Quick Comparison of GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C

Points of comparison

GSTR-9: Annual Return

GSTR-9C: Reconciliation Statement

Nature

A consolidated summary of all filed returns during the financial year.

An analytical statement certifying the accuracy of the data provided in GSTR-9.

Who must file

All taxpayers with turnover greater than ₹2 crore.

Taxpayers with a turnover greater than ₹5 crore.

Not applicable to

• Composition Dealers
• Casual Taxable Persons (CTP)
• Non-Resident Taxable Persons (NRTP)
• Input Service Distributors (ISD)
• Unique Identification Number (UIN) holders
• OIDAR Service providers
• Persons subject to TDS or TCS provisions

Those mentioned under GSTR-9, plus registered persons with aggregate turnover less than ₹5 crore in a financial year.

Optional for

Businesses with less than ₹2 crore turnover (w.e.f FY 2017-18).

Businesses with less than ₹5 crore turnover.

Due date for filing

31st December of the next financial year.

31st December of the next financial year, either along with or after filing GSTR-9.

Late fees & penalty

Late filing attracts a penalty of ₹200 per day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST), capped at 0.5% of turnover.

Late filing attracts a penalty of ₹200 per day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST), capped at 0.5% of turnover.

Filing of the return

Filed on the GST portal or through a facilitation centre.

Filed on the GST portal or through a facilitation centre at the time of or after filing GSTR-9.

Format of the return

A consolidated summary detailing:

• Turnover
• ITC and tax paid
• Late fees paid in GST returns filed during the FY
• Amendments made between April to 30th November of next FY

Additional declarations where applicable:

• Demands/refunds
• Supplies from composition dealers
• Job works
• Goods sent on approval basis
• HSN wise summary of sales and purchases
• Late fees payable

Part-A: Reports reconciliation of turnover, tax paid, and any discrepancies. Includes auditor’s recommendations for additional tax liabilities.

Part-B: Self-certification by the CFO or finance head.

Who must certify/attest

No certification by CA/CMA is required.

Revised rules in 2021 require self-certification by an authorized person, not an auditor’s certification.

Annexures

No annexures are required to be attached.

Annexure of the audited financial statement is required.