Deadline To File GST Returns Extended By 3 Months

On Monday, the Finance Ministry extended the last date to file annual GST returns by three months to 30 November as taxpayers reported technical problems in the e-filing process. The deadline was earlier set at 31 August.

"It is hereby informed that the last date for furnishing of annual return in the Form GSTR-9 / Form GSTR-9A and reconciliation statement in the Form GSTR-9C for the financial year 2017-18 is extended from August 31, 2019 to November 30, 2019," CBIC (Central Board of Indirect taxes and Customs) said in a statement on Monday.

Taxpayers registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime are required to file GSTR 9, an annual returns form to be filed every year. It consists of details regarding the outward and inward supplies made or received under different tax heads.

GSTR-9C is filed by those businesses with an annual turnover exceeding Rs 2 crore. It is a statement of reconciliation between GSTR-9 and the audited annual financial statement, while GSTR-9A is the annual return to be filed those who have opted for the Composition Scheme under GST.

The CBIC said "certain technical problems are being faced" by the taxpayers, resulting a delay in filing the annual return for the period July 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018. The department therefore decided to extend the deadline.