GST Notification No. 15/2025 – Annual Return Exemption

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Notification No. 15/2025 – Central Tax: Seeks to exempt taxpayer with annual turnover less than Rs 2 Crore from filing annual return.

[TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE OF INDIA, EXTRAORDINARY, PART II, SECTION 3, SUB-SECTION (ii)]

S.O (E).— In exercise of the powers conferred by the first proviso to sub-section (1) of section 44 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (12 of 2017), the Commissioner, on the recommendations of the Council, in respect of filing of annual return for the financial year 2024-25 onwards, hereby exempts the registered person whose aggregate turnover in any financial year is up to two crore rupees, from filing annual return that said financial year.

[F. No CBIC-20001/2/2025-GST]

(Raushan Kumar)
Under Secretary

📚 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Notification No. 15/2025 – Central Tax

Q1: What is Notification No. 15/2025 – Central Tax about?

Answer:
Notification No. 15/2025 – Central Tax, issued in September 2025, exempts taxpayers with annual aggregate turnover less than ₹2 crore from filing the annual GST return (Form GSTR-9) for the financial year. This is in line with previous annual exemptions given to small taxpayers to reduce compliance burden.
👉 Need help understanding eligibility? Talk to a GST Expert.

Q2: Who benefits from this exemption?

Answer:
The exemption applies to:
Registered taxpayers under GST whose aggregate annual turnover is below ₹2 crore.
It covers small and medium enterprises (SMEs), small service providers, and retailers.
💡 Still unsure? Get a compliance check with GST Compliance Services.

Q3: Is filing the GST annual return completely optional for these taxpayers?

Answer:
Yes ✅ For taxpayers with turnover below ₹2 crore, filing the GSTR-9 is optional. However, they may still choose to file voluntarily to maintain clear compliance records or for easier loan processing.
📌 For smooth return filing, use GST Return Filing Services.

Q4: From which financial year is Notification No. 15/2025 applicable?

Answer:
The exemption applies for the financial year immediately preceding the notification, i.e., FY 2024–25. This means taxpayers below the ₹2 crore limit for FY 2024–25 do not need to file GSTR-9 in 2025.

Q5: Why has the government issued this exemption?

Answer:
The government’s objective is to:
Reduce compliance costs for small businesses.
Encourage ease of doing business.
Focus audit and verification efforts on larger taxpayers with higher revenue impact.
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Q6: What happens if a taxpayer’s turnover crosses ₹2 crore?

Answer:
If the aggregate turnover is ₹2 crore or more, the taxpayer must file GSTR-9. Non-compliance can lead to penalties and late fees under GST law.
📊 Avoid penalties by seeking help with Private Limited Compliance.

Q7: Does this exemption also cover GSTR-9C (Reconciliation Statement)?

Answer:
No ❌. GSTR-9C is applicable to taxpayers whose turnover exceeds ₹5 crore, requiring audit certification. Notification 15/2025 only relaxes GSTR-9 filing for those under ₹2 crore.

Q8: How does this connect to earlier exemptions?

Answer:
This exemption continues the trend since FY 2017–18, where the government has repeatedly waived annual return filing for taxpayers below ₹2 crore turnover. It provides consistency for small businesses.
🌐 For GST historical updates, explore GST Compliance.

Q9: Should small taxpayers still maintain GST records even if exempt?

Answer:
Absolutely ✅. Even if exempt, businesses should:
Maintain proper sales & purchase records.
Reconcile monthly/quarterly GST returns.
Keep documents ready in case of audit or scrutiny.
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Q10: How can Finodha help small taxpayers under this exemption?

Answer:
Finodha offers:
Advisory on eligibility & compliance.
Help in voluntary GSTR-9 filing (if preferred).
GST registration, return filing, and income tax return support.
Tailored solutions for SMEs, startups & traders.
✨ Start with Online GST Registration or file your Income Tax Return.