Instructions to file GSTR-9C-Reconciliation Statement by GSTN

The GSTN has released an update on steps to be taken while filing GSTR-9C. The following steps are to be taken care of by the taxpayers and auditors.

As a prerequisite, GSTR-9 should be filed before filing GSTR-9C. The taxpayer has to download the filed GSTR-9 in PDF format from the GST portal. The taxpayer has to initiate filing form GSTR-9C by downloading GSTR-9C tables (in PDF format) from the GST portal.

The downloaded GSTR-9C will provide prefilled tables of turnover, taxable turnover, the total amount of tax paid, and ITC which were extracted from GSTR-9 filed before.

The downloaded GSTR-9C along with GSTR-9 has to be forwarded to the auditor by the taxpayer. The auditor has to download GSTR-9C offline utility available in excel from the GST portal.

The auditor has to add the table-wise details in offline utility including the information provided by the taxpayer. A special instruction has been given not to copy-paste the data and enter them directly in the excel file.

A specific note has been added that the taxpayers can leave the table number 11 of GSTR-9C for reporting additional liability yet to be paid completely blank. However, if one of the fields y requires data to be entered, the taxpayer has to make sure that remaining fields must not be left blank and fill it up with zero as follows-  ‘0.0’ (zero.zero).

Also Read: Taxpayers to face severe consequences for not filing GST returns on time

After filling up all the details, the auditor has to generate a preview of draft GSTR-9C. After reviewing the preview, the auditor can generate a JSON file of the GSTR-9C. While generating the JSON file, the auditor has to attest his DSC. Then, the auditor has to provide attested JSON file to the taxpayer to indicate the completion of the GST audit.

Now the taxpayer must click on ‘initiate filing’ against the GSTR-9C tile available on return dashboard. He must upload relevant documents like his balance sheet and statement of profit and loss.

Apart from these, the taxpayer has to make sure that he has uploaded cash flow statements and the UDIN generated by the auditor under ‘other document’ section and save the form. Thereafter the taxpayer has to upload the attested JSON file in the ‘prepare offline’ window and save the form.

Finally, the taxpayer has to sign the saved form as a confirmation to the opinion formed by the auditor and complete the process of filing GSTR-9C.

GSTR-9C is the annual reconciliation statement to be filed by those GST registered taxpayers having the yearly aggregate turnover more than Rs 2 crore. It must be filed by 31 August 2019 for the first financial year 2017-18.