GSTN shares simplification steps taken for GST Annual return



Quick Summary
The GST Network (GSTN) has announced several measures to simplify the filing of the GST Annual Return (Form GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C) for FY 2017-18 and FY 2018-19. Key changes include making certain tables optional, allowing consolidated reporting for some details, and providing options for ITC bifurcation and RCM goods reporting. The filing of the annual return for FY 2017-18 has been extended to 31st January 2020, and for FY 2018-19 to 31st March 2020. Additionally, filing is now optional for taxpayers with an aggregate turnover up to ₹2 Crore for FY 2017-18.

The last date to file GST Annual Return for FY 2017-18, is the 31st of January 2020. Taxpayers are dealing with certain issues to file their Annual Return. In the meanwhile, the GSTN shared certain steps that have been taken by the government to simplify the filing of Annual Returns. Here is what the GSTN shared:

Simplifications made in Form GSTR-9 (2):

• Entire ITC reversal (as per Rule 37, 39, 42, 43 & Sec 17 (5)) can be reported in Table 7H.

• Reversal on a/c of TRAN-1 (Table 7F) and TRAN-2 (Table 7G) to be reported separately in respective tables.

• Tables 12, 13, 15 to 18 now made optional.

• Option to upload other ITC related information in Tables 8A to 8D, duly signed in pdf format in GSTR-9C without CA certification. 

Changes in Filing Requirements Form GSTR 9 & 9C:

• The filing made optional for Aggregate Turnover (PAN-based) up to Jaz 2 Crore. (calculated from 1st July, 2017 to 31. March, 2018, for FY 2017-18)

• The simplifications notified in Form GSTR-9 and Form GSTR-9C effective only for FY 2017-18 and 2018-19

• For FY 2017-18, the last date for filing GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C extended to 31st Jan, 2020.

• For FY 2018-19, the last date for filing GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C extended to 31st March, 2020. 

Simplifications made in Form GSTR-9 (1):

• In Tables 4B to 4E and 5A to SF, taxpayers given an option to fill details net of CN, DN and amendments.

• Option to fill exempt, NIL rated and Non GST supplies on consolidated basis in Table 5D.

• ITC bifurcation into inputs, capital goods and input services made optional. Can be reported in inputs row only.

• ITC related to RCM goods from Registered and Unregistered can be merged and reported in Table 6D. 

Simplifications made in GSTR 9C:

• Not mandatory to attach cash flow statement.

• Instead of 'True & Correct' opinion Auditor required to give 'True & Fair' opinion.

• Table 14 made optional.

• Option provided not to fill 'ITC booked in previous FY claimed in current FY; and, ITC booked in current FY to be claimed in next FY', in Table 12.

• Option provided not to fill unbilled revenue, unadjusted advances & other entries in Table 5. Any adjustments requiring reporting can be entered in Table 5 0. 

Do you think the initiatives taken by the government are helping you to file the complexities of the system? 

FAQ :

The last date to file the GST Annual Return (GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C) for FY 2017-18 has been extended to 31st January 2020.

Taxpayers with an aggregate turnover (PAN-based) up to ₹2 Crore for FY 2017-18 are exempt from filing the annual return.

Simplifications include reporting entire ITC reversal in Table 7H, making Tables 12, 13, and 15 to 18 optional, and providing an option to upload signed PDF documents for ITC information in GSTR-9C without CA certification.

Yes, it is no longer mandatory to attach a cash flow statement, and auditors are required to give a 'True & Fair' opinion instead of 'True & Correct'. Table 14 is also optional.

The simplifications notified in Form GSTR-9 and Form GSTR-9C are effective for FY 2017-18 and FY 2018-19.

The last date for filing GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C for FY 2018-19 has been extended to 31st March 2020.




News posted by

Finance news reporter covering taxation, GST, income tax, business compliance, and economy updates. I simplify complex financial topics into easy-to-understand articles for professionals, taxpayers, and business owners on leading finance and tax platforms.

Comments :


More »

Popular News





CCI Pro



Company
Featured 03 October 2026
Accountant

A P Lodha and Associates

Jalna

B.Com

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 08 October 2026
ARTICLE TRAINEE

S.B.G. & CO. CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

New Delhi

CA Inter

View Details
Company
12 October 2026
Finance

I-Genext Consulting Private Limited

New Delhi

CA

View Details
Company
13 October 2026
Accountant

Zerdi & Co. Chartered Accountants

Pune

B.Com

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 07 October 2026
Article assistant

S.K.Bajpai & Co.

Noida

B.Com

View Details
Company
12 October 2026
Chartered Accountant - Internal Audit

HKC | Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors

Ludhiana

CA

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 28 September 2026
Junior Accountant

J S P M & Associates LLP

Pune

B.Com

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 20 October 2026
CA ARTICLE

AMKN & CO

Noida

CA Inter

View Details