Turnover was ₹4.2 crore in FY 2025-26. Do we have to file GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C, and by when?

The thresholds are on aggregate turnover across all GSTINs under the same PAN. The annual return in GSTR-9 is optional only for taxpayers up to ₹2 crore, so at ₹4.2 crore you must file one for each registration. The reconciliation statement in GSTR-9C is required only above ₹5 crore, so you are outside it this year. Both are due by 31 December 2026.

Late fee for turnover between ₹2 crore and ₹5 crore is ₹50 a day (₹25 CGST plus ₹25 SGST), capped at 0.04% of turnover in the state (0.02% under each Act), charged per registration.

What to prepare: GSTR-9 is largely auto-populated from your GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B for the year, but table 8 reconciles the ITC you claimed with GSTR-2B, and table 6 asks for a break-up of inputs, input services and capital goods that the monthly returns never asked for. Any ITC that belongs to FY 2025-26 but was missed can still be claimed, and any excess reversed, in the GSTR-3B for October 2026 (filed in November), which is the last return where FY 2025-26 adjustments are allowed.