The due date for furnishing of GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C for the financial year 2019-20 has been extended further to March 31, 2021.

This has been confirmed by the Union finance ministry in a statement on Sunday.

The due date for furnishing of the annual returns (GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C) specified under section 44 of the CGST Act read with rule 80 of the CGST rules for the financial year 2019-20 was earlier extended from December 31, 2020 to February 28, 2021 vide notification No. 95/2020- Central Tax dated December 30, 2020.

“In view of the difficulties expressed by the taxpayers in meeting this time limit, Government has decided to further extend the due date for furnishing of GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C for the financial year 2019-20 to March 31, 2021 with the approval of Election Commission of India,” the finance ministry stated.

“This press note is being issued to keep taxpayers informed so that they may plan their return filing accordingly. Suitable notification to give effect to this decision is being issued,” the ministry said.

The finance ministry’s decision comes two days after the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition seeking further extension of due date for filing annual GST returns for the financial year 2020.

The Bombay High Court on Friday dismissed a plea seeking further extension of the due date for filing annual GST returns for FY20.