Thursday, January 23, 2025

CBIC Waives Late Fees for Delayed Filing of GSTR-9C for FY 2017-18 to 2022-23

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

  1. Applicability:

    • Taxpayers required to furnish FORM GSTR-9C along with FORM GSTR-9 for the financial years from 2017-18 to 2022-23.
  2. 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