The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has announced the extension of due dates for Annual Return and Reconciliation Statement for 2018-19 to 31st December 2020.
CBIC has said in its statement that “The Government has been receiving a number of representations regarding the 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 the 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 dates for the same be extended beyond 31′ October 2020 to enable the businesses and auditors to comply in this regard.”
So after considering these representations, the Government decided to extend the due date for filing Annual Return (FORM GSTR-9/GSTR-9A) and Reconciliation Statement (FORM GSTR-9C) for 2018-19 from 31st October 2020 to 31st December 2020, this decision of the government was also based on the recommendations provided by the GST Council.
CBIC has further notified 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.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has said that the notifications to give effect to this decision will be released soon.
With Warm Regards,
CL Bureau.
