Changes in GST Annual return Form GSTR 9

Annual Return Form GSTR 9 filing under GST has seen lot of issues recently especially regarding finalisation of the format itself! With over 6 parts and 19 sections, it is not an easy feat to fill each and every section when the data required for the same was not maintained from the inception.

Also the Council has taken necessary steps to simplify the Annual returns by giving option to the tax payer for filling data for some of the sections. The proposed simplifications, section-wise, which are expected to come soon

in the portal, are briefly discussed here. We suggest you keep ready the format of GSTR 9 for  better understanding while going through this article.

a) Part II Section 5: Details of Outward Supplies made during the financial year on which tax is not payable

Section 5 for Credit notes and Debit notes is optional for disclosure of amendments to supplies as required under Clause J and K and can instead merge the same in Clause A to F of the Section.

b) Part III Section 6: Details of ITC Availed during the financial year

Bifurcation of the Input GST Credit “Inputs-Capital Goods-Input Services” was one of the difficulties faced by taxpayers as none of the monthly forms (GSTR 1 or GSTR 3B) had this requirement. To remove this struggle, the taxpayers have been given the option to enter the input tax credit availed on services of inward supplies (other than imports and RCM) under “inputs” for clause B and C of Section 6.

c) Part III Section 7: Details of ITC reversed and ineligible ITC for the Financial Year

Consolidated reporting of the reversals of ITC has been allowed under Clause H of Section 7 instead of separate disclosure under Clause A to E.

d) Part III Section 8: Other ITC related Information

Option to give the details required under this section as a separate attachment along with Form GSTR 9C without CA Certification.

e) Part V Section 12 and 13: Reversal of ITC and ITC Availed in subsequent financial year relating to the current financial year

f) Part VI is fully optional

Taxpayer at his option may fill particulars of Demand and Refunds under Section 15, Supplies received from Composite, Deemed Supply and Goods sent on approval basis under section 16 and also the HSN summary Inward Supplies under Section 18.

Annual return form GSTR 9 is to be filled by the tax payer but it will be ideal to get it reviewed by a GST practitioner or a Chartered Accountant to ensure the disclosures are correct so as to ensure proper filing of Reconciliation Statement GSTR 9C.