Extension of Due Dates for Annual Return and Reconciliation Statement for FY 2018-19

According to the press release dated 24th of October 2020 the government has been receiving several representations from stakeholders about considering the need to extend the due date for filing Annual Return (Form GSTR 9) and Reconciliation Statement (Form GSTR 9C) for FY 2018-19 on the ground that on account of the COVID19 pandemic related lockdown and restrictions, the usual, ordinary operation of businesses still has not possible in many parts of the country, it had been requested that the due dates for the same be extended further to enable the stakeholders and auditors to comply in this regards.

Given the above, on the recommendations of the GST Council, it has been decided to extend the due date for filing Annual Return (Form GSTR 9) and Reconciliation Statement (Form GSTR 9C) for FY 2018-19 from the current due date of 31st October 2020 to 31st December 2020.

It may also be noted that filing of Annual Return (Form GSTR 9/ GSTR 9A) for FY 2018-19 is optional for taxpayers who have an aggregate turnover less than Two Crore. The filing of Reconciliation Statement in Form GSTR 9C for FY 2018-19 is also optional for the taxpayers having aggregate turnover less than Five Crore.

Notification to give effect to the above decision would follow.

(Source - GST INSIGHTS)