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GST KNOWLEDGE • RETURN FILING

GSTR-9 Annual Return: Complete Table-by-Table Practical Guide

Understand annual GST return preparation from monthly GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B to final filing, including Tables 4 to 17 and reconciliation controls.

In simple words: This article explains the return from a practical filing perspective—what information belongs in it, which records should support it, how to reconcile it and what can go wrong if the data is reported incorrectly.

1. 1. Before preparing GSTR-9

Collect filed GSTR-1/1A/IFF summaries, GSTR-3B summaries, GSTR-2B/Table 8A details, books, tax payment records and prior-period adjustments. The GST Portal provides system-computed GSTR-9 data and downloadable Table 8A details.

Practical control: Reconcile the relevant books/records with GST Portal return data before filing and retain the working supporting the figure.

2. 2. Table 4 — Taxable outward and inward supplies

Reconcile annual taxable turnover and tax liability with GSTR-1/1A and GSTR-3B, separating the categories required by the return.

Practical control: Reconcile the relevant books/records with GST Portal return data before filing and retain the working supporting the figure.

3. 3. Table 5 — Non-taxable outward supplies

Reconcile exempt, nil-rated, non-GST and other relevant outward supplies with the annual sales register.

Practical control: Reconcile the relevant books/records with GST Portal return data before filing and retain the working supporting the figure.

4. 4. Table 6 — ITC availed

Reconcile ITC claimed during the year from GSTR-3B with books, GSTR-2B and eligible ITC workings.

Practical control: Reconcile the relevant books/records with GST Portal return data before filing and retain the working supporting the figure.

5. 5. Table 7 — ITC reversed/ineligible

Map reversals to the reason and underlying monthly return. Do not net unrelated adjustments.

Practical control: Reconcile the relevant books/records with GST Portal return data before filing and retain the working supporting the figure.

6. 6. Table 8 — Other ITC information

Table 8 is a key reconciliation section. From FY 2023-24 onward, Table 8A is based on document details from GSTR-2B subject to the portal's rules; use the downloadable document details for reconciliation.

Practical control: Reconcile the relevant books/records with GST Portal return data before filing and retain the working supporting the figure.

7. 7. Table 9 — Tax paid

Reconcile tax payable and tax paid by tax head, including interest, late fee, penalty and other amounts. From FY 2024-25 the portal displays revised fields and warnings for differences from system-computed values.

Practical control: Reconcile the relevant books/records with GST Portal return data before filing and retain the working supporting the figure.

8. 8. Tables 10 and 11

Capture relevant transactions of the financial year declared in returns of the following financial year within the specified period.

Practical control: Reconcile the relevant books/records with GST Portal return data before filing and retain the working supporting the figure.

9. 9. Tables 12 and 13

Reconcile ITC booked/claimed and reversed in the following year as applicable to the return's structure and instructions.

Practical control: Reconcile the relevant books/records with GST Portal return data before filing and retain the working supporting the figure.

10. 10. Table 14

Reconcile differential tax and other liability arising from reconciliation, where applicable.

Practical control: Reconcile the relevant books/records with GST Portal return data before filing and retain the working supporting the figure.

11. 11. Table 15 — Demands and refunds

Reconcile refunds claimed/sanctioned/rejected and demands paid/created with orders and ledgers.

Practical control: Reconcile the relevant books/records with GST Portal return data before filing and retain the working supporting the figure.

12. 12. Table 16 — Supplies received from specified categories

Review composition supplies, deemed supplies and goods supplied on approval basis as applicable.

Practical control: Reconcile the relevant books/records with GST Portal return data before filing and retain the working supporting the figure.

13. 13. Table 17 — HSN-wise outward supplies

Reconcile HSN summary with GSTR-1/1A Table 12 and the books. Current portal guidance provides a downloadable consolidated HSN report for FY 2024-25 onward.

Practical control: Reconcile the relevant books/records with GST Portal return data before filing and retain the working supporting the figure.

14. 14. Table 18 — HSN-wise inward supplies

Prepare from purchase records and applicable HSN/SAC data, following the current return instructions.

Practical control: Reconcile the relevant books/records with GST Portal return data before filing and retain the working supporting the figure.

15. 15. Final filing

Preview PDF/Excel, investigate differences, compute liabilities, pay applicable late fee and file. Once filed, GSTR-9 cannot be edited.

Practical control: Reconcile the relevant books/records with GST Portal return data before filing and retain the working supporting the figure.
Recommended workflow
Books / RegistersGST Portal dataReconcileReviewFile

Final checklist

Knowledge-purpose disclaimer: This article is for general educational and practical understanding. GST law, rules, notifications, circulars, portal functionality and filing procedures can change. Verify the provisions and procedures applicable to the relevant tax period and the facts of the transaction before taking a final tax position.

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