The GST Annual Return is a comprehensive summary of all GST activities carried out by a registered taxpayer during a financial year. It consolidates the details of monthly or quarterly returns filed, such as outward and inward supplies, input tax credits (ITC), tax paid, and refunds or demands.

In India, the annual GST return is filed using GSTR-9, and additional forms like GSTR-9A and GSTR-9C may apply in specific cases.

Types of GST Annual Returns

1. GSTR-9:

   • For regular taxpayers.
   • Consolidates data from GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and other periodic returns.

2. GSTR-9A:

   • For taxpayers under the Composition Scheme.
   • Discontinued from FY 2019-20 onwards.

3. GSTR-9C:

   • Reconciliation statement for taxpayers whose annual turnover exceeds ₹5 crore.
   • Requires a certified audit report from a Chartered Accountant or Cost Accountant.

4. GSTR-9B:

   • For e-commerce operators (under TCS provisions).
   • Currently not in use.

Applicability of GSTR-9

• Mandatory for:
  • Registered taxpayers, except those under the Composition Scheme (for years prior to FY 2019-20).
  • Businesses with turnover above ₹2 crore.
• Exempt from filing:
  • Casual taxable persons.
  • Input Service Distributors (ISD).
  • Non-resident taxable persons.
  • E-commerce operators collecting TCS.

Key Components of GSTR-9

1. Part-I: Basic details like GSTIN, legal name, and trade name.
2. Part-II: Details of outward and inward supplies.
3. Part-III: ITC availed and reversed during the year.
4. Part-IV: Taxes paid during the year.
5. Part-V: Amendments or adjustments for the previous financial year.
6. Part-VI: Other information, including demands, refunds, and HSN-wise details.

Steps to File GSTR-9

1. Login: Visit the GST portal and log in with your credentials.
2. Navigate: Go to Returns > Annual Return > GSTR-9.
3. Download GSTR-1, 3B Data: Reconcile auto-populated data with your books.
4. Fill Sections:
   • Enter details in respective parts of the form.
   • Use offline tools provided by the GST portal for bulk data entry.
5. Validate: Review all entries for accuracy.
6. Submit: File the return after ensuring correctness.
7. Download Acknowledgment: Save the acknowledgment for your records.

Due Date for GSTR-9

• Generally 31st December following the end of the financial year.
• Extensions may be announced by the government in specific circumstances.

Penalty for Late Filing

• Late fees:
  • ₹100/day under CGST.
  • ₹100/day under SGST (Total: ₹200/day).
  • Capped at 0.25% of turnover in the relevant financial year.
• Interest:
  • 18% per annum on unpaid tax liabilities.

Common Challenges in Filing GSTR-9

1. Data Reconciliation:
   • Ensure monthly/quarterly returns match with books of accounts.
2. Amendments:
   • Include adjustments made in subsequent GSTR-3B filings.
3. ITC Issues:
   • Declare ineligible or reversed ITC accurately.
4. HSN Codes:
   • Provide mandatory HSN-wise summary if applicable.