To enable the GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C filing utilities for FY 2025-26, the Sales Tax Bar Association (STBA), Delhi, has asked the Ministry of Finance, CBIC, and GSTIN.
It is crucial to have timely availability of such annual return forms for taxpayers and professionals to perform an effective reconciliation of GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, books of accounts, and Income-tax data before finalising their ITRs, the association stated.
The concern is important because businesses at present need to complete their Income tax compliance within the mentioned duration, with the deadline being 31 August for non-audit cases and 30 September for tax-audit cases.
Taxpayers do not have a crucial annual reconciliation tool due to the absence of GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C. It raises the risk of discrepancies between GST and income tax filings and consequential notices and litigation.
STBA said that identical complaints have been made in earlier years; however, the issue persists. Thus, the association has prompted the authorities to consider the case on a priority basis; it must also ensure that the GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C utilities are enabled as soon as possible.
Also, the representation outlines the requirement for a predictable and timely release of annual return utilities every year, primarily before the ITR deadline, so that taxpayers can perform purposeful reconciliation and make precise regulatory disclosures.
STBA expects that the important concern of the tax fraternity will be considered and that the relevant authorities will take the required measures.
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