GSTR-9 Table-wise Analysis: Mandatory and Optional Tables for Indian Businesses

Accurate GSTR-9 is essential to avoid potential GST scrutiny. Businesses must ensure their annual GST returns are both accurate and complete. Mistakes in the GSTR-9 filing process can lead to penalties and unnecessary scrutiny. Here’s a detailed GSTR 9 table wise analysis to help Indian businesses navigate the mandatory and optional tables in GSTR-9 effectively.

GSTR-9 consolidates monthly and quarterly GST filings for the financial year. It is divided into various sections (or tables) to summarise details such as outward and inward supplies, input tax credits (ITC), and taxes paid. 

Mandatory Tables in GSTR-9

1. Table 4: Outward Supplies
   Captures details of taxable supplies, exports, and exempt/nil-rated supplies. This table is critical for summarising all outward supplies during the financial year and is auto-populated from the GSTR-1 filings.
2. Table 6: ITC Claimed
   Reports the input tax credit claimed during the year, broken down into inward supplies from registered/unregistered persons, reverse charge, and import of goods/services. Accurate ITC reconciliation is crucial for compliance.
3. Table 8: Net ITC Available

Reconcile the values of ITC available in GSTR-2B (from FY 2023-24 onwards) with Tables 6B & H of GSTR-9 pertaining to ITC actually claimed for FY 2023-24 through GSTR-3B. Ineligible ITC as per the CGST rules and CGST Section 17(5) are deducted while arriving at this amount.

4. Table 9: Tax Paid
   Summarises taxes paid during the financial year. This includes IGST, CGST, SGST, and cess, along with late fees and interest.
5. Table 10 & 11: Adjustments for the Previous Year
   Covers amendments or additions to transactions from the previous financial year, if any. These are vital for correcting any discrepancies in earlier filings.
6. Table 14: Differential Tax Paid
   Reflects differential taxes paid due to adjustments or corrections made in the current financial year.

Optional Tables in GSTR-9

1. Table 12 & 13: ITC Adjustments
   Used for ITC claims reversed or availed after the financial year’s end but before the filing deadline. These are optional for taxpayers with minimal adjustments.
2. Table 15: Refunds and Demands
   Provides information on refunds claimed and demands raised during the financial year. Filling this table is optional but helpful for detailed reconciliations.
3. Table 16: Miscellaneous
   Captures data on supplies received from composition taxpayers, deemed supplies, and goods sent on approval. Businesses with limited or no such transactions can skip this section.
4. Table 17 & 18: HSN Code Summary
   Summarises outward and inward supplies based on HSN codes. Optional for smaller taxpayers to reduce compliance burdens.

It is critical for businesses to reconcile GSTR-9 with GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and books of accounts. One must leverage optional tables like refunds/demands (Table 15), ITC adjustments and HSN summaries (Table 17-18) for full disclosure to avoid potential scrutinies/audits. A robust GST software can auto-fill tables, reconcile mismatches, and flag errors, saving time and ensuring compliance.