GSTR-9C: Reconciliation Statement, Applicability, Turnover Limit & Due Date
Many businesses file monthly or quarterly GST returns throughout the year. However, at the end of the financial year, the GST department expects taxpayers to match their GST returns with their financial statements.
This is where GSTR-9C comes into the picture.
GSTR-9C is an annual GST reconciliation statement that compares the data reported in GSTR-9 annual return with the figures in the audited financial statements of the taxpayer.
If there are any differences between the GST returns and the books of accounts, those differences must be explained in this form.
Businesses whose aggregate turnover exceeds ₹5 crore in a financial year must file GSTR-9C.
What is GSTR-9C?
GSTR-9C is an annual GST reconciliation statement filed by taxpayers whose aggregate turnover exceeds ₹5 crore in a financial year. It reconciles the turnover, tax paid, and input tax credit reported in the annual GST return (GSTR-9) with the figures reported in the audited financial statements of the business.
What is GSTR-9C in GST?
GSTR-9C is a reconciliation statement between GST returns and audited financial statements.
It helps the GST department verify whether the data filed in GST returns matches the company’s accounting records.
The statement compares:
| Particular | Compared Between |
|---|---|
| Turnover | Books of Accounts vs GSTR-9 |
| Tax Paid | GST Returns vs Financial Statements |
| Input Tax Credit | ITC in Books vs ITC claimed in GST |
| Additional Tax Liability | Differences identified |
If differences are found, taxpayers must explain the reasons and pay any additional tax liability if required.
Who Needs to File GSTR-9C?
As per GST rules, GSTR-9C applicability depends on the aggregate turnover of the taxpayer.
GSTR-9C must be filed if:
Aggregate turnover exceeds ₹5 crore in a financial year
Taxpayer is registered under GST
Annual return GSTR-9 is required to be filed
Example
A manufacturing company has the following turnover:
| Particular | Amount |
|---|---|
| Domestic Sales | ₹4.2 crore |
| Export Sales | ₹1.3 crore |
| Total Turnover | ₹5.5 crore |
Since turnover exceeds ₹5 crore, the business must file GSTR-9C along with GSTR-9.
GSTR-9C Due Date
The due date of GSTR-9C is the same as the due date of GSTR-9 annual return.
| Financial Year | GSTR-9C Due Date |
|---|---|
| FY 2024-25 | 31 December 2025 |
| FY 2025-26 | 31 December 2026 |
GSTR-9C Format and Structure
The GSTR-9C form is divided into two main parts.
Part A – Reconciliation Statement
This part compares GST returns with financial statements.
Part I – Basic Details
Includes:
GSTIN
Legal Name
Trade Name
Financial Year
Part II – Reconciliation of Turnover
Compares:
Turnover in books of accounts
Turnover reported in GSTR-9
Adjustments may include:
Unbilled revenue
Credit notes
Unadjusted advances
Part III – Reconciliation of Tax Paid
This section reconciles:
Tax paid in GST returns
Tax liability according to books
Part IV – Reconciliation of Input Tax Credit (ITC)
This part compares:
| ITC in Books | ITC Claimed in GST |
|---|
If differences exist, they must be explained.
Part V – Additional Liability
If reconciliation reveals extra tax payable, it must be paid through Form DRC-03.
Part B – Self Certification
Earlier, GSTR-9C required CA certification, but now taxpayers can self-certify the reconciliation statement.
Latest Changes in GSTR-9C
1. Self-Certification Introduced
Taxpayers can now self-certify the GSTR-9C instead of mandatory CA certification.
2. New Table for E-Commerce Operator Supplies
Table 7D1 reports supplies where tax is paid by e-commerce operators under Section 9(5).
Examples include:
Cab aggregators
Food delivery platforms
3. Late Fee Reporting Table
Table 17 now shows auto-calculated late fees.
| Late Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| CGST | ₹100 per day |
| SGST | ₹100 per day |
| Total | ₹200 per day |
Late fee must be paid through DRC-03.
Common Mistakes While Filing GSTR-9C
GSTR-3B and GSTR-1 are both GST returns, but they serve different purposes and are filed for different types of information.
Many businesses make avoidable mistakes during reconciliation.
1. Ignoring Books vs GST Differences
Even small differences must be explained.
2. Wrong ITC Reconciliation
Businesses often forget to reconcile:
ITC claimed
ITC reversed
ITC ineligible
3. Missing Amendments
Invoices amended during the year may cause turnover mismatch.
4. Not Paying Additional Tax
If extra tax is identified during reconciliation, it must be paid through DRC-03.
Need Help with GSTR-9C Filing?
Preparing GSTR-9C reconciliation statement requires proper analysis of GST returns and financial statements.
Our GST experts at CharteredHelp assist businesses with:
GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C preparation
GST reconciliation
ITC verification
Handling GST notices
Need Help Filing GSTR-9?
📞 Call Now for GSTR-3B Return Filing in Noida
Call Now: +91-9266685656
Frequently Asked Questions
GSTR-9C is a reconciliation statement that compares GST annual return (GSTR-9) with audited financial statements to identify differences in turnover, tax paid, and ITC.
Taxpayers whose aggregate turnover exceeds ₹5 crore in a financial year must file GSTR-9C.
The due date for GSTR-9C is 31 December of the next financial year, unless extended by the government.
No. GSTR-9C is now self-certified by the taxpayer.
Failure to file GSTR-9C may lead to late fees, notices from the GST department, and possible tax demand after scrutiny.
