What is the last date to file a belated return for AY 2026-27?

A belated return under Section 139(4) can generally be filed up to 31 December 2026, unless extended. It attracts a late fee under Section 234F and interest under Section 234A on unpaid tax.

Is there a penalty for filing a revised return?

No. Revising under Section 139(5) to correct a genuine mistake carries no penalty, provided your original return was filed on time. You can revise multiple times within the window.

Can I carry forward losses if I file late?

Generally no. Most losses — business and capital — cannot be carried forward if you file after the due date. This is one of the most expensive consequences of a belated return.

How many times can I revise my return?

As many times as needed within the revision window. The last validly filed and e-verified return stands. Always quote the original acknowledgement details when revising.

What if both the belated and revised windows have closed?

You may be able to file an updated return (ITR-U) under Section 139(8A) on payment of additional tax. It cannot be used to claim a refund or increase a loss, and the extra tax rises the later you file.

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GST· Updated Aug 2026· 8 min read· By CA Sumit Chandwani· §139(4) / §139(5)

GSTR-9 Annual Return FY 2025-26: Reconcile the Year Before 31 December

The annual return does not create new tax; it exposes every difference between your books, GSTR-1, GSTR-3B and 2B. Filed carelessly it locks in mistakes; prepared properly it closes the year cleanly.

Missed 31 July? Belated & Revised Returns Under Section 139(4) & 139(5) AY 2026-27

TL;DR

Due: 31 Dec 2026 for FY 2025-26.

Optional at or below ₹2 crore turnover; 9C above ₹5 crore.

Golden rule: reconcile books → GSTR-1 → 3B → 2B before filing, pay gaps via DRC-03.

Who must file GSTR-9 for FY 2025-26

Every regular GST registration files GSTR-9 unless aggregate turnover is at or below ₹2 crore, where filing has been optional under recent notifications; composition taxpayers use GSTR-9A.
GSTR-9C, the self-certified reconciliation statement, applies above ₹5 crore.
The due date is 31 December 2026 unless extended.

What the annual return actually reconciles

GSTR-9 consolidates the year you already reported: outward supplies from GSTR-1, tax paid from GSTR-3B, and ITC claimed versus what GSTR-2B reflected. The pain is never the form itself; it is the differences it exposes — invoices reported in the wrong month, ITC claimed but absent from 2B, missed credit notes, skipped RCM liabilities.

Mistakes that trigger notices

Copy-pasting auto-populated figures without reconciling to books; the annual return locks your position.
Ignoring RCM on transport, legal fees or imported services all year.
Unreconciled ITC differences left unexplained — the classic source of DRC-01 demands.
Late fee: up to ₹200 per day (CGST + SGST), capped by turnover slabs.

A sane preparation sequence

Reconcile books vs GSTR-1 vs GSTR-3B month by month before touching the form.
Match ITC in books against GSTR-2B for the full year; document every gap.
Pay admitted shortfalls via DRC-03 with the return, not after a demand.
Keep the working papers — a future GST notice is answered from exactly these reconciliations.