ₹2 crore. Taxpayers below ₹2 crore are exempt but may file voluntarily.
GSTR-9C (Reconciliation Statement): Mandatory for taxpayers with aggregate turnover exceeding ₹5 crore. Must be self-certified by the taxpayer (CA audit not required since FY 2020-21).
Key Information to Compile
Before filing GSTR-9, compile the following:
- ▸All outward supplies (B2B, B2C, exports, exempted) month-wise for 2026-27
- ▸All inward supplies and ITC availed, reversed, and net ITC utilized
- ▸HSN/SAC summary of outward supplies
- ▸Details of demands and refunds during the year
- ▸Late fee paid and any other liabilities
GSTR-9C: Self-Certification Requirement
Since FY 2020-21, GSTR-9C does not require CA/CMA certification. The registered person (taxpayer) must:
- ▸Self-certify the reconciliation statement
- ▸Reconcile turnover as per books of accounts vs. GST returns
- ▸Declare reasons for any differences
- ▸Pay any differential tax liability identified
Late Fee Structure
- ▸Late fee for GSTR-9: ₹200/day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST)
- ▸Maximum late fee: 0.25% of aggregate turnover in the state
- ▸For nil turnover filers: Maximum late fee capped at ₹2,000 (with government relaxation, if applicable)
- ▸No late fee waiver is available post the official due date
Action Plan for Businesses
- ▸Reconcile all monthly/quarterly GSTR-1, GSTR-3B data with books of accounts
- ▸Identify and resolve any ITC mismatches between GSTR-2A and books
- ▸Check for any pending credit notes or debit notes not yet incorporated
- ▸Ensure all HSN-wise details are correctly captured
- ▸File GSTR-9 before December 31, 2026 to avoid late fees
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