Quick comparison of GSTR-9 & GSTR-9C

By Annapoorna

Updated on: Dec 21st, 2023

2 min read

Ever since GSTR-9 & GSTR-9C forms have been released by CBIC, there has been persistent confusion surrounding who must file these forms and whether the details required for both are the same or not. But not any more!

This article provides you a quick comparison of GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C.

Quick comparison of GSTR-9 & GSTR-9C

Points of comparison

GSTR-9: Annual Return

GSTR-9C: Reconciliation Statement

Nature

Informational/ a consolidation of all GST returns

Analytical statement on GST returns to be self-certified by CFO/Finance head

Who must file

GST registered taxpayer

GST registered taxpayer to whose aggregate annual turnover is more than Rs 5 crore

Not applicable to

- Composition Dealers
- Casual Taxable Person (CTP)
- Non-Resident Taxable Person (NRTP)
- Input Service Distributor (ISD)
- Unique Identification Number (UIN) holders
- Online Information and Database Access Retrieval (OIDAR) Service providers
- Persons subject to TCS or TDS provisions

Those persons mentioned under the column for GSTR-9 including a registered person whose aggregate turnover in an FY is less than Rs.5 crore

Optional for

Businesses having less than Rs 2 crore turnover (w.e.f FY 2017-18)

Businesses having less than Rs 5 crore turnover

Due date for filing^

31st December of next FY*

31st December of next FY, either with or after filing GSTR-9*

Late fees & penalty

From FY 2022-23 onwards-

S.No	Turnover limit	Late fee per day	Maximum late fee
1	Up to Rs 5 crore	Rs 50 (Rs 25 each under CGST and SGST Act)	0.04% of turnover in state/UT (0.02% each under CGST and SGST Act)
2	More than Rs 5 crore and less than Rs 20 crore	Rs 100 (Rs 50 each under CGST and SGST Act)	0.04% of turnover in state/UT (0.02% each under CGST and SGST Act)
3	More than Rs 20 crore	Rs 200 (Rs 100 each under CGST and SGST Act)	0.50% of turnover in state/UT (0.25% each under CGST and SGST Act)

Up to FY 2021-22-
- Late fees of Rs 200 per day of delay subject to a maximum cap of an amount at 0.50% (0.25% each under CGST and SGST) of total turnover in respective State/UT until 31st March 2023.

The CBIC has notified vide 07/2023 dated 31st March 2023 to waive off late fee in excess of Rs.20,000 (Rs.10,000 each under CGST and SGST laws) for delayed filing of GSTR-9 for years 2017-18 up to 2021-22 if filed between 1st April 2023 to 30th June 2023.

No specific provision, Hence, subject to a general penalty of Rs 25,000

Filing of the return

On GST portal or through facilitation centre

On GST portal or through facilitation centre at the time of or after filing GSTR-9

Format of the return

Consolidated summary details of the
- Turnover
- ITC and tax paid
- Late fees paid in GST returns filed during the FY
- Amendments made between April to 30th November of next FY

Also, below details must be declared wherever applicable:
- Demands/ refunds
- Supplies from composition dealers
- Job works
- Goods sent on an approval basis
- HSN wise summary of sales and purchases
- Late fees payable

Part-A -Reporting of reconciliation needed between turnover, tax paid and ITC. Report on Auditor’s recommendation of any additional tax liability.

Part -B - Self-certification by CFO/Finance head.

Who must certify/ attest

No certification required by CA/CMA; however it must be attested by the taxpayer using a digital signature

CFO/Finance head must certify using a digital signature

Annexures

No annexures to be attached

Annexure of Audited financial statement is required

^Budget 2023 amended that taxpayers can not file a GSTR-9 after three years from the expiry of the original due date. CBIC is yet to notify this change.

* Subject to CBIC notifications for any due date extension.

Clear GST helps you with the end-to-end GST compliance including invoicing, e-invoicing, e-way bill, reconciliation, return filing.

About the Author

Annapoorna

Assistant Manager - Content

I preach the words, “Learning never exhausts the mind.” An aspiring CA and a passionate content writer having 4+ years of hands-on experience in deciphering jargon in Indian GST, Income Tax, off late also into the much larger Indian finance ecosystem, I love curating content in various forms to the interest of tax professionals, and enterprises, both big and small. While not writing, you can catch me singing Shāstriya Sangeetha and tuning my violin ;). Read more

Quick Summary

Comparison of GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C forms for GST compliance. Details such as nature, who must file, due dates, penalties, format, and certification requirements are outlined, including amendments and waiver of late fees. Clear GST offers GST compliance services.