Saving Mantra Blogs

Step-by-Step Guide for GSTR-9C Return Filing

Written by

Financial Analyst

in

Step-by-Step Guide for GSTR-9C Return Filing

GSTR-9C is a GST reconciliation statement and audit certification that bridges the gap between annual GST returns (GSTR-9) and audited financial statements.

It is a critical compliance document that ensures accuracy, transparency, and audit readiness under GST law.

This blog explains the complete step-by-step process for GSTR-9C return filing, including applicability, reconciliation process, and common mistakes.

What Is GSTR-9C?

GSTR-9C is:

  • A reconciliation statement
  • Certified by a Chartered Accountant or Cost Accountant
  • Filed along with GSTR-9 (Annual Return)

It reconciles:

  • Turnover
  • Tax paid
  • Input Tax Credit (ITC)

as per GST returns vs books of accounts.

Who Is Required to File GSTR-9C?

GSTR-9C is mandatory if:

  • Aggregate annual turnover exceeds the prescribed threshold (as notified for the relevant financial year)
  • You are a regular GST taxpayer

Not Applicable To:

  • Composition taxpayers
  • Casual taxable persons
  • Non-resident taxable persons

Threshold limits are subject to government notifications.

GSTR-9C Due Date

ReturnDue Date
GSTR-9C31st December of next financial year

Late filing may invite notices and scrutiny.

Documents Required for GSTR-9C Filing

  • Audited financial statements
  • GSTR-9 (Annual Return)
  • GSTR-1 & GSTR-3B returns
  • GSTR-2A / GSTR-2B
  • Trial balance
  • Profit & Loss account
  • Balance sheet
  • GST payment challans

Key Parts of GSTR-9C

PartDescription
Part AReconciliation Statement
Part BCertification by CA / CMA

Step-by-Step Process for GSTR-9C Return Filing

Step 1: Complete GST Annual Return (GSTR-9)

  • Ensure GSTR-9 is filed or finalized
  • All amendments and corrections should be completed beforehand

Step 2: Audit Financial Statements

  • Finalize and audit:
    • Balance Sheet
    • P&L Account
  • Ensure figures match accounting records

Step 3: Reconcile Turnover

  • Compare:
    • Turnover as per books
    • Turnover as per GSTR-9
  • Identify differences due to:
    • Unbilled revenue
    • Credit notes
    • GST adjustments

Step 4: Reconcile ITC

  • Match ITC from:
    • Books of accounts
    • GSTR-3B
    • GSTR-2B
  • Identify ineligible or reversed ITC

Step 5: Reconcile Tax Paid

  • Verify:
    • IGST, CGST, SGST paid
    • Differences between books & GST returns
  • Pay additional tax (if any) via DRC-03

Step 6: Prepare GSTR-9C

  • Fill reconciliation tables
  • Attach audited financials
  • Provide explanations for differences

Step 7: Certification by CA / CMA

  • Obtain digital certification
  • Ensure correctness of reconciled data

Step 8: Upload & File GSTR-9C

  • Login to GST portal
  • Upload GSTR-9C
  • File using DSC

Step 9: Download Acknowledgement

  • Download ARN
  • Preserve for audit and departmental scrutiny

Common Mistakes in GSTR-9C Filing

  • ❌ Filing without full reconciliation
  • ❌ Ignoring ITC reversals
  • ❌ Incorrect turnover adjustments
  • ❌ Mismatch between GSTR-9 and books
  • ❌ Filing without professional review

Penalty & Consequences of Non-Filing

Non-ComplianceImpact
Non-filingGST notice & scrutiny
Wrong dataPenalty & audit risk
ITC mismatchRecovery with interest

Importance of Accurate GSTR-9C Filing

  • Ensures audit-level GST compliance
  • Reduces risk of departmental scrutiny
  • Builds strong GST compliance history
  • Mandatory for large taxpayers
  • Protects against future litigation

How Saving Mantra Helps with GSTR-9C Filing

Saving Mantra offers end-to-end GSTR-9C compliance and reconciliation services, including:

  • Annual GST reconciliation
  • ITC validation with GSTR-2B
  • Turnover & tax variance analysis
  • CA/CMA coordination
  • Audit-ready documentation
  • GST notice support

✔ Accuracy-driven approach
✔ Audit-focused compliance
✔ Expert GST professionals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is GSTR-9C mandatory every year?
Yes, if turnover crosses the prescribed threshold for that year.

Q2. Can GSTR-9C be revised after filing?
No. Once filed, it cannot be revised.

Q3. Is GSTR-9C required if there is no difference?
Yes. Even nil differences require filing if applicable.

Q4. Can additional tax be paid through GSTR-9C?
No. Additional liability must be paid via DRC-03.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. GST laws, audit requirements, and return filing procedures are subject to change based on government notifications and judicial rulings. Always consult a qualified GST professional, Chartered Accountant, or Cost Accountant before filing GSTR-9C. Saving Mantra shall not be responsible for actions taken based on this content without professional consultation.

More posts