Difference between GSTR 9 & GSTR 9C Forms - Explained!

The financial landscape has benefited immensely due to the digital revolution. A majority of this impact has been felt across the GST backdrop, ensuring that the companies file returns on a timely basis. Plus, with the country and its inhabitants shifting gradually towards a digital economy, the adoption can be fast-tracked with the GSTR-9 and GSTR 9c forms on offer.
But then, the similarities between the form names often hinder seamless incorporation of these resources, as a part of the entrepreneurial landscape. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the dissimilarities between GSTR-9 Form and the GSTR 9c, to plan GST filing and even reconciliation better.
How do the Concepts Compare?
Before we move ahead, it is necessary to understand that GSTR-9 is strictly a GST return form that works more like a tax-filing resource, to declare earnings, tax-specific liabilities, and other financial aspects. As a filing form, the GSTR 9 doesn’t need to be authenticated by itself. 
However, when it comes to GST, return filing doesn’t beckon finality. Instead, the GSTR-9 needs to be followed up with the GSTR 9c Form, which is strictly a reconciliation form, involving authentication and validation of your GST returns. 
Major Differences Enlisted
While the GSTR 9 is meant to file returns and GSTR 9c aims at reconciliation, there are quite a few disparate concepts that further differentiate them. Firstly, the GSTR 9c Format is more of a theoretical one, boasting two parts, including the bigger Reconciliation statement and the smaller portion for accommodating the certificates, procured upon filing and paying off the returns.
Despite both these forms being prescribed under specific statutes, GSTR 9 is approved as per Rule 80 whereas the GSTR 9c Form adheres to Section 35(5) of the CGST act. 
Also, unlike the GSTR 9 that strictly deals in financials, GSTR-9c is more of a regulatory format and only needs to be filed if the FY turnover exceeds Rs. 2 Crore. But then, GSTR 9 needs to be filed by every registered business with a GST ID. Therefore, the GSTR-9c comes with a threshold, unlike the filing form.
Coming to the due dates for each, the usual filing date for the GSTR 9 form and even the GSTR-9c form is usually on or before the 31st of December. The late fee, however, differs with GSTR 9 attracting a minimum penalty of Rs. 200 each day, considering the SGST and CGST, separately. However, the maximum fine can even go up to 0.25 percent of the taxpayer’s overall turnover.
As per the GSTR 9c Format, the maximum penalty for an unaudited and non-reconciled GST account can go up to Rs. 25,000. 
Are there any Exemptions?
Despite the GSTR 9c having a filing threshold and GSTR 9 being mandatory for almost every business, the exemptions share a common ground. To simplify further, casual taxable individuals, non-resident persons, individuals that are already getting TDS deducted and even collecting taxes as per the Section 52 of the existing GST act, need not file the GSTR 9, in the first place.
Overall
While the GSTR 9c filing is somewhat dependent on the GSTR 9, you can always head over to the Finserv MARKETS to know more about the concept and liabilities in detail. Once analyzed from a deeper perspective, you would be able to save a lot of money on fines and penalties.