GST Annual Return Exemption for FY 2024–25 Onwards – CBIC Notification No. 15/2025 Explained
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued Notification No. 15/2025 – Central Tax dated 17th September 2025, bringing relief to lakhs of small taxpayers. As per this notification, registered taxpayers with an annual aggregate turnover of up to ₹2 crore are exempt from filing GST Annual Return (Form GSTR-9) for the financial year 2024–25 and onwards.
This exemption is in line with past reliefs given in earlier years and aims to reduce compliance burden for small businesses.
🔍 What Does the Notification Say?
According to Section 44 of the CGST Act, 2017, every registered person is required to file an Annual Return (Form GSTR-9). However, the law also empowers the Commissioner, on GST Council’s recommendations, to exempt certain taxpayers.
✅ Under Notification No. 15/2025, taxpayers with an aggregate turnover up to ₹2 crore in a financial year need not file GSTR-9 for FY 2024–25 and subsequent years.
✅ Who Benefits from This Exemption?
Small businesses with turnover under ₹2 crore.
Traders, shopkeepers, and service providers operating within the limit.
Startups and MSMEs looking to reduce compliance load.
📊 Examples for Better Understanding
Example 1:
Mr. Rajesh runs a grocery shop in Delhi. His total turnover in FY 2024–25 was ₹1.85 crore.
👉 Since his turnover is below ₹2 crore, he is not required to file GSTR-9 for this year.
Example 2:
ABC Traders, a small wholesaler of garments, reported ₹2.1 crore turnover in FY 2024–25.
👉 Since the turnover exceeds ₹2 crore, they are mandated to file GSTR-9.
Example 3:
Neha, a freelance graphic designer registered under GST, earned ₹95 lakh in FY 2024–25.
👉 She too is exempt from filing GSTR-9 due to turnover being under ₹2 crore.
📝 Important Points to Note
The exemption is only from filing GSTR-9 (Annual Return), not from regular returns like GSTR-1 or GSTR-3B.
Taxpayers above the ₹2 crore threshold must file GSTR-9.
This exemption applies from FY 2024–25 onwards – meaning it’s not a one-time relief but a continuing benefit.
🎯 Why This Move is Significant?
Reduces compliance burden for small taxpayers.
Frees up time and resources for business growth instead of complex reporting.
Encourages ease of doing business in India.
📌 Conclusion
The GST Annual Return exemption is a welcome step for MSMEs and small taxpayers. If your turnover is below ₹2 crore, you can skip filing GSTR-9 from FY 2024–25 onwards, saving both time and compliance costs.
However, businesses above this limit must still comply. It is advisable to maintain accurate records and consult with GST professionals for smooth compliance.
📞 Need help with GST filing, exemptions, or compliance?
👉 Contact TaxGyany today!
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