Must-Know: Key GSTR-9 Changes for FY 2024-25 You Have to Prepare For

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) rules keep evolving, and every taxpayer needs to stay updated. As we move into Financial Year 2024-25, there are important changes in GSTR-9 (Annual Return) and GSTR-9C (Reconciliation Statement). These updates are meant to improve transparency, simplify reporting, and strengthen compliance.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s new and how you can prepare:

1. Due Date & Applicability: Mark Your Calendar

• Due Date: The last date to file GSTR-9 (and GSTR-9C if turnover is above ₹5 crore) for FY 2024-25 is 31st December 2025.
• Applicability:
  • Filing GSTR-9 is mandatory  if your annual turnover is above ₹2 crore.
  • Businesses with turnover up to ₹2 crore are  exempt  (Notification 15/2025).

In short: Bigger businesses must file, smaller ones get relief.

2. Structural Updates: More Detail in ITC

The government wants clearer reporting of Input Tax Credit (ITC).

• New Table 6A1: Disclose ITC of FY 2023-24 claimed in FY 2024-25 separately.
• Split of Table 6A:
  • 6A1 → Previous year ITC
  • 6A2 → Current year ITC
• Detailed ITC Reversal (Tables 6J–6L): Rule-wise breakup required (Rule 37/37A, Rule 42, Rule 43).
• New Table 8H1: Report IGST paid on imports but claimed as ITC in the next year.

This means you’ll need sharper record-keeping and ERP updates.

3. Enhanced Reporting & Reconciliation

Accuracy is the focus this year.

• Table 8A: Will now only  show invoices of FY 2024-25 (from GSTR-2B). Cleaner reconciliation.
• HSN-wise Summary (Table 17): Mandatory for high-turnover taxpayers. Excel format will be available for easy upload.
• Table 9: New fields to show  shortfall  between tax payable and tax paid. Auto-calculation will highlight mismatches.

Less confusion, more precision.

4. Late Fee & Compliance: Don’t Delay

Filing late can pinch your pocket, so don’t wait till the last minute.

• Late Fee for GSTR-9: ₹200 per day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST), capped at 0.25% of turnover.
• Late Fee for GSTR-9C: Now linked with GSTR-9, so both must be filed on time.

5. Preparation Checklist: Start Early

Here’s how you can stay ready:

• Reconcile GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-2B with your books regularly.
• Segregate current vs. prior-year ITC and update ERP for new tables.
• Prepare HSN-wise outward supply data in advance.
• Track and verify import IGST claims for mapping to Table 8H1.

Early preparation = smooth filing + no penalties.

Final Word

The GSTR-9 changes for FY 2024-25 show the government’s push for better compliance and transparency. If you understand these updates and prepare in advance, filing will be hassle-free. So, don’t wait till December—start reconciling and updating your systems today. Filing season will be much easier when you’re ready!

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