Form GSTR-9A is an annual return that has to be filed by business owners who are part of the composition scheme. It is to be filed once for each financial year, by taxpayers who have opted for the composition scheme any time during the said financial year.
Are you a taxpayer under the GST regime in India? If so, it is important for you to understand the nuances of filing your annual return, especially the FORM GSTR-9A. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about FORM GSTR-9A and how to file it correctly.
What is FORM GSTR-9A?
FORM GSTR-9A is the annual return to be filed by composition taxpayers under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. Composition taxpayers are those who have opted for the composition scheme under GST, which provides a simplified compliance mechanism for small businesses.
Who Should File FORM GSTR-9A?
All composition taxpayers, who have opted for the composition scheme under GST, are required to file FORM GSTR-9A before the due date. It is a consolidated summary of all the quarterly returns filed by the composition taxpayer during the financial year.
Why is FORM GSTR-9A Important?
FORM GSTR-9A is a crucial document that allows the tax authorities to reconcile the figures of tax paid by composition taxpayers. It helps them validate the accuracy of tax payments and compliance with the composition scheme rules. Filing the annual return in FORM GSTR-9A ensures transparency and accountability in the GST system.
What Information is Required to File FORM GSTR-9A?
To file FORM GSTR-9A, you need to provide the following information:
- Basic Details: This includes your GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) and the financial year for which you are filing the return.
- Outward Supplies: You need to provide the details of all outward supplies made during the financial year under different tax heads, such as CGST (Central Goods and Services Tax), SGST (State Goods and Services Tax), and IGST (Integrated Goods and Services Tax).
- Inward Supplies: This section requires you to provide the details of all inward supplies received during the financial year, including the details of supplies liable for reverse charge.
- Input Tax Credit: You need to provide the details of input tax credit availed and utilized during the financial year.
- Late Fee and Interest: If you have any outstanding late fee or interest payable, you need to declare it in this section.
How to File FORM GSTR-9A?
Filing FORM GSTR-9A is a step-by-step process. Here’s how you can file it correctly:
- Login to the GST Portal: Visit the GST portal (www.gst.gov.in) and login using your credentials.
- Navigate to Annual Return: Once logged in, navigate to the ‘Returns’ section and select ‘Annual Return.’
- Select Financial Year and Form: Choose the financial year for which you want to file the return and select FORM GSTR-9A.
- Enter the Required Information: Fill in the required information in each section of the form, as discussed earlier.
- Verify and Submit: Double-check all the details entered, and click on the ‘Submit’ button to file the return.
Important Points to Remember
While filing FORM GSTR-9A, keep the following points in mind:
- Deadline: The due date for filing FORM GSTR-9A is on or before 31st December of the subsequent financial year. Make sure to file it within the stipulated time to avoid penalties.
- Accuracy: Ensure that all the information you provide is accurate and matches the details mentioned in your quarterly returns. Any discrepancies can lead to challenges from tax authorities during audits.
- Reconciliation: Cross-verify the figures of outward supplies, inward supplies, and input tax credit with your accounting records to ensure proper reconciliation.
- Consult Experts, If Needed: If you are unsure about any aspect of filing FORM GSTR-9A, it is advisable to consult a tax professional or expert who can guide you through the process.
Filing FORM GSTR-9A is an important compliance requirement for composition taxpayers under GST. It allows the tax authorities to verify the accuracy of tax payments and ensures transparency in the system.
By following the step-by-step process mentioned in this guide, you can file your annual return correctly and avoid any penalties or challenges in the future. Stay compliant and embrace the ease of doing business under the GST regime!
The form is divided into the following sections:
- Part A: General Information
- Part B: Outward Supplies
- Part C: Inward Supplies
- Part D: Details of Payment of Tax
- Part E: Verification
Part A: General Information
This section contains the following information:
- Taxpayer’s name, PAN, GSTIN, and address
- Financial year for which the return is being filed
- Whether the taxpayer has opted out of the composition scheme during the financial year
Part B: Outward Supplies
This section contains the following information:
- Total turnover of outward supplies
- Total tax payable on outward supplies
Part C: Inward Supplies
This section contains the following information:
- Total value of inward supplies on which tax is payable on reverse charge basis
- Total tax payable on inward supplies on reverse charge basis
Part D: Details of Payment of Tax
This section contains the following information:
- Details of tax paid during the financial year
- Details of any tax refund claimed during the financial year
Part E: Verification
This section contains the following information:
- Signature of the authorized signatory
Due Date
The due date for filing Form GSTR-9A for a particular financial year is 31st December of subsequent financial year or as extended by Government through notification from time to time.
For example, the due date for filing Form GSTR-9A for the financial year 2022-23 is 31st December 2023.
Applicable to
Form GSTR-9A is applicable to all taxpayers who have opted for the composition scheme, for any period during the financial year.
Penalties for Late Filing
Taxpayers who fail to file Form GSTR-9A on time will be liable to pay a penalty of ₹200 per day, up to a maximum of ₹20,000.
How to File Form GSTR-9A
Form GSTR-9A can be filed online through the GST Portal. To file the form, you will need to login to the portal using your GSTIN and password. Once you are logged in, you can click on the “Returns” tab and then select “GSTR-9A”. You will then be able to fill in the form and submit it.
Here are the steps on how to file Form GSTR-9A online:
- Go to the GST Portal and login using your GSTIN and password.
- Click on the “Returns” tab.
- Select “GSTR-9A”.
- Fill in the form with the required information.
- Review the form carefully before submitting it.
- Click on the “Submit” button.
The GST Portal will generate a confirmation number once the form has been submitted successfully. You can keep a copy of this confirmation number for your records.