Annual returns

Yes Mr. Shivaji, 

The Finance Act 2016 had bring the new cluase under Rule 7 of STR 1994. The following is the text of same:

3A) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (1), every assessee shall submit an annual return for the financial year to which the return relates, in such form and manner as may be specified in the notification in the Official Gazette by the Central Board of Excise and Customs, by the 30th day of November of the succeeding financial year.

(3B) The Central Government may, subject to such conditions or limitations, specify by notification an assessee or class of assessees who may not be required to submit the annual return referred to in sub-rule (3A).

Therefore, annual return for financial year 2015-16 is mandatory to be filed on or before Nov. 30, 2016

However, CBEC on Nov. 08, 2016 has issued a circular and said for financial year 2015-16 no requirement to file annual return.

Here is the attached file of circular.

Regards