The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has released the revised edition (December 2025) of the Technical Guide on GST Reconciliation Statement (Form GSTR-9C), reflecting recent developments and reforms under the upgraded GST 2.0 compliance ecosystem. The publication has been prepared by the GST & Indirect Taxes Committee of ICAI with the objective of facilitating accurate, transparent, and standardised annual reconciliation by GST-registered taxpayers.
The updated guide incorporates the latest statutory amendments, procedural changes and practical guidance for reconciling turnover, tax liabilities and input tax credit between audited annual financial statements and GST returns. It also addresses implementation issues encountered by businesses and professionals and introduces a new section on common misunderstandings while filing GSTR-9C.
Key Highlights of the Revised Guide
- Updated in line with policy refinements and digitisation under GST 2.0.
- Comprehensive guidance on:
- Turnover reconciliation
- Tax paid vs tax payable
- Input tax credit reporting
- Detailed interpretative support for taxpayers with multi-locational GST registrations.
- Practical checklists, documentation matrix and disclosure guidance to ensure accuracy.
- Coverage of latest clarifications including late fee applicability and alignment with Circular No. 246/03/2025-GST.
Objective of the Reconciliation Statement (GSTR-9C)
The GSTR-9C statement ensures precise reconciliation between annual GST returns and audited financial statements and evaluates compliance with GST Acts and Rules. It covers:
- Turnover declared
- Taxes paid
- Input tax credit availed
- Statutory adherence to the GST framework
Applicability
As per Section 44 of the CGST Act read with Rule 80(3), filing of GSTR-9C is mandatory for taxpayers whose aggregate annual turnover exceeds ₹5 crore.
The reconciliation statement is GSTIN-wise, and every GST registration under the same PAN must file it once aggregate turnover crosses the threshold.
ICAI Leadership Speak
In his foreword to the publication, President, of ICAI, appreciated the continued contribution of the GST & Indirect Taxes Committee in enhancing compliance literacy under GST. He stated that the revised guide will help members discharge professional responsibilities with greater clarity, precision, and efficiency.
Compliance Advisory
Taxpayers are advised to file all GSTR-1, GSTR-3B and GSTR-9 before filing GSTR-9C, as late fee under Section 47(2) will be computed based on filing of complete annual return (GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C together).
Availability
The revised Guide is published by the Publication & CDS Directorate of ICAI, priced at ₹290, and is available through ICAI platforms.
Conclusion
The updated Technical Guide on GSTR-9C is expected to significantly support taxpayers, GST practitioners and auditors in complying with enhanced GST reporting requirements and maintaining robust financial–tax alignment under the evolving national tax framework.
The Technical Guide can be accessed at: https://a2ztaxcorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ICAI-Technical-Guide-GSTR-9C-December-2025-edition.pdf
