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FAQs and User Manual – GSTR-9C Offline Utility

Goods and Services Tax Network

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 GSTR-9C Offline Utility (Last Updated on: 27th Jan 2020)

Table of Contents

FAQs of GSTR-9C Offline Utility .................................................................................. 5

General ........................................................................................................................... 5
Filing Form GSTR-9C .................................................................................................... 6
Downloading GSTR-9C Offline Tool ............................................................................ 8
Downloading Filed Form GSTR-9 and Form GSTR-9C Tables Derived from Form
GSTR-9...................................................................................................................... 9
Preparing Form GSTR-9C Statement Using Offline Tool ......................................... 10
Uploading Signed GSTR-9C JSON File ..................................................................... 11
Initiate Filing of Form GSTR-9C ................................................................................. 13
Viewing and Tracking Status of Form GSTR-9C....................................................... 15
Common Issues Faced and Resolutions .................................................................. 16
Manual of GSTR-9C Offline Utility.............................................................................. 19
GSTR-9C Offline Utility Overview ..........................................................................................19
A. Download Filed Form GSTR-9 and Form GSTR-9C Tables Derived from Form GSTR-9
.................................................................................................................................................21
B. Send Files to the Auditor for Preparing GSTR-9C Statement..........................................28
C. Download GSTR-9C Offline Utility .....................................................................................28
D. Install emSigner ..................................................................................................................30
E. Open the GSTR-9C Offline Utility Excel Worksheet .........................................................30
F. Add table-wise details in the Worksheet ...........................................................................36
F(1). PT. II(5)- Reconciliation of Gross Turnover............................................. 37
F(2). PT. II(6)- Reasons for Un-reconciled Difference in Annual Gross
Turnover ............................................................................................................. 42
F(3). PT. II(7)- Reconciliation of Taxable Turnover.......................................... 44
F(4). PT. II(8)- Reasons for Un-Reconciled Difference in Taxable Turnover . 47
F(5). PT. III(9)- Reconciliation of Rate-wise Liability and Amount Payable
thereon................................................................................................................ 48
F(6). PT. III(10)- Reasons for Un-reconciled Payment of Tax ......................... 50

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F(7). PT. III(11)- Additional Amount Payable but Not Paid (due to reasons
specified under Tables 6,8 and 10 above) ....................................................... 51
F(8). PT. IV(12)- Reconciliation of Net Input Tax Credit (ITC) ......................... 52
F(9). PT. IV(13)- Reasons for Un-reconciled Difference in ITC ....................... 54
F(10). PT. IV(14)- Reconciliation of ITC Declared in Annual Return (GSTR9)
with ITC Availed on Expenses as per Audited Annual Financial Statement or
Books of Account .............................................................................................. 55
F(11). PT. IV(15)- Reasons for Un-reconciled Difference in ITC ..................... 57
F(12). PT. IV(16)- Tax Payable on Un-reconciled Difference in ITC (due to
reasons specified in 13 and 15 above) ............................................................. 58
F(13). PT. V- Auditor's Recommendation on Additional Liability Due to Non-
reconciliation ..................................................................................................... 59
F(14). Part B (i): Certification in cases where the reconciliation statement
(FORM GSTR-9C) is drawn up by the person who had conducted the audit 61
F(15). Part B (ii): Certification in cases where the reconciliation statement
(FORM GSTR-9C) is drawn up by a person other than the person who had
conducted the audit of the accounts ............................................................... 63
G. Generate Preview PDF file to view Draft Form GSTR-9C .................................................64
H. Generate JSON File and Affix DSC....................................................................................68
I. Send the Signed JSON File to the Taxpayer for Upload on GST Portal ...........................73
J. Upload the Signed JSON File on GST Portal ....................................................................73
K. Download Zipped Error Report ..........................................................................................78
L. Send Zipped Error Report to the Auditor ..........................................................................80
M. Open Zipped Error GSTR-9C JSON File(s), Correct, Sign and Re-send the Updated &
Signed JSON to Taxpayer ......................................................................................................80
N. Download Processed GSTR-9C JSON File(s) from GST Portal .......................................85
O. Send Zipped Processed GSTR-9C JSON File to the Auditor...........................................90
P. Open Zipped Processed GSTR-9C JSON File, Correct, Sign and Re-send the Updated &
Signed JSON to Taxpayer ......................................................................................................90
Q. Initiate Filing of Form GSTR-9C ........................................................................................93
R. Access Saved Draft of Form GSTR-9C ...........................................................................103
S. Download Filed Data from the “File Annual Returns” Page ..........................................104
T. View e-Filed Returns.........................................................................................................110

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FAQs of GSTR-9C Offline Utility

General
1. What is Form GSTR-9C?

Form GSTR-9C is a reconciliation statement, duly verified and digitally signed by Chartered
Accountant/ Cost Accountant. This form is required to be furnished along with filing of annual
return in Form GSTR-9, by the taxpayer whose aggregate turnover is above a specified limit,
during a financial year.

2. Who needs to file Form GSTR-9C?

Normal taxpayers (including SEZ unit and developer) whose aggregate turnover is above a
certain threshold, are required to get their accounts audited by Chartered Accountant/Cost
Accountant (after filing of their annual return in Form GSTR-9) and are required to file their Form
GSTR-9C, during a particular financial year, as may be notified by way of Notifications issued by
Government of India from time to time.
This requirement is not applicable to Central Government or a State Government or a local
authority, whose books of accounts are subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor-General
of India or an auditor appointed for auditing the accounts of local authorities under any law for
the time being in force.

3. What details are to be filed in Form GSTR-9C?

Details for following Part A & Part B Tables of Form GSTR-9C statement needs to be filled in.
• Part A:
o PT II —Reconciliation of Turnover Declared in Audited Annual Financial
Statement with Turnover Declared in Annual Return (Form GSTR9).
Enter details in the following tables of PT II:
▪ PT. II(5)- Reconciliation of Gross Turnover
▪ PT. II(6)- Reasons for Un-reconciled difference in Annual Gross
Turnover
▪ PT. II(7)- Reconciliation of Taxable Turnover
▪ PT. II(8)- Reasons for Un-Reconciled Difference in Taxable Turnover
o PT III —Reconciliation of Tax Paid
Enter details in the following tables of PT III:

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▪ PT. III(9)- Reconciliation of Rate-wise Liability and Amount Payable

Thereon
▪ PT. III(10)- Reasons for Un-reconciled Payment of Tax
▪ PT. III(11)- Additional Amount Payable but Not Paid (due to reasons
specified under Tables 6,8 and 10 above)
o PT IV —Reconciliation of Input Tax Credit (ITC)
Enter details in the following tables of PT IV:
▪ PT. IV(12)- Reconciliation of Net Input Tax Credit (ITC)
▪ PT. IV(13)- Reasons for Un-reconciled Difference in ITC
▪ PT. IV(14)- Reconciliation of ITC Declared in Annual Return (GSTR9)
with ITC Availed on Expenses as per Audited Annual Financial
Statement or Books of Account
▪ PT. IV(15)- Reasons for un - reconciled difference in ITC
▪ PT. IV(16)- Tax Payable on Un-reconciled Difference in ITC (due to
reasons specified in 13 and 15 above)

o PT V — Auditor's Recommendation on Additional Liability Due to Non-reconciliation

• PART – B: Certification
o Part B (i): Certification in cases where the reconciliation statement (FORM GSTR-9C) is
drawn up by the person who had conducted the audit
o Part B (ii): Certification in cases where the reconciliation statement (FORM GSTR-9C)
is drawn up by a person other than the person who had conducted the audit of the
accounts

4. Will I be allowed to file Form GSTR-9C if I have not filed my annual return?

No, Form GSTR-9C can be filed only after filing the annual return Form GSTR-9.

Filing Form GSTR-9C

5. What are the pre-conditions for filing Form GSTR 9C?

• User should be registered and should have a valid GSTIN.

• User should have valid login credentials i.e., User ID and password
• User has filed Form GSTR-9 for the relevant financial year.
• The aggregate turnover of such registered person during the financial year exceeds the
threshold, as may be notified by the Government.
• He should have got his accounts audited as prescribed.

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6. By when do I need to file Form GSTR-9C?

The due date for filing Form GSTR-9C for a particular financial year is 31st December of
subsequent financial year or as extended by Government through notification.

7. When does GST Portal enable filing of Form GSTR 9C?

GST Portal enables GSTR-9C tile for filing for the taxpayer, only after successful filing of Form
GSTR-9 of that financial year.
Note: Form GSTR-9C will be made available to all taxpayers, who are required to file Form
GSTR-9 during a particular financial year and GST Portal will not be validating the turnover of
taxpayer for this.

8. What are the steps of filing Form GSTR-9C?

Following are the steps of filing Form GSTR-9C:

1. Taxpayer performs the following steps:

A. ON GST Portal: Login to the GST Portal to take following actions.
a. Download Filed Form GSTR-9
b. Download Form GSTR-9C Tables Derived from Form GSTR-9 and send to the
Auditor
B. OFF GST Portal: Sends the downloaded files to the Auditor, along with audited
financial statements and other relevant documents
2. Auditor performs the following steps:
A. ON GST Portal:
a. Download latest version of GSTR-9C Offline Tool from the GST portal
b. Install emSigner
B. OFF GST Portal: Prepare GSTR-9C statement offline using GSTR-9C Offline Tool by
taking following actions.
a. Open the GSTR-9C Offline Utility Excel Worksheet
b. Add table-wise details in the Worksheet
c. Generate Preview PDF file to view Draft Form GSTR-9C
d. Generate JSON File and affix his/her digital signature (DSC)
e. Send the signed JSON File to the Taxpayer
3. Taxpayer performs the following steps:
A. ON GST Portal: Upload the generated JSON File received form Auditor on GST Portal
after logging in
Note:

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•In case of Error during upload: Downloads Error Report and sends it to the
Auditor for corrections. Auditor would make corrections, sign and resend the
updated JSON for upload.
• Before filing, in case Auditor wants to add or edit data in the file that has been
successfully processed without error: Downloads Processed GSTR-9C JSON
File from GST Portal and sends it to the Auditor for corrections. Auditor would
make corrections, sign and resend the updated JSON for upload.
B. ON GST Portal: File Form GSTR-9C and view/download the filed form for reference.

Downloading GSTR-9C Offline Tool

9. From where can I download and use the GSTR-9C Offline Utility in my
system?

To download and open the GSTR-9C Offline Utility in your system from the GST Portal, perform
following steps:
1. Access the GST Portal: www.gst.gov.in.
2. Go to Downloads > Offline Tools > GSTR-9C Offline Tool option and click on it.
3. Unzip the downloaded Zip file which contain GSTR_9c_Offline_Utility.xls excel sheet.
4. Open the GSTR_9c_Offline_Utility.xls excel sheet by double clicking on it.
5. Read the ‘Read Me’ instructions on excel sheet and then fill the worksheet accordingly.

10. Do I need to login to GST Portal to download the GSTR-9C Offline

Utility?

No. You can download the GSTR-9C Offline Utility under ‘Downloads’ section without logging in
to the GST Portal.

11. What are the basic system requirements/configurations required to use

GSTR-9C Offline Tool?

The offline functions work best on Windows 7 and above and MS EXCEL 2010 and above.

12. Is Offline utility mobile compatible?

As of now GSTR-9C Offline utility cannot be used on mobile. It can only be used on
desktop/laptops.

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Downloading Filed Form GSTR-9 and Form

GSTR-9C Tables Derived from Form GSTR-9
13. How can I download filed Form GSTR-9 for preparing Form GSTR-9C?

To download filed Form GSTR-9, perform following steps:

1. Access the www.gst.gov.in URL. The GST Home page is displayed.
2. Login to the portal with valid credentials.
3. Dashboard page is displayed. Click the Services > Returns > Annual Return command.
Alternatively, you can also click the Annual Return link on the Dashboard.
4. The File Annual Returns page is displayed. Select the Financial Year for which you want
to file the return from the drop-down list.
5. Click the SEARCH button.
6. Annual Return Tiles are displayed. In the GSTR-9 tile, click the DOWNLOAD GSTR-9 button.
7. “Offline Download for GSTR-9” page gets displayed containing three buttons. Download
Form GSTR-9 data using the buttons on this page.

14. How can I download Form GSTR-9C Tables Derived from Form GSTR-9?

To download Form GSTR-9C Tables Derived from Form GSTR-9, perform following steps:

1. Access the www.gst.gov.in URL. The GST Home page is displayed.

2. Login to the portal with valid credentials.
3. Dashboard page is displayed. Click the Services > Returns > Annual Return command.
Alternatively, you can also click the Annual Return link on the Dashboard.
4. The File Annual Returns page is displayed. Select the Financial Year for which you want
to file the return from the drop-down list.
5. Click the SEARCH button.
6. Annual Return Tiles are displayed. In the GSTR-9C tile, click the INITIATE FILING button.
7. The GSTR-9C page is displayed. Click the DOWNLOAD GSTR-9C TABLES DERIVED
FROM GSTR-9(PDF) button.
8. System-generated PDF gets downloaded into your machine.

15. What fields would be present/pre-filled in in Form GSTR-9C Tables

Derived from Form GSTR-9?

Form GSTR-9C Tables Derived from Form GSTR-9 will contain following pre-filled in fields:
• Turnover as declared in Annual return (Form GSTR-9)

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• Taxable turnover as per liability declared in Annual Return (Form GSTR-9)

• Total amount of tax paid as declared in Annual Return (Form GSTR- 9)
• ITC claimed in Annual Return (Form GSTR-9)

16. Can I send the system-generated PDFs (Filed Form GSTR-9 and Form
GSTR-9C Tables Derived from Form GSTR-9) to the Auditor from the GST
Portal?

No, you cannot send the system-generated PDFs to the Auditor from the GST Portal. You can
email or send them offline via USB/storage device or by printing and sending the hard copy or by
any other means suitable.

Preparing Form GSTR-9C Statement Using

Offline Tool
17. What buttons are available in Home tab and what is their function?

Following buttons are present in Home tab of the offline utility:

1. Open GSTR-9C JSON file downloaded from GST Portal: To import JSON file
(downloaded from “GENERATE JSON FILE TO DOWNLOAD” button in the “Download”
section and containing Form GSTR-9C details that have been successfully uploaded on
the GST Portal earlier) into the Offline Tool. Upon successful import of file, the details get
populated to respective tables of Excel workbook.
2. Open GSTR-9C JSON Error File Downloaded from GST Portal: To import JSON file
(downloaded from the ‘Processed with error’ link generated in “Upload” section and
containing Form GSTR-9C details that have not been successfully uploaded on the GST
Portal earlier) into the Offline Tool. Upon successful import of the file details ‘processed
with error’ records get populated to respective tables of Excel workbook. The GST portal
errors are marked as red and can be seen by hovering over the red marked fields.
3. Generate JSON File to Upload GSTR-9C details on GST Portal: To generate JSON file
to be uploaded on GST portal and containing Form GSTR-9C details prepared offline.
4. Generate Preview PDF file to view Draft GSTR-9C form: To preview in PDF format,
Form GSTR-9C details that have been prepared offline.
5. “Proceed to fill Part-A” button will take you to PT II (5) tab.
6. “Proceed to fill Part-B” button will take you to Part B (i) tab if you had selected “Yes” in
the “Is the person making reconciliation statement (FORM GSTR-9C) is same

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person who had conducted the audit of mentioned GSTIN” field and otherwise if you
had selected “No”, it will take you to Part B (ii) tab.

18. Do I need to login to GST Portal to upload the generated JSON file using
GSTR-9C Offline Utility?

Yes. Taxpayer must login in to the GST Portal to upload the generated JSON file using GSTR-
9C Offline Utility.
Log in to GST portal → Annual return → Select Financial year and click on Search → Click on
‘Prepare Offline’ option in GSTR-9C tile → Go to ‘upload’ tab.

19. How would Form GSTR 9C be verified and signed by Chartered

Accountant/ Cost Accountant?

Once the Chartered Accountant/Cost Accountant fills up, validates and previews the required
details in the GSTR-9C Offline Utility and clicks the Generate JSON File to Upload GSTR-9C
details on GST Portal button, popup window appears to save the generated JSON file. When
he/she selects the desired location to save the file and clicks “Save”, emSigner window
automatically opens in a separate Internet Explorer browser window—if he/she has installed
emSigner in the machine—using which he/she can sign the file by affixing his/her digital signature
on it.

Note: Make sure, in PT V tab of the Worksheet, you have entered the same PAN with which you
had registered your DSC. Otherwise, you won’t be able to e-sign using your DSC while generating
JSON file.

20. Do I need to send the signed JSON File to the Taxpayer via GST Portal?

No, you cannot send the signed JSON File to the Taxpayer via GST Portal. You can email or
send them offline via USB/storage device or by printing and sending the hard copy or by any other
means suitable.

Uploading Signed GSTR-9C JSON File

21. Auditor has sent me the signed JSON File for upload. Can I review it and
make changes to it?

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No, you should not make any changes in the JSON file generated by the Auditor. During upload,
GST System validates that no changes have been made by taxpayer in JSON signed by auditor.
If you make any changes, the System will process your data with error and generate an error file.
On importing this error report in the utility, a popup will be displayed asking you to get this JSON
file re-signed by the Auditor as the Auditor’s sign is invalid.

Thus, it is recommended that one should not tamper with the signed JSON File that has been
sent for upload. Instead you can ask the Auditor to send you the Preview PDF File generated
from the Offline Tool so that you can review it and look at the details entered by the Auditor in
Form GSTR-9C. In case of any discrepancy, ask the Auditor to make corrections, sign and resend
the updated JSON file to you for upload.

22. What can I do in case of any error shown by system on uploading the
Signed JSON File?

Download the JSON error file and send it to the Auditor offline for corrections. Auditor would make
corrections, sign and resend the updated JSON for upload.

23. I (as Auditor) have received JSON Error File from the Taxpayer. What
do I do now?

Open the JSON Error File, received by the taxpayer, in the offline tool by clicking on “Open GSTR-
9C JSON Error File Downloaded from GST Portal button”. Correct errors as per details
mentioned in “GST Portal Validation errors”, validate, sign and resend the updated JSON to the
taxpayer for upload.

24. I have uploaded the Signed JSON File sent by the Auditor and it was
processed successfully without error. Now, Auditor needs to edit or add
more details in the successfully processed data. Can this be done?

Yes, you can make changes to the process data as long as you have not filed Form GSTR-9C.
Once filed, Form GSTR-9C cannot be revised.

Thus, before filing, in case Auditor wants to add or edit data in the file that has been successfully
processed without error, you need to download Processed GSTR-9C JSON File from GST Portal
and send it to the Auditor offline for corrections. Auditor would make corrections, sign and resend
the updated JSON for upload to you.

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25. I am uploading a revised GSTR-9C JSON File sent by the Auditor. What
will happen to details of the previous upload?

If some details exist from previous upload, it will be updated with latest uploaded details. All new
entries will be added as new entries.

Initiate Filing of Form GSTR-9C

26. How can I File Form GSTR 9C?

Chartered Accountant/ Cost Accountant after verification and signing will pass on the signed
JSON file to taxpayer for uploading on the GST Portal. It is to be uploaded on the GST portal by
the taxpayer, after verification, along with a copy of the documents like Balance Sheet, Income
and Expenditure Account/ Profit and Loss Account and any other documents.

27. What can I do if Auditor has made recommendation on additional liability

to be discharged by me?

On the GSTR-9C page, you are given an option to navigate to Form DRC-03 for making payment
towards additional liability.

Or, from the Dashboard page, you can use the following navigation to access Form DRC-03:
Services > User Services > My Applications > Application Type - Intimation of Voluntary Payment -
DRC – 03 > NEW APPLICATION

28. What is the Upload format to be used for documents to be uploaded

during filing of Form GSTR 9C?

Upload format allowed for documents—Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Account/ Income and
Expenditure Account, etc.— to be uploaded during filing of Form GSTR 9C is PDF only.

29. Is there any limit on the size of documents required to be uploaded?

Limit of upload for following documents under each section shall be 2 files and each file size
should not exceed 5 MB:
• Balance Sheet
• Profit and Loss Account/Income and Expenditure Account
• Other document 1, if any

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• Other document 2, if any

30. Do I need to click on ‘SAVE’ button in ‘Upload Relevant Documents’

section after every upload?

Yes. You need to click on ‘SAVE’ button after the status is ‘Processed’. ‘SAVE’ button will be
enabled only after successful upload of mandatory documents (Balance sheet and Profit & loss
statement/Income & expenditure statement etc.).

31. What will happen if I click on ‘PROCEED TO FILE’ without clicking on

‘SAVE’ button.

Error message will be displayed if you click on ‘PROCEED TO FILE’ button without clicking on
‘SAVE’ button.

32. When proceed to file button will be enabled?

‘PROCEED TO FILE’ button will be enabled only after successful upload of following:
1. Signed JSON file
2. Balance sheet in PDF/JPEG format
3. Profit & Loss statement/ Income & Expenditure statement in PDF/JPEG format

33. Can I add/delete the uploaded PDF/JPEG file after clicking on

‘PROCEED TO FILE’ or ‘FILE GSTR-9C’ button?

Yes. You can add/delete PDF/JPEG file till successful filing of Form GSTR-9C. If you have
deleted/added any documents, then you have to click on SAVE and proceed to file the Form.

34. Can I preview Form GSTR 9C details before filing?

Yes, you can preview Form GSTR 9C details before filing using the PREVIEW DRAFT GSTR-
9C(PDF) button.

35. When ‘FILE GSTR-9C’ button will be enabled?

‘FILE GSTR-9C’ button will be enabled after Ready to file message is displayed on the top of
the GSTR-9C page as a result of clicking the ‘PROCEED TO FILE’ button. You will be able to
click the ‘FILE GSTR-9C’ after you have entered details in the “Verification” section.

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Viewing and Tracking Status of Form GSTR-9C

36. Can taxpayers track the status of Form GSTR-9C?

Yes, taxpayers can track the status of Form GSTR-9C after logging on to the GST Portal with
their valid credentials.

• Before filing: Navigate to Services > Returns > Track return status option.
• After filing: Navigate to Services > Returns > View e-filed returns option.

37. Can Auditors track the status of Form GSTR-9C filed by the Taxpayer on
the GST Portal?

No, Auditors cannot track the status of Form GSTR-9C filed by the Taxpayer on the GST Portal.

38. Can I save and download the filed Form GSTR 9C?

Yes, you can save/ download the filed form for future reference. ARN and Date of ARN will also
be shown on summary downloaded after filing the form.

39. Can I revise Form GSTR-9C or make any changes in it after filing?

Form GSTR-9C once filed cannot be revised. However, changes can be made till filing of return.

40. Can I download the reconciliation statement in excel format before/after

filing of GSTR-9C?

Yes. You can download the reconciliation statement details in excel format.

41. Can I download the uploaded PDF/JPEG (Balance sheet, profit & loss
statement etc.) and JSON file after successful filing?

Yes. You can download the GSTR-9C JSON/PDF/Excel files by clicking on ‘DOWNLOAD
GSTR-9C’ button in GSTR-9C tile on the “Annual Returns” page. To download PDF/JPEG
uploaded by taxpayer on the “GSTR-9C page”, click ‘View GSTR-9C’ button in GSTR-9C tile.

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Common Issues Faced and Resolutions

S.NO. Issue Faced While Using GSTR-9C Offline Utility Suggested Action To Be Taken For Issue Resolution

If you receive message "Compile Error” while You are advised to use Microsoft excel version higher than
1
submitting GSTR-9C. 2007 while preparing Form GSTR 9C.

To download the extract, please follow the below steps:

Error message "File generation is in progress" is
1 )Please click on ‘Initiate-Filling’ button on GSTR-9C tile.
being received while using GSTR 9 C Offline utility.
2) The GSTR-9C page is displayed.
3) Click the ‘Download GSTR-9C TABLES DERIVED FROM
2 Users are trying to download the JSON which they
GSTR-9(PDF)’ button.
import in offline utility to get auto populated GSTR9
data.
Auditor needs to enter the values manually in GSTR9C offline
utility, generate a JSON file and forward it to the taxpayer
with his signatures through an email.

GSTR 9C offline Tool is not designed to be auto-populated.

The data can only be entered manually in the Tool.

To prepare GSTR 9C, follow the below steps:

Users are trying to download GSTR 9 data in JSON
file from Portal for auto-populating GSTR 9 data in
1) Please click on `Initiate-Filling` button on GSTR-9C tile.
GSTR 9C offline Tool. In such a case error message
3 2) The GSTR-9C page is displayed.
"File generation is in progress" is being received
3) Click the `Download GSTR-9C TABLES DERIVED FROM
while using GSTR 9 C Offline utility.
GSTR-9(PDF)` button.

This PDF file is to be sent to the Auditor. The Auditor needs

to enter the values manually in GSTR9C offline utility.

To avoid the error user must ensure the following:

I. DSC related:

a) Signature must be in format PKCS7.

b) Signature should not be corrupted.
c) DSC should be valid.

II. Internet explorer settings and may tempered with

wsweb.html file.

Please do below settings:

User is getting the error "Auditors sign is invalid ". 1) Close all the application on the system
4
2) Open Internet Explorer
3) Go to Tool-->Internet Option-->Security-->Custom level,
4) You find two option
a) "Automatic prompting for Activex control" please click on
Enable
b) "Download unsigned Activex Control" click on Prompt
then click on OK.
5)Now download the Notepad++ from google and follow the
following process.
a) Install the Notepad++,
b) Go to the utility folder right click on "wsweb.html"--->
click on "Edit with Notepad++"
c) Click after "<html>" tag, give a space after "<html>"

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tag and then press the backspace.

6) Save the file using "ctrl+S" key and close the file and stop
the Emsigner Service if started.
7) Now start Emsigner again
8) Open the utility and try to generate the JSON file again
9) Internet explorer pop-up will come, inside that one more
pop-up will ask for "Allow Blocked content",
10) After that "Initiate signing" and "Open Emsigner" button
will work.

Notes:

1. Following are the pre-requisites for filing FORM GSTR-9C :-

a. Prior filing of Annual Return Form GSTR-9 is mandatory.
b. Form GSTR-9C has to be prepared by the Auditor by filling up data in the Offline Tool
available on the GST portal.
Note: Any observations/ comments must be entered in excel tool directly and must not be
copy/pasted from anywhere else.

2. Following steps must be taken to file Form GSTR-9C :-

Actions to be done on GST Portal/Offline

Steps for Filing Form GSTR 9C or through email communication with
Auditor
i. Taxpayer should compile details & Data and send the same to Auditor.
A. The Form GSTR-9 that has already been
filed on GST portal (gst.gov.in) should be ON GST Portal
downloaded (in PDF format).
B. Taxpayer should download GSTR-9C
Tables by clicking on “initiate filing” available
under the tab of GSTR 9C. The tables
(derived from Form GSTR-9) contain following
pre-filled fields (as filed in Annual return): ON GST Portal
i. Turnover
ii. Taxable turnover
iii. Total amount of tax paid
iv. ITC
C. The above mentioned PDF files of GSTR 9
and tables of GSTR 9C should be sent to the Through email/offline
Auditor for Preparing GSTR-9C Statement.
ii. Auditor Prepares GSTR-9C Statement Using GSTR-9C Offline Utility.

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D. Download GSTR-9C Offline Utility from

ON GST Portal
GST portal in “Downloads”.
E. Install emSigner after downloading the
ON GST Portal
latest version from GST Portal.
F. Open the GSTR-9C Offline Utility Excel
Offline
Worksheet.
G. Add table-wise details in the Worksheet. Offline
H. Generate Preview PDF file to view Draft
Offline
Form GSTR-9C
I. Generate JSON File and Offline
J. Auditor needs to affix his/her DSC. Offline
Can use email or offline storage devices
K. Auditor needs to send the Signed JSON
such as USB etc. to exchange files with each
File to the Taxpayer.
other.
iii. Taxpayer Uploads GSTR-9C Statement (prepared by Auditor)
L. Click “initiate filing” and upload other
relevant documents and by clicking on
ON GST Portal
“prepare offline” Upload the Signed JSON File
on GST Portal and Save form.
M. Sign the Form and complete filing of Form
ON GST Portal
GSTR-9C.

3. Important points to note, on the GST Portal, with regard to filing FORM GSTR-9C :-
a. The Initiate-Filing tab is to be used first to Download relevant GSTR 9C Tables (PDF)
derived from GSTR 9 and then taxpayer is required to send the PDF file to Auditor (for
reference for preparing Form GSTR 9C).
b. For preparing Form GSTR-9C by the auditor, JSON file is not required to be downloaded
from the portal by the taxpayer. Please do not try to download JSON file, if you have not
uploaded such file prepared by your Auditor.
c. After receipt of JSON file (Reconciliation statement as prepared & signed by Auditor) :

• Prepare Offline tab is to be used to upload ‘JSON File’ (Reconciliation statement as

prepared & signed by Auditor) on GST Portal. This tab is to be used to download
error JSON file, if any.
• The Initiate-Filing tab is to be used to upload Balance Sheet, P & L Account etc. in
PDF/JPEG format.
• PROCEED TO FILE tab will be enabled only after successful uploading of
Reconciliation statement (Signed JSON file) & audited annual accounts.

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Manual of GSTR-9C Offline Utility

GSTR-9C Offline Utility Overview
GSTR-9C Offline utility is an Excel-based tool, to facilitate the creation of reconciliation statement,
duly verified and signed by Chartered Accountant/Cost Accountant, which is required to be
furnished by normal taxpayer, having aggregate turnover, as may be notified for a particular
Financial Year by the Government, along with annual return in Form GSTR-9.

Chartered Accountant/Cost Accountant will use the GSTR-9C Offline utility to fill up details.
Once GSTR-9C return is prepared using offline tool, it is to be uploaded on the GST portal by
the taxpayer along with a copy of Balance Sheet, Income and Expenditure Account/ Profit and
Loss Account and any other related document.

• The taxpayer can file Form GSTR-9C after filing his/her annual return in Form
GSTR-9. In case he/she has not filed Form GSTR-9, GST Portal won’t allow the
taxpayer to file Form GSTR-9C.
• Filing of Form GSTR-9C is not applicable to Central Government or a State
Government or a local authority, whose books of account are subject to audit by the
Comptroller and Auditor-General of India or an auditor appointed for auditing the
accounts of local authorities under any law for the time being in force.

Once return is prepared using offline utility, it is to be uploaded and filed on GST Portal.

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To Prepare Annual Return in Form GSTR-9C, perform following steps:

Steps Step To be Mode of Performing

Performed By Steps
Taxpayer Collects Data to Send to Auditor
A. Download Filed Form GSTR-9 and Form
GSTR-9C Tables Derived from Form Taxpayer ON GST Portal
GSTR-9
B. Send Files to the Auditor for Preparing
Taxpayer OFF GST Portal
GSTR-9C Statement
Auditor Prepares GSTR-9C Statement Using GSTR-9C Offline Utility
C. Download GSTR-9C Offline Utility Auditor
ON GST Portal
D. Install emSigner Auditor
E. Open the GSTR-9C Offline Utility Excel
Worksheet
F. Add table-wise details in the Worksheet
G. Generate Preview PDF file to view Draft
Auditor OFF GST Portal
Form GSTR-9C
H. Generate JSON File and Affix DSC
I. Send the Signed JSON File to the Taxpayer
for Upload on GST Portal
Taxpayer Uploads GSTR-9C Statement Prepared by Auditor
J. Upload the Signed JSON File on GST
Taxpayer ON GST Portal
Portal
In Case of Error During Upload of Signed JSON File
K. Download Zipped Error Report Taxpayer ON GST Portal
L. Send Zipped Error Report to the Auditor Taxpayer OFF GST Portal
M. Open Zipped Error GSTR-9C JSON File(s),
Correct, Sign and Re-send the Updated & Auditor OFF GST Portal
Signed JSON to Taxpayer
In Case Auditor Wants to Edit/Add Data in the GST Portal’s Successfully Processed
JSON File
N. Download Processed GSTR-9C JSON
Taxpayer ON GST Portal
File(s) from GST Portal
O. Send Zipped Processed GSTR-9C JSON
Taxpayer OFF GST Portal
File to the Auditor

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P. Open Zipped Processed GSTR-9C JSON

File, Correct, Sign and Re-send the Auditor OFF GST Portal
Updated & Signed JSON to Taxpayer
Taxpayer Initiates Filing of Form GSTR-9C
Q. Initiate Filing of Form GSTR-9C Taxpayer
R. Access Saved Draft of Form GSTR-9C Taxpayer ON GST Portal
S. Download Filed Data from “File Annual
Taxpayer
Returns” Page
Taxpayer Tracks Return Status After Filing Form GSTR-9C
T. View e-Filed Returns Taxpayer ON GST Portal

Click each hyperlink above to know more.

A. Download Filed Form GSTR-9 and Form GSTR-9C

Tables Derived from Form GSTR-9
Taxpayer need to send to Auditor data related to filed Form GSTR-9 and also system-generated
Form GSTR-9C Tables Derived from Form GSTR-9 for preparation of Form GSTR 9C.

To download this data from the GST Portal, Taxpayer needs to perform following steps:

1. Access the www.gst.gov.in URL. The GST Home page is displayed.

2. Login to the portal with valid credentials.
3. Dashboard page is displayed. Click the Services > Returns > Annual Return command.
Alternatively, you can also click the Annual Return link on the Dashboard.

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4. The File Annual Returns page is displayed. Select the Financial Year from the drop-down
list.
5. Click the SEARCH button.

6. The Tiles related to Annual Returns get displayed, with Help and Message boxes below the
SEARCH fields.

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7. To download data related to filed Form GSTR-9, follow the steps mentioned below:
7a. Click the DOWNLOAD GSTR-9 button in the GSTR9 tile.

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7b. “Offline Download for GSTR-9” page gets displayed containing three buttons. Follow
the steps mentioned in the following link to download filed GSTR-9 data using the
displayed buttons (as explained in Step 7b): Download Filed Data from “File Annual
Returns” Page

8. To download data related to filed Form GSTR-9C, follow the steps mentioned below:

8a. Click the INITIATE FILING button in the GSTR-9C tile.

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8b. The GSTR-9C page is displayed. Click the Download GSTR-9C TABLES
DERIVED FROM GSTR-9(PDF) button.

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8c. System-generated PDF gets downloaded into your machine. Here’s a sample:

Go back to the Main Menu

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B. Send Files to the Auditor for Preparing GSTR-9C

Statement
Taxpayer need to send to the Auditor downloaded data of Filed Form GSTR-9 and system-
generated Form GSTR-9C Tables Derived from Form GSTR-9, along with audited financial
statements and other relevant documents for preparation of Form GSTR 9C.

This step is to be performed outside the GST Portal. Taxpayer and Auditor can use email or offline
storage devices such as USB/hard drive, or by printing and sending the hard copy or any other
means., etc. to exchange files between them.

Go back to the Main Menu

C. Download GSTR-9C Offline Utility

Auditor need to use GSTR-9C Offline utility to fill up details. This Offline Utility can be easily
downloaded from the GST Portal with or without logging in with Username/Password credentials.

To download the GSTR-9C Offline Utility, Auditor needs to perform following steps:

Downloading the GSTR-9C Offline utility is a one-time activity. However, the utility may
get updated in future. So, always use the latest version available on the GST Portal.

1. Access the www.gst.gov.in URL. The GST Home page is displayed.

2. Click the Downloads > Offline Tools > GSTR-9C Offline Tool option.

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You can download the GSTR-9C Offline Utility from the Portal without logging in to
the GST Portal with Username and Password.

3. GSTR-9C Offline Utility page is displayed. Click the Download hyperlink.

Make sure you carefully read the important message and System Requirement
details displayed on the page.

4. An Information popup opens. Click PROCEED.

5. Zipped GSTR-9C Offline Utility folder gets downloaded.

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Go back to the Main Menu

D. Install emSigner
Auditor need to install emSigner from GST Portal, which will be used once he/she fills all details
in the GSTR-9C Offline utility for the financial years 2017- 2018, 2018-2019 and 2019- 2020 and
is going to generate JSON File to be sent to the Taxpayer.

To install emSigner, Auditor needs to perform steps mentioned in the following link: Manual >
Install emSigner

Note: Installing emSigner is not required for to fill the details for the financial year 2020-2021.

Go back to the Main Menu

E. Open the GSTR-9C Offline Utility Excel Worksheet

Once the Auditor downloads GSTR-9C Offline Utility from GST Portal, he/she can start filling data
in it offline.

To open the downloaded GSTR-9C Offline Utility Excel Worksheet, Auditor needs to perform
following steps:

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1. Extract the files from the downloaded zipped folder GSTR_9c_Offline_Utility.zip and you will
see GSTR_9c_Offline_Utility excel file in the unzipped folder. Right-click and click Open.

Along with the GSTR_9c_Offline_Utility excel file, there will be following files also:
• Readme Notepad: Open it to read about pre-requisites before Installation of the
Offline Tool, installation instructions and key functionalities.
• 'wsweb' HTML File: Please ensure HTML file name 'wsweb' and
'GSTR_9C_Offline_Utility' should be in same folder to generate the JSON."

2. Click Enable Editing.

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3. Click Enable Content.

4. Click the symbol on the below-left side of the excel sheet to go to the Read Me tab.

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The Worksheet comprises 17 tabs—Read Me, Home, PT II (5), PT II (6), PT II (7),

PT II (8), PT III (9), PT III (10), PT III (11), PT IV (12), PT IV (13), PT IV (14), PT IV
(15), PT IV (16), PT V, Part B (i) and Part B (ii)

5. Read Me page is displayed. It contains introduction and help instructions. Scroll down to read
all the instructions carefully. Once you have completed your reading, you can now proceed to
enter other details in the worksheet.

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Note: For Financial year 2020-2021, a separate Read Me page has been added, which is shown Commented [MK1]: Screenshot to be added
below.

6. Once you have completed your reading of the Read Me page, click the Home tab and scroll
down to fill the basic details under PART-A-Reconciliation Statement header.

Make sure you fill the mandatory fields marked with red asterisk “*”.

7. Enter GSTIN.
8. Select Financial Year from the drop-down list.
9. Enter Legal Name.
10. Enter Trade Name (If any), (Filling of Legal name/trade name is not mandatory)
11. Enter Name of Act (if you are liable to audit under any Act).
12. Select “Yes” or “No” from the drop-down list in the following field: Is the person making
reconciliation statement (FORM GSTR-9C) is same person who had conducted the
audit of mentioned GSTIN.

• In case of Yes, Part B (ii) tab is removed from the Offline Utility.
• In case of No, Part B (i) tab is removed from the Offline Utility.

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13. Click “Proceed to fill Part-A” button or the “Proceed to fill Part-B” button to start entering
details in the tables of Form GSTR-9C statement.

• “Proceed to fill Part-A” button will take you to PT II (5) tab.

• “Proceed to fill Part-B” button will take you to Part B (i) tab if you had selected
“Yes” in the Step 5F field and otherwise if you had selected “No”, it will take
you to Part B (ii) tab.
• In case you save your entered data and close the Excel Utility, following popup
“Open Saved Version?” will appear when you open it next time. Click “No” to
start filling data in the Excel from scratch. Otherwise, select “Yes” and your
saved data will be available as-is in the respective tables.

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14. Note: For Finacial year 2020-201, click Proceed to fill details button to start entering details Commented [MK2]: Image to be added
in the tables of Form GSTR-9C statement. “Proceed to fill Part-A” button and the “Proceed
to fill Part-B” button has been replaced with single button “Proceed to fill details”.
Reference image has been shown below.

Go back to the Main Menu

F. Add table-wise details in the Worksheet

Taxpayer needs to add details for following Part A & Part B Tables of Form GSTR-9C statement
using the Offline Tool.
• Part A:
o PT II —Reconciliation of Turnover Declared in Audited Annual
Financial Statement with Turnover Declared in Annual Return (Form
GSTR9).
Enter details in the following tables of PT II:
F(1). PT. II(5)- Reconciliation of Gross Turnover
F(2). PT. II(6)- Reasons for Un-reconciled difference in Annual Gross Turnover
F(3). PT. II(7)- Reconciliation of Taxable Turnover
F(4). PT. II(8)- Reasons for Un-Reconciled Difference in Taxable Turnover
o PT III —Reconciliation of Tax Paid
Enter details in the following tables of PT III:
F(5). PT. III(9)- Reconciliation of Rate-wise Liability and Amount Payable Thereon
F(6). PT. III(10)- Reasons for Un-reconciled Payment of Tax
F(7). PT. III(11)- Additional Amount Payable but Not Paid (due to reasons specified
under Tables 6,8 and 10 above)
o PT IV —Reconciliation of Input Tax Credit (ITC)
Enter details in the following tables of PT IV:
F(8). PT. IV(12)- Reconciliation of Net Input Tax Credit (ITC)
F(9). PT. IV(13)- Reasons for Un-reconciled Difference in ITC
F(10). PT. IV(14)- Reconciliation of ITC Declared in Annual Return (GSTR9) with
ITC Availed on Expenses as per Audited Annual Financial Statement or Books of
Account
F(11). PT. IV(15)- Reasons for un - reconciled difference in ITC
F(12). PT. IV(16)- Tax Payable on Un-reconciled Difference in ITC (due to reasons
specified in 13 and 15 above)
o F(13). PT V — Auditor's Recommendation on Additional Liability Due to
Non-reconciliation

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• PART – B: Certification
o F(14). Part B (i): Certification in cases where the reconciliation statement
(FORM GSTR-9C) is drawn up by the person who had conducted the audit
o F(15). Part B (ii): Certification in cases where the reconciliation statement
(FORM GSTR-9C) is drawn up by a person other than the person who had
conducted the audit of the accounts
o
Note: Part – B: Certification section will not be available from finacial year 2020-2021and is not
required to be filled by taxpayer.
Click each hyperlink above to know more.

F(1). PT. II(5)- Reconciliation of Gross Turnover

To add details in the Worksheet related to Reconciliation of Gross Turnover, perform following
steps:

You can enter details in this table using data (PDF of Form GSTR-9C Tables
Derived from Form GSTR-9) sent to you by the Taxpayer.

1. Go to the PT II (5) tab and enter details in the Amount column.

Commented [MK3]:

For detailed instructions on how to enter the amount details in each of these fields,
refer to the following table (as available in the Read Me page).

Field Name Help Instruction

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5A. Turnover (including exports) as The turnover as per the audited Annual Financial Statement
per audited financial statements for shall be declared here. There may be cases where multiple
the State / UT (For multi-GSTIN units GSTINs (State-wise) registrations exist on the same PAN.
under same PAN the turnover shall This is common for persons / entities with presence over
be derived from the audited Annual multiple States. Such persons / entities, will have to internally
Financial Statement) derive their GSTIN wise turnover and declare the same here.
This shall include export turnover (if any). It may be noted that
reference to audited Annual Financial Statement includes
reference to books of accounts in case of persons / entities
having presence over multiple States.
Only positive values are allowed in this field.
Unbilled revenue which was recorded in the books of accounts
on the basis of accrual system of accounting in the last
financial year and was carried forward to the current financial
year shall be declared here. In other words, when GST is
payable during the financial year on such revenue (which was
5B. Unbilled revenue at the beginning recognized earlier), the value of such revenue shall be
of Financial Year declared here. (For example, if rupees Ten Crores of unbilled
revenue existed for the financial year 2016-17, and during the
current financial year, GST was paid on rupees Four Crores of
such revenue, then value of rupees Four Crores rupees shall
be declared here).
Only positive values are allowed in this field.
5C. Unadjusted advances at the end Value of all advances for which GST has been paid but the
of the Financial Year same has not been recognized as revenue in the audited
Annual Financial Statement shall be declared here.
Only positive values are allowed in this field.
5D. Deemed Supply under Schedule I Aggregate value of deemed supplies under Schedule I of the
CGST Act, 2017 shall be declared here. Any deemed supply
which is already part of the turnover in the audited Annual
Financial Statement is not required to be included here.
Only positive values are allowed in this field.
5E. Credit Notes issued after the end Aggregate value of credit notes which were issued after 31st
of the financial year but reflected in of March for any supply accounted in the current financial year
the annual return but such credit notes were reflected in the annual return
(GSTR-9) shall be declared here.
Only positive values are allowed in this field but while
calculating 5(P) this shall be considered as negative.
5F. Trade Discounts accounted for in Trade discounts which are accounted for in the audited Annual
the audited Annual Financial Financial Statement but on which GST was leviable (being not
Statement but are not permissible permissible) shall be declared here.
under GST Only positive values are allowed in this field

5G. Turnover from April 2017 to June Turnover included in the audited Annual Financial Statement
2017 for April 2017 to June 2017 shall be declared here.
Positive or negative values are allowed in this field.
If positive values are entered in this field then it shall be
reduced while calculating the turnover as per 5(P).
If negative values are entered in this field then it shall be
added while calculating the turnover as per 5(P)
5H. Unbilled revenue at the end of Unbilled revenue which was recorded in the books of accounts
Financial Year on the basis of accrual system of accounting during the
current financial year but GST was not payable on such

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revenue in the same financial year shall be declared here.

Only positive values are allowed in this field but while
calculating 5(P) this shall be considered as negative.
5I. Unadjusted Advances at the Value of all advances for which GST has not been paid but the
beginning of the Financial Year same has been recognized as revenue in the audited Annual
Financial Statement shall be declared here.
Only positive values are allowed in this field but while
calculating 5(P) this shall be considered as negative
5J. Credit notes accounted for in the Aggregate value of credit notes which have been accounted
audited Annual Financial Statement for in the audited Annual Financial Statement but were not
but are not permissible under GST admissible under Section 34 of the CGST Act shall be
declared here.
Only positive values are allowed in this field
5K. Adjustments on account of supply Aggregate value of all goods supplied by SEZs to DTA units
of goods by SEZ units to DTA Units for which the DTA units have filed bill of entry shall be
declared here.
Only positive values are allowed in this field but while
calculating 5(P), this field shall be considered as negative
5L. Turnover for the period under There may be cases where registered persons might have
composition scheme opted out of the composition scheme during the current
financial year. Their turnover as per the audited Annual
Financial Statement would include turnover both as
composition taxpayer as well as normal taxpayer. Therefore,
the turnover for which GST was paid under the composition
scheme shall be declared here.
Only positive values are allowed in this field but while
calculating 5(P), this field shall be considered as negative
5M. Adjustments in turnover under There may be cases where the taxable value and the invoice
section 15 and rules thereunder value differ due to valuation principles under section 15 of the
CGST Act, 2017 and rules thereunder. Therefore, any
difference between the turnover reported in the Annual Return
(GSTR 9) and turnover reported in the audited Annual
Financial Statement due to difference in valuation of supplies
shall be declared here.
Positive or negative values are allowed in this field.
If positive values are entered in this field, then it shall be
added while calculating the turnover as per 5(P).
If negative values are entered in this field, then it shall be
reduced while calculating the turnover as per 5(P)
5N. Adjustments in turnover due to Any difference between the turnover reported in the Annual
foreign exchange fluctuations Return (GSTR9) and turnover reported in the audited Annual
Financial Statement due to foreign exchange fluctuations shall
be declared here.
Positive or negative values are allowed in this field.
If positive values are entered in this field, then it shall be
added while calculating the turnover as per 5(P).
If negative values are entered in this field, then it shall be
reduced while calculating the turnover as per 5(P)

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5O. Adjustments in turnover due to Any difference between the turnover reported in the Annual
reasons not listed above Return (GSTR9) and turnover reported in the audited Annual
Financial Statement due to reasons not listed above shall be
declared here.
Positive or negative values are allowed in this field.
If positive values are entered in this field, then it shall be
added while calculating the turnover as per 5(P).
If negative values are entered in this field, then it shall be
reduced while calculating the turnover as per 5(P)
5P. Annual turnover after adjustments This field shall be auto calculated based on the details filled in
as above table no 5A to 5O and the same is non-editable
5Q.Turnover as declared in Annual Annual turnover as declared in the Annual Return (GSTR 9)
Return (GSTR9) shall be declared here. This turnover may be derived from Sr.
No. 5N, 10 and 11 of Annual Return (GSTR 9). Auditor can
use the 'system generated summary based on GSTR 9' PDF
to fill this field.
5R. Un-Reconciled turnover (Q - P) This shall be the difference between the table no 5Q and 5P

2. Once the details are entered, click the Validate Sheet button.

3. In case of unsuccessful validation, error-intimation popup will appear, the cells with error will
be highlighted and the Sheet Validation error column will provide description of the error.
Close the popup by clicking OK.

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4. Correct the errors as mentioned in the Sheet Validation error column and click the Validate
Sheet button again.

5. In case of successful validation, red-highlights disappear and a popup Message box appears
confirming successful validation. Click OK to close the popup and proceed entering details in
the other tabs of the worksheet.

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Go to the Add Table-wise Details Menu or Go back to the Main Menu

F(2). PT. II(6)- Reasons for Un-reconciled Difference in Annual Gross

Turnover

To add details in the worksheet related to reasons for non-reconciliation between the annual
turnover declared in the audited Annual Financial Statement and turnover as declared in the
Annual Return (Form GSTR-9), perform following steps:

1. Go to the PT II (6) tab and enter reasons for reconciled difference in annual gross turnover in
the Reason Number 1 text field.

2. To add more number of reasons, click the Add button.

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3. Enter the relevant details in the new added row also.

4. Once the details are entered, click the Validate Sheet button.

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5. In case of unsuccessful validation, correct the errors as specified in the previous section—
F(1). PT. II(5)- Reconciliation of Gross Turnover and proceed entering details in the other
tabs of the worksheet.

Go to the Add Table-wise Details Menu or Go back to the Main Menu

F(3). PT. II(7)- Reconciliation of Taxable Turnover

To add details in the Worksheet related to reconciliation of taxable turnover from the audited
annual turnover after adjustments with the taxable turnover declared in annual return (GSTR-9),
perform following steps:

1. Go to the PT II (7) tab and enter details in the Amount column.

For detailed instructions on how to enter the amount details in each of these fields,
refer to the following table (as available in the Read Me page).

Field Name Help Instruction

7A. Annual turnover Annual turnover as derived in Table 5P above would be auto-populated here.
after adjustments This field is non-editable.
(from 5P above)
7B. Value of Value of exempted, nil rated, non-GST and no-supply turnover shall be declared
Exempted, Nil here. This shall be reported net of credit notes, debit notes and amendments if
Rated, Non-GST any.
supplies, No-Supply Positive or negative values are allowed in this field.
turnover If positive values are entered in this field, then it shall be reduced while
calculating the taxable turnover as per table no 7(E)

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If negative values are entered in this field, then it shall be added while
calculating the taxable turnover as per table no 7(E)

7C. Zero rated Value of zero rated supplies (including supplies to SEZs) on which tax is not
supplies without paid shall be declared here. This shall be reported net of credit notes, debit
payment of tax notes and amendments if any.
Positive or negative values are allowed in this field.
If positive values are entered in this field, then it shall be reduced while
calculating the taxable turnover as per table no 7(E)
If negative values are entered in this field, then it shall be added while
calculating the taxable turnover as per table no 7(E)
7D. Supplies on Value of reverse charge supplies on which tax is to be paid by the recipient shall
which tax is to be be declared here. This shall be reported net of credit notes, debit notes and
paid by the recipient amendments if any
on reverse charge Positive or negative values are allowed in this field.
basis If positive values are entered in this field, then it shall be reduced while
calculating the taxable turnover as per table no 7(E)
If negative values are entered in this field, then it shall be added while
calculating the taxable turnover as per table no 7(E)
7E. Taxable The taxable turnover is derived as the difference between the annual turnover
turnover as per after adjustments declared in Table 7A above and the sum of all supplies
adjustments above (exempted, non-GST, reverse charge etc.) declared in Table 7B, 7C and 7D
(A-B-C-D) above. This field shall be auto calculated and non-editable
7F. Taxable Taxable turnover as declared in Table (4N – 4G) + (10-11) of the Annual Return
turnover as per (GSTR9) shall be declared here.
liability declared in Auditor can use the 'system generated summary based on GSTR 9' PDF to fill
Annual Return this field.
(GSTR9)
7G. Unreconciled Reasons for non-reconciliation between adjusted annual taxable turnover as
taxable turnover (F- derived from Table 7E above and the taxable turnover declared in Table 7F
E) shall be specified here. This field shall be auto calculated and non-editable

2. Once the details are entered, click the Validate Sheet button.

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3. In case of unsuccessful validation, correct the errors as specified in the previous section—
F(1). PT. II(5)- Reconciliation of Gross Turnover and proceed entering details in the other
tabs of the worksheet.

Go to the Add Table-wise Details Menu or Go back to the Main Menu

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F(4). PT. II(8)- Reasons for Un-Reconciled Difference in Taxable Turnover

To add details in the worksheet related to reasons for un-reconciled difference in taxable turnover,
perform following steps:

1. Go to the PT II (8) tab and follow steps as mentioned in the following section: F(2). PT. II(6)-
Reasons for Un-reconciled Difference in Annual Gross Turnover

Go to the Add Table-wise Details Menu or Go back to the Main Menu

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F(5). PT. III(9)- Reconciliation of Rate-wise Liability and Amount Payable

thereon

To add details in the worksheet related to reconciliation of rate-wise liability and amount payable
thereon, perform following steps:

1. Go to the PT III (9) tab and enter details in the Taxable Value and Tax Payable column.

Commented [MK4]: Iamge to be replaced

For detailed instructions on how to enter the amount details in each of these fields,
refer to the following table (as available in the Read Me page).

Field Name Help Instruction

9A to 9O tax rates, The table provides for reconciliation of tax paid as per reconciliation
interest, penalty, late statement and amount of tax paid as declared in Annual Return (GSTR 9).
fee and others Under the head labelled "RC", supplies where tax was paid on reverse
charge basis by the recipient (i.e. the person for whom reconciliation
statement has been prepared) shall be declared.
9P. Total amount to be The total amount to be paid as per liability declared in Table 9A to 9O is auto
paid as per tables populated here. This field is non-editable.
above
9Q. Total amount paid The amount payable as declared in Table 9 of the Annual Return (GSTR9)
as declared in Annual shall be declared here. It should also contain any differential tax paid on
Return (GSTR 9) Table 10 or 11 of the Annual Return (GSTR9). Auditor can use the 'system
generated summary based on GSTR 9' PDF to fill this field.
9R. Unreconciled This shall be the difference between the table no 9Q and 9P
payment of amount
(PT1)

2. Once the details are entered, click the Validate Sheet button.

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Commented [MK5]:

3. In case of unsuccessful validation, correct the errors as specified in the previous section—
F(1). PT. II(5)- Reconciliation of Gross Turnover and proceed entering details in the other
tabs of the worksheet.

Go to the Add Table-wise Details Menu or Go back to the Main Menu

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F(6). PT. III(10)- Reasons for Un-reconciled Payment of Tax

To add details in the worksheet related to reasons for non-reconciliation between payable/ liability
declared in Table 9P above and the amount payable in Table 9Q, perform following steps:

1. Go to the PT III (10) tab and follow steps as mentioned in the following section: F(2). PT. II(6)-
Reasons for Un-reconciled Difference in Annual Gross Turnover

Go to the Add Table-wise Details Menu or Go back to the Main Menu

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F(7). PT. III(11)- Additional Amount Payable but Not Paid (due to reasons
specified under Tables 6,8 and 10 above)

To add details in the Worksheet related to any amount which is payable due to reasons specified
under Table 6, 8 and 10 above, perform following steps:

1. Go to the PT III (11) tab and enter details in the Taxable Value and Tax to be paid through
Cash column.
2. Once the details are entered, click the Validate Sheet button.

Commented [MK6]:

3. In case of unsuccessful validation, correct the errors as specified in the previous section—
F(1). PT. II(5)- Reconciliation of Gross Turnover and proceed entering details in the other
tabs of the worksheet.

Go to the Add Table-wise Details Menu or Go back to the Main Menu

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F(8). PT. IV(12)- Reconciliation of Net Input Tax Credit (ITC)

To add details in the worksheet related to ITC availed (after reversals) as per the audited Annual
Financial Statement, perform following steps:

1. Go to the PT IV (12) tab and enter details in the Amount column.

For detailed instructions on how to enter the amount details in each of these fields,
refer to the following table (as available in the Read Me page).

Field Name Help Instruction

12A. ITC availed as ITC availed (after reversals) as per the audited Annual Financial Statement shall
per audited Annual be declared here. There may be cases where multiple GSTINs (State-wise)
Financial Statement registrations exist on the same PAN. This is common for persons / entities with
for the State/ UT presence over multiple States. Such persons / entities, will have to internally
(For multi-GSTIN derive their ITC for each individual GSTIN and declare the same here. It may be
units under same noted that reference to audited Annual Financial Statement includes reference
PAN this should be to books of accounts in case of persons / entities having presence over multiple
derived from books States.
of accounts) Only positive values are allowed in this field
12B. ITC booked in Any ITC which was booked in the audited Annual Financial Statement of earlier
earlier Financial financial year(s) but availed in the ITC ledger in the financial year for which the
Years claimed in reconciliation statement is being filed for shall be declared here. This shall
current Financial include transitional credit which was booked in earlier years but availed during
Year Financial Year 2017-18..
Only positive values are allowed in this field
12C. ITC booked in Any ITC which has been booked in the audited Annual Financial Statement of
current Financial the current financial year but the same has not been credited to the ITC ledger
Year to be claimed for the said financial year shall be declared here.
in subsequent Only positive values are allowed in this field but while calculating 12D, this shall
Financial Years be considered as negative

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12D. ITC availed as ITC availed as per audited Annual Financial Statement or books of accounts as
per audited financial derived from values declared in Table 12A, 12B and 12C above will be auto-
statements or books populated here. This field is non-editable
of account
12E. ITC claimed in Net ITC available for utilization as declared in Table 7J of Annual Return
Annual Return (GSTR9) shall be declared here.
(GSTR9) Auditor can use the 'system generated summary based on GSTR 9' PDF to fill
this field.
12F. Un-reconciled This shall be the difference between table no 12E and 12D. This field is auto
ITC filled and non-editable.

2. Once the details are entered, click the Validate Sheet button.

3. In case of unsuccessful validation, correct the errors as specified in the previous section—
F(1). PT. II(5)- Reconciliation of Gross Turnover and proceed entering details in the other
tabs of the worksheet.

Go to the Add Table-wise Details Menu or Go back to the Main Menu

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F(9). PT. IV(13)- Reasons for Un-reconciled Difference in ITC

To add details in the Worksheet related to reasons for un-reconciled difference in ITC, perform
following steps:

1. Go to the PT IV (13) tab and follow steps as mentioned in the following section: F(2). PT. II(6)-
Reasons for Un-reconciled Difference in Annual Gross Turnover

Go to the Add Table-wise Details Menu or Go back to the Main Menu

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F(10). PT. IV(14)- Reconciliation of ITC Declared in Annual Return (GSTR9)

with ITC Availed on Expenses as per Audited Annual Financial Statement
or Books of Account

To add details in the worksheet related to reconciliation of ITC declared in the Annual Return
(GSTR-9) against the expenses booked in the audited Annual Financial Statement or books of
account, perform following steps:

1. Go to the PT IV (14) tab and enter details in the Value, Amount of Total ITC and Amount of
eligible ITC availed columns. Click the Add button to add more rows for providing expense
details.

For detailed instructions on how to enter the amount details in each of these fields,
refer to the following table (as available in the Read Me page).

Field Name Help Instruction

14A to 14Q This table is for reconciliation of ITC declared in the Annual Return (GSTR9)
against the expenses booked in the audited Annual Financial Statement or
books of account. The various sub-heads specified under this table are
general expenses in the audited Annual Financial Statement or books of
account on which ITC may or may not be available. Further, this is only an
indicative list of heads under which expenses are generally booked.
Taxpayers may add or delete any of these heads but all heads of expenses
on which GST has been paid / was payable are to be declared here.

Note: Any other expenses which are not specifically covered under table no
14A to 14Q then you can click on 'Add' button to add new rows to provide the
expense details.
14R. Total amount of Total ITC declared in Table 14A to 14Q above shall be auto populated here
eligible ITC availed and non-editable

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14S. ITC claimed in Net ITC availed as declared in the Annual Return (GSTR9) shall be declared
Annual Return here. Table 7J of the Annual Return (GSTR9) may be used for filing this
(GSTR9) Table. Auditor can use the 'system generated summary based on GSTR 9'
PDF to fill this field.
14T. Unreconciled ITC This shall be difference between 14S and 14R

2. Once the details are entered, click the Validate Sheet button.

3. In case of unsuccessful validation, correct the errors as specified in the previous section—
F(1). PT. II(5)- Reconciliation of Gross Turnover and proceed entering details in the other
tabs of the worksheet.

Go to the Add Table-wise Details Menu or Go back to the Main Menu

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F(11). PT. IV(15)- Reasons for Un-reconciled Difference in ITC

To add details in the Worksheet related to reasons for non-reconciliation between ITC availed on
the various expenses declared in Table 14R and ITC declared in Table 14S, perform following
steps:

1. Go to the PT IV (15) tab and follow steps as mentioned in the following section: F(2). PT. II(6)-
Reasons for Un-reconciled Difference in Annual Gross Turnover

Go to the Add Table-wise Details Menu or Go back to the Main Menu

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F(12). PT. IV(16)- Tax Payable on Un-reconciled Difference in ITC (due to

reasons specified in 13 and 15 above)

To add details in the Worksheet related to any amount which is payable due to reasons specified
in Table 13 and 15, perform following steps:

1. Go to the PT IV (16) tab and enter details in the Amount Payable column.

2. Once the details are entered, click the Validate Sheet button.

3. In case of unsuccessful validation, correct the errors as specified in the previous section—
F(1). PT. II(5)- Reconciliation of Gross Turnover and proceed entering details in the other
tabs of the worksheet.

Go to the Add Table-wise Details Menu or Go back to the Main Menu

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F(13). PT. V Additional Liability Due to Non-reconciliation

To add details in the Worksheet related to auditor‘s recommendation on the additional liability to
be discharged by the taxpayer due to non-reconciliation of turnover or non-reconciliation of input
tax credit, perform following steps:

1. Go to the PT V tab and enter details in the Value, Tax to be paid through Cash columns.
Also, enter the verification details.

• Make sure, in the PAN details for digital signature* field, you have entered the
same PAN with which you had registered your DSC. Otherwise, you won’t be able
to e-sign using your DSC while generating JSON file.

• For detailed instructions on how to enter details in each of these fields, refer to the
following table (as available in the Read Me page)

Field Name Help Instruction

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Auditor's Part V consists of the auditor‘s recommendation on the additional liability to

recommendation on be discharged by the taxpayer due to non-reconciliation of turnover or non-
additional Liability due reconciliation of input tax credit. The auditor shall also recommend if there is
to non-reconciliation any other amount to be paid for supplies not included in the Annual Return.
Any refund which has been erroneously taken and shall be paid back to the
Government shall also be declared in this table. Lastly, any other outstanding
demands which is recommended to be settled by the auditor shall be
declared in this Table

2. Once the details are entered, click the Validate Sheet button.

Note: For financial year 2020-2021, verification text is removed. Please find below the Commented [MK7]:
screenshot for reference.

3. In case of unsuccessful validation, correct the errors as specified in the previous section—
F(1). PT. II(5)- Reconciliation of Gross Turnover and proceed entering details in the other
tabs of the worksheet.

Go to the Add Table-wise Details Menu or Go back to the Main Menu

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F(14). Part B (i): Certification in cases where the reconciliation statement

(FORM GSTR-9C) is drawn up by the person who had conducted the audit

To add Certification details in the Worksheet in cases where the reconciliation statement (FORM
GSTR-9C) is drawn up by the person who had conducted the audit, perform following steps:

Note: Part – B: Certification section will not be available from finacial year 2020-2021and is not
required to be filled by taxpayer.

1. Go to the Part B (i) tab and enter certification details. Scroll down and make sure you enter
all mandatory fields marked with red asterisk “*”.

Note: For Finacial year 2020-2021, Part B(i) tab has been removed.

2. Once the details are entered, click the Validate Sheet button.

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3. In case of unsuccessful validation, correct the errors as specified in the previous section—
F(1). PT. II(5)- Reconciliation of Gross Turnover.
4. Go to the Home tab to generate preview draft of your GSTR-9C entries in PDF format.

Go to the Add Table-wise Details Menu or Go back to the Main Menu

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F(15). Part B (ii): Certification in cases where the reconciliation statement

(FORM GSTR-9C) is drawn up by a person other than the person who had
conducted the audit of the accounts

To add Certification details in the worksheet in cases where the reconciliation statement (FORM
GSTR-9C) is drawn up by the person other than the person who had conducted the audit, perform
following steps:

1. Go to the Part B (ii) tab and enter certification details. Scroll down and make sure you enter
all mandatory fields marked with red asterisk “*”.
2. Once the details are entered, click the Validate Sheet button.

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3. In case of unsuccessful validation, correct the errors as specified in the previous section—
F(1). PT. II(5)- Reconciliation of Gross Turnover.
4. Go to the Home tab to generate preview draft of your GSTR-9C entries in PDF format.

Note: For Finacial year 2020-2021, this tab has been removed.

Go to the Add Table-wise Details Menu or Go back to the Main Menu

G. Generate Preview PDF file to view Draft Form

GSTR-9C
Once the Auditor has entered details in all the worksheets of the Offline tool and validated each
worksheet, he/she can preview the entered details in PDF format.

To generate Preview PDF file from the GSTR-9C Offline tool and view Draft Form GSTR-9C, after
entering and validating details in all the worksheets of the Offline tool, Auditor needs to perform
following steps:

1. Go to the Home tab. Click the Generate Preview PDF file to view Draft GSTR-9C form
button.

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2. “Select Folder and File Name to save” dialog box opens. Click the SAVE button.

3. Microsoft Excel popup is displayed mentioning that the Preview PDF file is saved in your
specified location. Click OK.

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Open the PDF to review your entered details and make changes in the tables present
in the Offline Utility, if required. PDF downloaded from Offline utility is only for
reference. Here’s a first page of a sample of a generated Preview PDF File.

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Note: For Financial year 2020-2021, here’s a first page of a sample of a generated Preview Commented [MK8]:
PDF File.

Go back to the Main Menu

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H. Generate JSON File and Affix DSC

Once the Auditor has entered, validated and previewed details entered in the Offline tool, he/she
can proceed to sign it by affixing his/her DSC and generate signed JSON File to be sent to the
Taxpayer.

To generate JSON File and affix DSC, Auditor needs to perform following steps:

• Make sure you have installed emSigner in your machine before you perform this
step.
• Make sure, in PT V tab of the Worksheet, you have entered the same PAN with
which you had registered your DSC. Otherwise, you won’t be able to e-sign using
your DSC while generating JSON file.

1. Go to the Home tab. Click the Generate JSON File to Upload GSTR-9C details on GST
Portal button.

2. “Save As” dialog box opens. Click the SAVE button.

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Please ensure HTML file name 'wsweb' and 'GSTR_9C_Offline_Utility'

should be in same folder to generate the JSON."

3. Browser popup will be displayed. Click on Allow blocked content of ActiveX pop-up in IE.

4. Click the Initiate Signing button.

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5. Ready to Sign Pop-up is displayed. Click the OK button.

6. Click the Open Emsigner button.

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7. Emsigner popup is displayed. Select the Certificate and sign.

8. Success message pop-up is displayed mentioning that signing of the JSON File is now
complete. Click OK.

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9. A popup message appears mentioning that the signed JSON has been generated, saved at
the specified location and is ready for upload. Click the OK button to close the popup. Now,
you can send this signed JSON file to the Taxpayer for uploading.

Go back to the Main Menu

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I. Send the Signed JSON File to the Taxpayer for

Upload on GST Portal
Once the Auditor has signed by affixing his/her DSC and generated the signed JSON File, he/she
needs to send it, along with all the relevant documents, to the Taxpayer so that the Taxpayer can
upload it on the GST Portal and file the return.

This step is to be performed outside the GST Portal. Taxpayer and Auditor can use email or offline
storage devices such as USB/hard drive, etc. to exchange files between them.

Go back to the Main Menu

J. Upload the Signed JSON File on GST Portal

Once the Taxpayer receives signed JSON File from the Auditor, along with any other relevant
documents that needs to be uploaded during filing of Form GSTR-9C, the Taxpayer need to first
upload the signed JSON File on the GST Portal and after successful upload he/she can proceed
to filing the Form GSTR-9C.

• You must not make any changes in the JSON file signed by the Auditor. During
upload, GST System validates that no changes have been made by taxpayer in
JSON signed by auditor. If you make any changes, the System will process your
data with error and generate an error file. Thus, it is recommended not to tamper
with the signed JSON File that has been sent for upload.
• In case you wish to review details entered by the Auditor in your Form GSTR-9C,
you can ask the Auditor to send you the Preview PDF File generated from the
Offline Tool. It will contain details for you to review and verify. In case of any
discrepancy, ask the Auditor to make corrections, sign and resend the updated
JSON for upload.

To upload the signed JSON File on the GST Portal, Taxpayer needs to perform following steps:

1. Access the www.gst.gov.in URL. The GST Home page is displayed.

2. Login to the portal with valid credentials.
3. Dashboard page is displayed. Click the Services > Returns > Annual Return command.
Alternatively, you can also click the Annual Return link on the Dashboard.

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4. The File Annual Returns page is displayed. Select the Financial Year for which you want
to file the return from the drop-down list.
5. Click the SEARCH button.

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5. The GSTR-9C tile is displayed, with an Important Message box on the bottom. In the GSTR-
9C tile, click the PREPARE OFFLINE button.

6. The Upload section of the Offline Upload and Download for GSTR-9C page is displayed.
Click the Choose File button.

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6. Browse and navigate the JSON file to be uploaded from your computer. Click the Open
button.

7. The Upload section page is displayed. A green message appears confirming successful
upload and asking you to wait while the GST Portal validates the uploaded data. And, below
the message, is the Upload History table showing Status as “Processed”.

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8. Now, you can proceed to filing Form GSTR-9C on the GST Portal. Follow the steps
mentioned in the following link: Initiate Filing of Form GSTR-9C

In case, error was found, then the Upload History table will show the Status as
“Processed with Error” and a “Generate error report” link will be displayed to
download the error report. Follow steps mentioned in the following hyperlinks:
Download Zipped Error Report and Send Zipped Error Report to the Auditor.

Go back to the Main Menu

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K. Download Zipped Error Report

Once the Taxpayer uploads the Auditor’s signed JSON File on the GST Portal’s “Offline Upload
and Download for GSTR-9C” page, he may receive an error message in case entries contained
in the JSON failed GST System’s validation. In such a case, GST Portal displays the error
message as “Processed with Error” in the “Status” column of the “Upload History” table and the
Taxpayer need to download the error report and send it to the Auditor for corrections.

To download the zipped Error report generated after uploading the signed GSTR-9C JSON File
on the GST Portal, Taxpayer need to perform following steps:

1. In the Upload History table, click Generate error report hyperlink.

2. A confirmation-message is displayed and Columns “Status” and “Error Report” change as

shown.

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3. Once the error report is generated, “Download error report” link is displayed in the Column
“Error Report”. Click the Download error report link to download the zipped error report.

4. The error JSON File is downloaded on your machine.

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5. Send this zipped error JSON File to the Auditor, who will make corrections and again generate
JSON, sign it and handover to you for uploading.

Go back to the Main Menu

L. Send Zipped Error Report to the Auditor

Once the Taxpayer has downloaded the zipped Error Report, generated after uploading the
signed JSON file on the GST Portal, he/she must send the zipped file to the Auditor, who will
make corrections and again generate JSON, sign it and handover to the Taxpayer for uploading.

This step is to be performed outside the GST Portal. Taxpayer and Auditor can use email or offline
storage devices such as USB/hard drive, etc. to exchange files between them.

Go back to the Main Menu

M. Open Zipped Error GSTR-9C JSON File(s), Correct,

Sign and Re-send the Updated & Signed JSON to
Taxpayer
Taxpayer need to send the zipped Error Report, generated after uploading the signed JSON file
on the GST Portal and containing entries that failed validation on the GST portal, to Auditor. In

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such a case, the Auditor needs to open the zipped file, view errors, correct, validate and again
generate a JSON file duly affixed with his/her DSC.

To open the zipped Error GSTR-9C JSON File for correcting entries that failed validation on the
GST portal, Auditor need to perform following steps:

1. Go to the Home tab. Click the Open GSTR-9C JSON Error File Downloaded from GST
Portal button.

2. Browse the JSON(.json) file of the error report and click the Open button.

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3. An Open popup is displayed informing you that the existing data in the excel utility will be
overwritten with the downloaded data. Click the Yes button.

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4. Microsoft Excel popup is displayed. Click the OK button to close the popup and navigate to
individual sheets to view and correct the errors in the respective tables of Excel workbook.

• Error Report contains only those entries that failed validation on the GST portal.
• In case, Taxpayer has tampered with the signed JSON file and then uploaded
it, the system-generated error report, after being imported in the utility, will
display a popup as shown below. Click OK to close the popup and again
generate JSON, sign and send to the Taxpayer.

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5. Go to PT II(5) tab. The “Portal Validation error” column displays the error description against
the erroneous rows. Correct the errors, as mentioned in the description.

6. After making the corrections, click the Validate Sheet button.

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7. Microsoft Excel popup is displayed with the success message. Click OK to close the popup.

8. Similarly, follow steps 5 to Step 7 to correct details in other tabs of the worksheet. After
correcting and validating all errors, follow the steps as mentioned in the following links:
a. Generate Preview PDF file to view Draft Form GSTR-9C
b. Generate JSON File and Affix DSC
c. Send the Signed JSON File to the Taxpayer for Upload on GST Portal

Go back to the Main Menu

N. Download Processed GSTR-9C JSON File(s) from

GST Portal
In case Auditor wants to edit/add data in the GST Portal’s successfully processed JSON file,
he/she may ask the Taxpayer to download the processed data and send it to him/her for
corrections. In such a case, Taxpayer needs to log in to the GST Portal and download the required
data.

To download the processed GSTR-9C JSON File from the GST Portal, Taxpayer needs to perform
following steps:

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1. Access the www.gst.gov.in URL. The GST Home page is displayed.

2. Login to the portal with valid credentials.
3. Dashboard page is displayed. Click the Services > Returns > Annual Return command.
Alternatively, you can also click the Annual Return link on the Dashboard.

4. The File Annual Returns page is displayed. Select the Financial Year (FY) from the drop-
down list.
5. Click the SEARCH button.

6. The tiles related to the selected FY’s Annual Return are displayed. In the GSTR-9C tile, click
the PREPARE OFFLINE button.

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7. The Upload section of the Offline Upload and Download for GSTR-9C page is displayed,
by default. Click the Download section.

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8. Click the GENERATE JSON FILE TO DOWNLOAD button.

9. A message is displayed that “Your request for generation has been accepted kindly wait for
20 min”.

8. Once the JSON file is downloaded, click the “Click here to download – File 1” link.

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9. The generated JSON file is downloaded in a zipped format.

10. Send this zipped JSON File to the Auditor, who will make corrections and again generate
JSON, sign it and handover to you for uploading.

Go back to the Main Menu

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O. Send Zipped Processed GSTR-9C JSON File to the

Auditor
Once the Taxpayer has downloaded the zipped processed GSTR-9C JSON File, generated after
successfully uploading the signed JSON file on the GST Portal, he/she must send the zipped file
to the Auditor, who may make corrections, if required and then again generate JSON, sign it and
handover to the Taxpayer for uploading.

This step is to be performed outside the GST Portal. Taxpayer and Auditor can use email or offline
storage devices such as USB/hard drive, etc. to exchange files between them.

Go back to the Main Menu

P. Open Zipped Processed GSTR-9C JSON File,

Correct, Sign and Re-send the Updated & Signed
JSON to Taxpayer
Once the Taxpayer sends zipped processed GSTR-9C JSON File (generated after successfully
uploading the signed JSON file on the GST Portal and containing entries that succeeded
validation on the GST portal) to the Auditor, Auditor needs to open the zipped file, modify data in
the tables, validate each table of the worksheet and again generate a JSON file duly affixed with
his/her DSC.

To open the zipped processed GSTR-9C JSON File for modifying successfully-validated entries
that have been uploaded on the GST Portal, Auditor needs to perform following steps:

1. Go to the Home tab. Click the Open GSTR-9C JSON file downloaded from GST Portal
button.

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2. Browse the JSON(.json) file and click the Open button.

3. An Open popup is displayed informing you that the existing data in the excel utility will be
overwritten with the downloaded data. Click the Yes button.

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4. Microsoft Excel popup is displayed. Click the OK button to close the popup. Now, you can
navigate to individual sheets to view and modify entries in the respective tables of Excel
workbook.

5. After modifying the required entries, follow the steps as mentioned in the following links:

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a. Generate Preview PDF file to view Draft Form GSTR-9C

b. Generate JSON File and Affix DSC
c. Send the Signed JSON File to the Taxpayer for Upload on GST Portal

If some entries exist from previous upload on the GST Portal (because these were
processed successfully during the previous upload), such entries will be updated
with latest uploaded entries when the Taxpayer uploads the latest JSON file that
you send. All new entries will be added as new entries.

Go back to the Main Menu

Q. Initiate Filing of Form GSTR-9C

Once the Taxpayer has successfully uploaded the JSON File—sent by the Auditor after affixing
his/her DSC—on the GST Portal and the taxpayer is satisfied with the uploaded data, Taxpayer
can initiate the filing process.

To initiate Filing of Form GSTR-9C, Taxpayer needs to perform following steps:

1. Access the www.gst.gov.in URL. The GST Home page is displayed.

2. Login to the portal with valid credentials.
3. Dashboard page is displayed. Click the Services > Returns > Annual Return command.
Alternatively, you can also click the Annual Return link on the Dashboard.

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4. The File Annual Returns page is displayed. Select the Financial Year (FY) from the drop-
down list.
5. Click the SEARCH button.

6. The tiles related to FY’s Annual Returns are displayed. In the GSTR-9C tile, click the
INITIATE FILING button.

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7. The GSTR-9C page is displayed. Click BACK TO FILE RETURNS to go back to the
previous page or follow steps as mentioned below.

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7a. Click the GST DRC-03 hyperlink to make payment, if any, for additional liability as
recommended by the auditor. To know how to make payment using Form GST
DRC-03, click here.
7b. In the Upload Relevant Documents section, click the Choose File buttons to
upload the Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss Statement/Income of expenditure
Statement and Other documents, if any.

Note:
• File with PDF or JPEG format is only allowed.
• Maximum 2 files and 5 MB for each is allowed.

7c. Click the SAVE button. This will enable the PROCEED to FILE button.
7d. Click the PREVIEW DRAFT GSTR-9C(PDF) button to download the draft Form
GSTR-9C in PDF format. It is recommended that you carefully review this draft for
any discrepancies before you file this Return. Here’s a sample Preview PDF that
gets generated on clicking this button:

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7e. Once you are satisfied with the entries you have made in various tables, click the
enabled PROCEED to FILE button.

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7f. Ready to file message is displayed on the top of the page.

7g. Scroll down and in the Verification section, select the declaration check-box and
select Authorized signatory from the drop-down list. Then, click the FILE GSTR-9C
button.

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7h. A Warning popup is displayed. Click YES.

7i. Digital signing page is displayed with a Warning message. Click the FILE WITH
DSC or FILE WITH EVC button.

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7j. A green success message is displayed containing the generated ARN. Also, the
white band on the top displays the updated status of the Form GSTR-9C return as
“Filed”. To go back to the GSTR-9C page, click BACK TO GSTR-9C DASHBOARD.
To download the excel format of the filed Form GSTR-9C, click DOWNLOAD FILED
GSTR-9C(EXCEL).

A. To go back to the GSTR-9C page, click BACK TO GSTR-9C DASHBOARD.

This will display the updated GSTR-9C page.

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• Click the documents in the Upload Relevant Documents section to

download them, if required.
• Click the DOWNLOAD FILED GSTR-9C(PDF) button to download
the filed Form GSTR-9C in PDF format.
• Click the DOWNLOAD FILED GSTR-9C(EXCEL) button to download
the filed Form GSTR-9C in excel format. This will generate a link
below the button. Click the link to download the excel.

B. To download the excel format of the filed Form GSTR-9C, click DOWNLOAD
FILED GSTR-9C(EXCEL). This will generate a link below the button. Click
the link to download the excel.

Note: This same excel is available for download from the GSTR-9C
dashboard page as explained in the section 7j. A above.

Go back to the Main Menu

R. Access Saved Draft of Form GSTR-9C

In case the Taxpayer has saved draft of Form GSTR-9C on the GST Portal, he/she can access it
from the Services > Returns> Track Return Status link.

To track draft Form GSTR-9C before filing, Taxpayer may follow steps mentioned in the following
link: Manual > Track Return Status

Go back to the Main Menu

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S. Download Filed Data from the “File Annual

Returns” Page
In case the Taxpayer has not downloaded the Filed data from the GST Portal, he/she can do so
anytime (after filing) from the “File Annual Returns” page and keep it for his/her reference or send
to the Auditor.

To download filed data from the “File Annual Returns” page, Taxpayer needs to perform following
steps:

1. Access the www.gst.gov.in URL. The GST Home page is displayed.

2. Login to the portal with valid credentials.
3. Dashboard page is displayed. Click the Services > Returns > Annual Return command.
Alternatively, you can also click the Annual Return link on the Dashboard.

4. The File Annual Returns page is displayed. Select the Financial Year (FY) from the drop-
down list.
5. Click the SEARCH button.

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6. The updated GSTR-9C tile is displayed, with the Status as “Filed”. Click the VIEW GSTR-9C
button or the DOWNLOAD GSTR-9C button.

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7a. On clicking the VIEW GSTR-9C button, GSTR-9C page is displayed. To know what
actions to take on this page, please see Step 7j. A of the following section: Initiate
Filing of Form GSTR-9C

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7b. On clicking the DOWNLOAD GSTR-9C button, Offline Download for GSTR-9C
page is displayed.

A. Click BACK TO FILE RETURNS page to go to the previous page.

OR
B. Click GENERATE JSON FILE TO DOWNLOAD button. This will display the
following message, with a link below the button. Click the link to download the
JSON file.

OR

C. Click DOWNLOAD FILED GSTR-9C(EXCEL) button. This will display the

following message, with a link below the button. Click the link to download the
JSON file. In case you wish to download the latest file, click the button again
and wait for 20 minutes to generate the most updated link.

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OR

D. Click DOWNLOAD FILED GSTR-9C(PDF) button to download the filed Form

GSTR-9C in PDF format.

Go back to the Main Menu

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T. View e-Filed Returns

In case the Taxpayer wants to view status of Form GSTR-9C that he/she has filed on the GST
Portal, he/she can view Return Status from the Services > Returns> View e-Files Returns link.

To track Return Status after filing, Taxpayer may follow steps mentioned in the following link:
Manual > View e-filed Returns

Go back to the Main Menu

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