New Delhi: The Government Saturday extended the last date for filing the annual GST return (GSTR-9) and reconciliation statement (GSTR-9C) for FY 2018-19 due to the difficulties faced by the taxpayers on account of Covid-19 global pandemic.
“The Government has been receiving a number of representations regarding the need to extend the due date for filing Annual Return (FORM GSTR-9) and Reconciliation Statement (FORM GSTR-9C) for 2018-19 as normal business operations have still not been possible in several parts of the country on account of Covid-19 pandemic,” the ministry of finance said in a statement.
The ministry said these representations sought extension of the last date for filing GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C beyond October 31 to enable the businesses and auditors to comply in this regard.
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“In view of the same, on the recommendations of the GST Council, it has been decided to extend the due date for filing Annual Return (FORM GSTR-9/GSTR-9A) and Reconciliation Statement (FORM GSTR-9C) for Financial Year 2018-19 from 31st October 2020 to 31st December, 2020,” said the ministry.
Officials said the notification would be issued in due course.
Filing of Annual Return (GSTR-9 and GSTR-9A) for 2018-19 is optional for taxpayers who had aggregate turnover below Rs. 2 Crore.
Similarly, it is optional for entities having annual turnover less than Rs 5 crore to file reconciliation statements in GSTR-9C form.
(Article by Krishnanand Tripathi)
