GSTR-9 Annual Return FY 2025-26: Who Must File, Due Date & Exemptions

What changed

CBIC issued Notification 15/2025-Central Tax dated 17 September 2025 permanently exempting registered persons with aggregate turnover up to Rs. 2 crore in a financial year from filing the annual return in Form GSTR-9, applicable from the financial year 2024-25 onwards.

Effectively, the annual return exemption that was granted year by year for earlier years is now a standing provision. Small taxpayers may still file GSTR-9 voluntarily if they wish.

Who it applies to

• Turnover up to Rs. 2 crore: GSTR-9 not required (optional)
• Turnover above Rs. 2 crore: GSTR-9 mandatory by 31 December 2026
• Turnover above Rs. 5 crore: GSTR-9 plus GSTR-9C reconciliation statement mandatory
• Composition taxpayers: file GSTR-4 annually instead

Effective from

The exemption applies from FY 2024-25 onwards under Notification 15/2025-Central Tax dated 17.09.2025.

What GSTR-9 covers

The annual return consolidates all 12 monthly or quarterly returns (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B) filed during FY 2025-26 - outward supplies, ITC claimed, tax paid - and reconciles them with the audited financial statements.

Impact on businesses

Small taxpayers save a full annual filing and the cost of reconciliation. Larger taxpayers must still consolidate monthly data carefully - discrepancies between GSTR-9 and the balance sheet are a common trigger for review letters from tax officers.

What you should do

• Check your aggregate turnover for FY 2025-26 across all GSTINs under your PAN
• If above Rs. 2 crore, reconcile GSTR-1, GSTR-2B and GSTR-3B data with books before December
• Identify and claim any missed ITC while preparing the annual return (subject to conditions)
• Verify GSTR-9C turnover reporting if above Rs. 5 crore

Late filing consequences

Late fee is Rs. 200 per day (Rs. 100 CGST + Rs. 100 SGST), capped at 0.5% of turnover in the state. Prosecution provisions for long defaults exist but in practice the late fee with interest is the common cost.