The GSTR-9 annual return for FY 2024-25 was due on 31st December 2025. If you have not filed yet, late fees are accumulating daily.

WHO MUST FILE GSTR-9
All regular GST-registered taxpayers must file GSTR-9 for each financial year. The following are not required to file:
- Taxpayers under the Composition Scheme (they file GSTR-4 annually)
- Input Service Distributors
- Casual taxable persons
- Non-resident taxable persons
- Persons paying TDS under Section 51
- Persons collecting TCS under Section 52

TURNOVER EXEMPTION: RS 2 CRORE THRESHOLD
Taxpayers with aggregate annual turnover up to Rs 2 crore have been exempted from filing GSTR-9 for FY 2024-25 via CBIC notifications. Aggregate turnover includes the value of all taxable, exempt, and export supplies computed on a PAN basis across all GSTINs, excluding inward supplies under reverse charge and GST cess. Filing remains optional for those below this threshold.

DUE DATE
The due date for GSTR-9 for FY 2024-25 was 31st December 2025. If you missed it, late fees apply from 1st January 2026 onward.

GSTR-9C: RECONCILIATION STATEMENT
Taxpayers with aggregate turnover exceeding Rs 5 crore must also file GSTR-9C alongside GSTR-9. This is a reconciliation statement between the annual return and audited financial statements. GSTR-9C is now self-certified by the taxpayer. It no longer requires certification from a practising CA or Cost Accountant.

LATE FEE SLABS FOR DELAYED FILING
From FY 2022-23 onward, reduced slab-based late fees apply per Notification No. 07/2023-Central Tax:
- Turnover up to Rs 5 crore: Rs 50/day (CGST+SGST), max 0.04% of turnover
- Turnover Rs 5 crore to Rs 20 crore: Rs 100/day, max 0.04% of turnover
- Turnover above Rs 20 crore: Rs 200/day, max 0.50% of turnover

PRACTICAL TIP
GSTR-9 cannot be revised after filing. Reconcile your GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B with your books thoroughly before submitting. Any mismatch that slips through will need to be corrected in the next year returns.