How to File GSTR 9C: A Step-by-Step Process!

The annual return filing due date is approaching, and the GSTR 9C filing process can be a bit daunting. With too many reconciliations, turnover matches, and audit preparation, one tiny mistake and the GSTR 9C filing gets delayed. Most of you ask how to file GSTR 9C effortlessly without delays. This guide is specially for you!

No more complicated processes, get a structured flow here and follow the step-by-step approach given in the blog. The blog answers how to file GSTR-9C online step-by-step. So, without confusion and errors, let’s get started with the steps mentioned below. 

How to File GSTR-9C? 

Filing GSTR 9C begins with generating a JSON file and then uploading it to the GST portal and processing it. Let’s quickly dive in deep. 

How to File GSTR 9C Offline? 

1. Visit the Official Portal 

Navigate to the GST portal and log in with your credentials. 

2. Get GSTR 9C Tables 

Download the GSTR 9 Form and get access to the GSTR 9C tables 

3. Download GSTR 9C Offline Tool 

You should have the GSTR 9C offline tool downloaded on your system. If it isn’t there, go to downloads tab → Offline tools → Select “GSTR 9C Offline Too;” 

4. Prep for GSTR 9C with Offline Tool 

Follow the below steps to prepare GSTR 9C using offline tool: 

• Go to the offline utility sheet and enter all the details in the tables 
• Now, generate the preview PDF to verify the draft of GSTR 9C 
• Once completed, generate the JSON file. 

How Do I Upload the GSTR-9C JSON File on the GST Portal? 

Once you have created the JSON file following the steps given in section “How to File GSTR-9C Offline”, you need to upload the JSON file on the GST portal. 

1. Once you have created the JSON file, log in to the GST portal using the offline tool.
2. Navigate to Returns → Annual Returns → Choose Financial Year → Click on Search.
3. Now, choose Prepare Offline and click on Upload.
4. Cross-check the uploaded file; you can modify the details of GSTR 9C before moving ahead and clicking “Proceed to File”. If you make edits to the GSTR 9C details, make sure you regenerate the JSON and upload it again using the offline tool.
5. If you see that, JSON File is displaying errors, the taxpayer can download the error report and resolve them by using the instructions given in “Type of GSTR 9C JSON File errors”  

How to File GSTR-9C Online Through GST Portal? 

1. Once the JSON file is successfully uploaded to the GST portal, you can proceed by adding financial documents like balance sheets, profit/loss statements, and other crucial documents, which are mandatory for verification.
2. Please note: all the documents are to be uploaded in the PDF format, where the file size is limited to 5MB per ahead. Also, max 2 files can be submitted under every table.
3. Once the document is uploaded, click on the “SAVE” button, which indicates that the file has been processed successfully. In case you fail to click the SAVE button post each upload, an unexpected error occurs during GSTR 9C filing.
4. You will see the “Proceed to File” Button enabled only when the following documents are successfully uploaded.
   1. JSON File 
   2. PDF of Balance Sheet 
   3. Profit, Loss, Income and Expense PDFs
   4. Other additional Two documents if you have 
5. Now, you can click on “PREVIEW DRAFT GSTR 9C” to view the details.
6. Now, click on “Proceed to File,” and you will be redirected to the verification stage. Once you confirm all the details, “File GSTR 9C” will be enabled, and this is your last step of annual return filing.
7. Once the form is filed, you can track it by navigating to Services → Returns → View Filed Returns from the dropdown on the GST portal. 

Conclusion 

Hopefully, the blog has answered your question on how to file GSTR 9C. Follow all the instructions step by step and process your GSTR 9C form effortlessly. 

Looking for GST filing software to streamline GSTR 9C filing? Here’s Munim for you, navigate and check why you should file the form 9C with us.

About the author

Priyanka Chaudhari

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Priyanka Chaudhari is an enthusiastic writer with an ocean of experience in the tech world. She writes mainly on topics like accounting, e-invoicing, GST, and billing. Currently, she is working with Munim and comes up with innovative topics for the readers. Stay tuned to her blogs.