After a lot of requests received from the taxpayers, Chartered Accountants (CA), etc. the government finally extended the due date. This extension will add relief for taxpayers.

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Revenue

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs

New Delhi the 24th October 2020

Extension of due dates for Annual Return and Reconciliation Statement for 2018-19 ⁦

The Government has been receiving a number of representation regarding need to extend the due date for filing Annual Return (FORM GSTR-9) and Reconciliation Statement (FORM GSTR-9C) for 2018-19 on the grounds that on account of COVID-19 pandemic related lockdown and restrictions, the normal operation of businesses have still not been possible in several parts of the country. It has been requested that the due date for the same to be extended beyond 31st October 2020 enables the businesses and auditors to comply in this regard.

In the view of same, on the recommendation of the GST Council, it has been decided to extend the due date for filing Annual Return (FORM GSTR-9/GSTR-9A) and Reconciliation statement (FORM GSTR-9C) for Financial Year 2018-19 from 31st October to 31st December 2020. Notifications to give effect to this decision would follow.

It may be noted that filing of Annual Return (Form GSTR-9/GSTR-9A) for 2018-19 is optional for taxpayers who had aggregate turnover below Rs. 2 Crore. The filing of reconciliation statement in Form 9C for 2018-19 is also optional for the taxpayers having aggregate turnover upto Rs. 5 Crore.

Source: PIB (Ministry of Finance)

What’s your view regarding the extension? Will this extension really help taxpayers or not? Write your reply below in the comment box.