Notification:

The CBIC has issued Notification No. 15/2025-Central Tax dated 17.09.2025, granting relief to small taxpayers under the GST regime by exempting from Filing GST Annual Return for FY 2024-25 Onwards.

The Notification provides that registered persons having aggregate turnover up to ₹2 crore in a financial year are exempted from filing the annual return (Form GSTR-9). The exemption applies for the financial year 2024-25 onwards. Effectively, small taxpayers will not be required to file annual returns, though they may do so voluntarily.

This measure continues the compliance relief that had been extended in earlier years through notifications, now made applicable prospectively from FY 2024-25 onwards. Taxpayers with turnover up to ₹2 crore are permanently exempted from filing GST annual return from FY 2024-25 onwards, easing compliance for small businesses.

Important Point of the Notification:

Legal Basis:

Issued under the powers conferred by the first proviso to Section 44(1) of the CGST Act, 2017. Based on the recommendations of the GST Council.

Applicability:

Effective for the Financial Year 2024–25 onwards. Applies to registered persons whose aggregate turnover in a financial year is up to ₹2 Crore.

Exemption Granted:

Such taxpayers are exempted from filing the annual return (Form GSTR-9) for the said financial year.

Taxpayers with aggregate turnover above ₹2 Crore in any financial year.

Benefits:

Ease of Compliance:

Small taxpayers (with turnover ≤ ₹2 Crore) no longer need to prepare and file an annual return, reducing compliance burden.

Automatic Exemption:

The exemption is automatic – eligible taxpayers are not required to submit any separate request or application.

Applicable from FY 2024–25:

The exemption covers annual returns due in FY 2025–26 (for the financial year 2024–25) and onwards.

To read original notice click below link:

15/2025 Central Tax Notice