GST Audit (GSTR-9C) — Who Needs It, Process, Forms (2026)
GST audit (GSTR-9C) — who needs it, process, due date, penalty, CA-signed. From ₹6,999.
GST audit (GSTR-9C) is mandatory for businesses with aggregate turnover > ₹5 crore. In this guide, we cover the eligibility, process, due date, and penalties.
What is GST Audit?
GST audit is a reconciliation of the annual return (GSTR-9) with the audited financial statements of the business. Done by a CA / CMA. The reconciliation is reported in Form GSTR-9C. Mandatory for businesses with aggregate turnover > ₹5Cr.
Who Needs GST Audit?
- Businesses with aggregate turnover > ₹5Cr in a financial year
- All GST-registered businesses, including composition scheme taxpayers (turnover > ₹5Cr)
- Casual taxable persons (aggregate turnover > ₹5Cr)
- Non-resident taxable persons (aggregate turnover > ₹5Cr)
- ISD, TDS, TCS deductors (aggregate turnover > ₹5Cr)
What is GSTR-9C?
GSTR-9C is the reconciliation statement between: (a) GSTR-9 (annual return), and (b) audited annual financial statements. Includes: revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, taxes paid, ITC claimed. CA / CMA-signed + UDIN.
Key Reconciliations
- Turnover: GSTR-1 + GSTR-3B + books
- Output tax: GSTR-1 + GSTR-3B + books
- Input tax credit: GSTR-2B + GSTR-3B + books + RCM
- Tax paid: GSTR-3B + challan + books
- Closing balance: GST ledger + books
- Stock + inventory: GSTR-1 + books + physical
- Capital goods: ITC claimed + books
- RCM: RCM register + books
- Exempt supplies: GSTR-1 + books
- Inter-state + intra-state: state-wise split
GST Audit Process
Step 1: Books Finalisation
Books are finalised for the FY — P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow, Notes. Audited by statutory auditor (if applicable).
Step 2: GST Data Compilation
Compile GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-2B, GSTR-9 for the FY. Reconcile with books.
Step 3: GSTR-9C Preparation
CA / CMA prepares GSTR-9C with reconciliations, adjustments, additional tax liability, refund claims.
Step 4: CA / CMA Signing
CA / CMA signs GSTR-9C with UDIN.
Step 5: GSTN Upload
GSTR-9C is uploaded on the GSTN portal by 31 December of the next FY.
Timeline
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Books finalisation | 15-30 days |
| GST data compilation + reconciliation | 5-10 days |
| GSTR-9C preparation | 5-10 days |
| CA / CMA signing | 1-2 days |
| GSTN upload | 1 day |
| Total | 20-45 days |
Penalty for Non-Compliance
- Late filing of GSTR-9C: ₹50/day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST), max 0.25% of turnover
- Failure to file: ₹10,000 or ₹25,000 (whichever is lower)
- Wrong / fraudulent reconciliation: CA / CMA may lose ICAI / ICMAI membership
- Additional tax liability: 18% interest + penalty up to 100% of tax due
Cost
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| GST audit (GSTR-9C, single GSTIN) | From ₹6,999 |
| GST audit (multi-GSTIN) | From ₹12,999 |
| GST audit + multi-FY | From ₹22,999 |
| Tax audit + GST audit (combined) | From ₹14,999 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the GSTR-9C due date?
A: 31 December of the financial year following the year under audit. E.g., for FY 2024-25, due 31 December 2025.
Q: Who can sign GSTR-9C?
A: A practicing Chartered Accountant (CA) or Cost Accountant (CMA) with valid UDIN. Both CA and CMA are authorised to sign.
Q: Is GSTR-9C mandatory for composition scheme?
A: No. Composition scheme taxpayers file GSTR-4 (annual) but not GSTR-9C. Only regular taxpayers with turnover > ₹5Cr need GSTR-9C.
Q: What is the difference between GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C?
A: GSTR-9: Annual return filed by the taxpayer. Self-declared. GSTR-9C: Reconciliation statement between GSTR-9 and audited financials. CA / CMA signed.