In a significant relief to taxpayers, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued Notification No. 08/2025-Central Tax dated 23rd January 2025. The notification provides a waiver of late fees for taxpayers who delayed filing the reconciliation statement in FORM GSTR-9C, alongside the annual return in FORM GSTR-9, for the financial years 2017-18 to 2022-23.
Eligibility for Late Fee Waiver
Applicability:
- Taxpayers required to furnish FORM GSTR-9C along with FORM GSTR-9 for the financial years from 2017-18 to 2022-23.
Deadline for Compliance:
- The late fee waiver is applicable only if the pending FORM GSTR-9C is filed on or before 31st March 2025.
Refund of Late Fees
- The notification explicitly states that no refund shall be issued for any late fees already paid by taxpayers for delayed filing of FORM GSTR-9C for these financial years.
Conclusion
- Taxpayers now have an opportunity to file delayed reconciliation statements for earlier years without incurring additional penalties.
- This move facilitates voluntary compliance and helps reduce the compliance burden for businesses.
- Ensure that pending FORM GSTR-9C filings for FY 2017-18 to 2022-23 are completed by 31st March 2025 to avail the waiver.
This initiative is a step toward simplifying GST compliance and encouraging timely adherence to filing requirements. Taxpayers are advised to act promptly to avoid further complication