GST Compliance Checklist 2025–26: Key Updates All Taxpayers Must Note Before April 1
GST Compliance Checklist 2025–26 GST for FY 2025–26: Key Deadlines & Actions
Overview: GST Compliance Checklist 2025–26
As the financial year 2024–25 draws to a close, the State GST Department of Kerala has released a comprehensive compliance guide for all registered taxpayers. This circular outlines the mandatory GST actions, deadlines, and form submissions required before April 1, 2025, to ensure a smooth transition into the new financial year (2025–26). It addresses regular taxpayers, composition dealers, e-invoicing entities, QRMP filers, exporters, hotels, and GTAs.
Key GST Updates and Compliance Requirements
- Composition Scheme Option for FY 2025–26
- Opt-in through the GST portal by March 31, 2025.
- File your choice under Form GST CMP-02.
- Important for small dealers wishing to pay tax at a fixed rate without input tax credit.
- New Invoice Series for FY 2025–26
- Create a new invoice serial number series starting April 1, 2025.
- Ensure invoice series are unique and documented for clean segmentation.
- Mandatory E-Invoicing for Turnover > ₹5 Crore
- Applicable to entities with aggregate turnover > ₹5 crore from 2017–18 to 2024–25.
- Implement e-invoicing for B2B transactions and start issuing IRN-compliant invoices from April 1, 2025.
- QRMP Scheme Selection Window
- Taxpayers with turnover below ₹5 crore can opt-in or opt-out of the QRMP scheme.
- Last date to change the option: April 30, 2025.
- Ensure your GSTR-1/3B filing pattern aligns with the selected scheme.
- LUT Filing for Exporters (FY 2025–26)
- File Letter of Undertaking (LUT) via Form GST RFD-11.
- Submit on the GST portal starting April 1, 2025.
- Amnesty Scheme for Demand Orders (Sec. 73)
- Applicable to taxpayers who received demand orders under Section 73 for FY 2017–18 to 2019–20.
- Opt for waiver of interest and penalty; make the payment by March 31, 2025.
- File Form DRC-03 by April 30, 2025.
- GSTR-9C Filing Deadline for Past Years
- File pending GSTR-9C forms for FY 2017–18 to 2022–23 by March 31, 2025.
- GST on Restaurants in Specified Premises
- From April 1, 2025, restaurants in hotels with room tariffs above ₹7,500/day must pay 18% GST.
- File Annexure VII by March 31, 2025, to continue under the 5% rate.
- GTA (Goods Transport Agency) Option Filing
- Choose Forward Charge or Reverse Charge Mechanism.
- Submit the declaration via Annexure V/VI by March 31, 2025.
- Mandatory ISD Registration for Multi-State Entities
- Obtain ISD (Input Service Distributor) registration under GST.
- Begin using ISD invoices from April 1, 2025.
How Estabizz Fintech Can Help
At Estabizz Fintech, we ensure your business transitions smoothly into the new financial year with 100% GST compliance.
Our Support Includes:
- GST return filing setup for FY 2025–26
- E-invoicing and IRN system integration
- Amnesty scheme filing and DRC-03 support
- LUT filing and exporter documentation
- QRMP advisory and invoice series creation
- Annexure V, VI, and VII submission
Avoid last-minute rush — let Estabizz Fintech manage your year-end GST compliance with ease. Call us at 9825600907 or email at info@estabizz.com
Disclaimer
The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of GST compliance requirements. Estabizz Fintech Private Limited assumes no liability for any errors or omissions within the provided content. Consult a qualified GST Professional for personalized advice.
Final Takeaway
The GST Compliance Checklist 2025–26 is not just about ticking boxes—it’s about starting the new financial year on a clean, compliant, and confident note. With deadlines approaching fast, proactive action is key to avoiding penalties and disruptions. “Start the year right — because in tax, clarity is compliance.”
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GST Compliance Checklist for FY 2025–26: Key Deadlines & Actions – FAQs
1. What is the GST compliance deadline for filing annual returns for FY 2025-26?
Answer: The deadline for filing annual returns under GST for FY 2025-26 is December 31, 2026.
2. Are there specific due dates for filing GSTR-1 for fiscal year 2025-26?
Answer: Yes, GSTR-1 must be filed by the 11th of the subsequent month for monthly filers and by the 13th for quarterly filers under the QRMP scheme.
3. What is the due date for filing GSTR-3B returns for FY 2025-26?
Answer: GSTR-3B must be filed by the 20th of the subsequent month for monthly filers. For taxpayers under the QRMP scheme, it is the 22nd or 24th of the month following the quarter.
4. What are the consequences of late filing of GST returns?
Answer: Late filing of GST returns can attract interest and penalties. Interest is typically 18% per annum on the outstanding tax amount, plus a late fee of INR 100 per day under CGST and SGST, capped at INR 5,000 each.
5. How can businesses ensure compliance with GST deadlines?
Answer: Businesses can ensure compliance by setting up automated reminders, employing GST-compliant accounting software, and consulting with GST professionals regularly.
6. What documents are required for filing GSTR-9 annual return?
Answer: Required documents include outward and inward supply details, HSN-wise summary, and tax payment details.
7. Are there any exemptions available under GST for FY 2025-26?
Answer: Certain goods and services are exempt from GST, and businesses with turnover below specific thresholds (INR 20 lakh for services, INR 40 lakh for goods) may be exempt from registration.
8. What is the Input Tax Credit (ITC) reconciliation process?
Answer: ITC reconciliation involves matching the ITC claimed in GSTR-3B with the details furnished by suppliers in their GSTR-1 to ensure no discrepancies.
9. How to rectify errors in previously filed GST returns?
Answer: Errors in GST returns can be rectified in subsequent returns. For instance, rectifications for FY 2025-26 can be made up to September 2026 return or the date of filing the annual return, whichever is earlier.
10. What is the procedure for availing GST refunds?
Answer: GST refunds can be claimed by filing Form RFD-01 on the GST portal, along with supporting documents to substantiate the claim.
11. Are e-invoices mandatory for all businesses in FY 2025-26?
Answer: E-invoicing is mandatory for businesses with aggregate turnover exceeding INR 10 crore in any preceding financial year from 2017-18 onwards.
12. Can a GST registered business amend its registration details?
Answer: Yes, businesses can amend their registration details through the GST portal by filing an amendment application in Form REG-14.
13. What are the penalties for non-compliance with e-way bill requirements?
Answer: Penalties for non-compliance with e-way bill requirements can include a penalty equal to the tax amount or INR 10,000, whichever is higher, plus seizures of goods and conveyance.
14. When is the GST audit required and who can conduct it?
Answer: A GST audit is required if the annual turnover exceeds INR 5 crore. It must be conducted by a Chartered Accountant or a Cost Accountant.
15. How to handle GST on advances received for goods and services?
Answer: GST on advances received for goods and services must be paid at the time of receipt and should be reported in GSTR-1.
16. What is the process for the cancellation of GST registration?
Answer: GST registration can be cancelled by applying via Form GST REG-16, detailing the reasons for cancellation and other required information.
17. How to compute the interest on delayed GST payments?
Answer: Interest on delayed GST payments is computed at 18% per annum from the due date to the actual payment date, based on the tax amount payable.
18. What is the applicability of GST on exports for FY 2025-26?
Answer: Exports are considered zero-rated supplies under GST, meaning they attract no tax, but the exporter can claim a refund of the input tax credit.
19. Are there new GST rates or changes expected for FY 2025-26?
Answer: Businesses should stay updated with notifications from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) for any amendments to GST rates.
20. What are the annual reconciliation statements in GST?
Answer: Annual reconciliation involves reconciling the data filed in GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and books of accounts to ensure accuracy in the annual return GSTR-9.
21. Can GST returns be revised once filed?
Answer: GST laws do not permit revision of returns once filed, but rectifications can be made in subsequent returns within the specified period.
22. What is the composition scheme, and who can opt for it?
Answer: The composition scheme allows small taxpayers with an annual turnover of up to INR 1.5 crore to pay a lower fixed rate of GST without input tax credit benefits.
23. How does reverse charge mechanism work under GST?
Answer: Under the reverse charge mechanism, the recipient of specified goods or services is liable to pay GST instead of the supplier.
24. What is the due date for ITC-04 filing and its importance?
Answer: Form ITC-04, related to job work, must be filed quarterly by the 25th of the month following the quarter and ensures compliance for goods sent for job work.
25. How to switch from regular to composition scheme, or vice versa?
Answer: Switching from the regular scheme to the composition scheme, or vice versa, involves filing intimation in Form GST CMP-02 and CMP-04 on the GST portal.
26. What accounting software integrations are recommended for seamless GST compliance?
Answer: Integrating accounting software like Tally, QuickBooks, or SAP with the GST portal can ensure accuracy and timely compliance.
27. How can businesses tackle GST notices and demands?
Answer: Businesses should respond promptly to GST notices by providing required information and documentation. Legal assistance may be sought for complex issues.
28. What steps to take for year-end GST reconciliation?
Answer: Year-end GST reconciliation involves verifying all transaction entries, matching GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B with books of accounts, and ensuring all ITCs are claimed accurately.
29. How to handle inter-state supply transactions for GST compliance?
Answer: Inter-state supplies attract IGST, which needs to be reported separately in GST returns. Proper documentation and timely payments are crucial for compliance.
30. What are the recent changes in GST compliance for FY 2025-26 that businesses should be aware of?
Answer: Recent changes may include e-invoicing threshold updates, new compliance procedures, rate modifications, and changes in filing deadlines. Regularly reviewing updates from CBIC will ensure compliance.
By providing clear and precise answers to these pertinent FAQs, Estabizz Fintech Private Limited reaffirms its commitment to client empowerment and regulatory compliance, aiding businesses in confidently navigating the complex landscape of GST compliance for FY 2025-26.
