MM TAX CLUB

The GST Department has enabled online filing of Opt-In Declarations for Specified Premises on the GST Portal, as notified vide Notification No. 05/2025 – Central Tax (Rate) dated 16th January 2025.

This facility is relevant for taxpayers supplying hotel accommodation services who wish to declare their premises as “Specified Premises” under GST.

Below is a simplified and practical overview to help taxpayers comply smoothly.

1. Who Can File the Declaration?

The opt-in declaration can be filed by:

• Existing regular GST taxpayers (active or suspended) supplying hotel accommodation services

• Applicants for new GST registration who want their premises to be treated as specified premises

❌ This facility is not available for:

• Composition taxpayers

• TDS / TCS taxpayers

• SEZ units or developers

• Casual taxpayers

• Cancelled GST registrations

2. Types of Declarations Available on the GST Portal

The following annexures are currently enabled:

✅ Annexure VII

Opt-In Declaration for Registered Persons
For existing registered taxpayers opting to declare premises as specified premises for the next financial year.

✅ Annexure VIII

Opt-In Declaration for Persons Applying for Registration
For applicants seeking new GST registration to declare premises as specified premises from the effective date of registration.

???? Annexure IX (Opt-Out Declaration) will be enabled separately at a later stage.

3. Timeline for Filing the Declarations

(A) Existing Registered Taxpayers – Annexure VII

• Can be filed only for the succeeding financial year

• Filing window: 1st January to 31st March of the preceding financial year

• For FY 2026–27, the filing window is:
  01 January 2026 to 31 March 2026

(B) New Registration Applicants – Annexure VIII

• Must be filed within 15 days from the date of ARN generation

• Can be filed even before GSTIN is allotted, provided the application is not rejected

• If the 15-day period lapses, the declaration can be filed only during the Annexure VII window

• If the registration application is rejected, Annexure VIII cannot be filed, even if 15 days have not expired

4. Step-by-Step Process to File the Declaration on GST Portal

1. Log in to the GST Portal

2. Go to:
   Services → Registration → Declaration for Specified Premises

3. Choose the required option:

   • Opt-In Declaration for Specified Premises, or

   • Download Annexure Filed

4. Select the eligible premises

5. Fill in the declaration details

6. Submit using EVC

✔️ On successful submission, an ARN will be generated

5. Important Points to Remember

• A maximum of 10 premises can be selected in one declaration

• Separate PDFs with unique reference numbers are generated for each premise

• If some premises are left out, another Annexure VII can be filed for the same financial year (within the eligible window)

• Suspended registrations are allowed to file the declaration

• Cancelled registrations are strictly not allowed

• Once opted in, the declaration continues for future years unless an Opt-Out (Annexure IX) is filed within the prescribed time

6. Downloading Filed Declarations

Filed declarations (Annexure VII / VIII) can be downloaded from:

Services → Registration → Declaration for Specified Premises → Download

Each declared premise will have a separate reference number.

7. Email & SMS Confirmation

After successful filing:

• Email and SMS alerts are sent to all authorised signatories registered on the GST portal

Important Notes for FY 2025–26 and FY 2026–27

1. For FY 2025–26, declarations were filed manually with the jurisdictional GST authority.
   Now that the online facility is available, such taxpayers are required to file Annexure VII electronically again for FY 2026–27 between 1st January 2026 and 31st March 2026.

2. Taxpayers declaring specified premises for the first time must also file Annexure VII for FY 2026–27 within the same window.

The GST Network (GSTN) has issued an important advisory regarding the mandatory furnishing of bank account details as per Rule 10A of the CGST Rules, 2017. This update is particularly crucial for newly registered taxpayers and for those who have not yet added their bank account information on the GST Portal.

In this blog, we break down the key points of the advisory and explain what steps you need to take to stay compliant and avoid penalties or suspension of your GST registration.

What Does Rule 10A Require?

Under Rule 10A, every taxpayer—except TCS, TDS registrants, and those registered suo-moto by authorities—must furnish their bank account details within 30 days of obtaining GST registration or before filing their first outward supply return (GSTR-1 or IFF), whichever is earlier.

This rule ensures that the GST authorities have a verified bank account linked to every active GSTIN, improving transparency, compliance, and faster refund processing.

Why This Advisory Now?

The GST Portal will soon update and enforce the Rule 10A requirements more strictly. Once implemented:

• Taxpayers without updated bank details may face suspension of their GST registration.
• Suspension can lead to:
  • Inability to file GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B
  • Disruption of e-way bill generation
  • Impact on compliance ratings
  • Interruption in business operations

Hence, taxpayers are advised to act immediately and ensure their bank details are updated.

Who Needs to Take Action?

You must update bank details if:

• You received GST registration but did not add bank details yet.
• Your bank information is incomplete or pending verification.
• You recently changed your bank account and have not updated it on the portal.

Those registered under TCS, TDS, or suo-moto registrations are exempt from this requirement.

How to Add or Update Bank Account Details on the GST Portal

You can easily furnish your bank details through a Non-Core Amendment, which does not require departmental approval.

Follow these steps:

1. Log in to the GST Portal.
2. Navigate to:
   Services → Registration → Amendment of Registration (Non-Core Fields)
3. Go to the Bank Accounts section.
4. Add your bank details and upload the required documents (e.g., bank statement, canceled cheque).
5. Submit the amendment with EVC/DSC.

The details will be updated instantly in most cases.

Consequences of Not Updating Your Bank Account Details

Failure to furnish bank details in time may result in:

• Automatic suspension of GST registration
• Blocking of e-way bill generation
• Inability to file returns
• Business disruptions and compliance challenges

Updating the bank details now can help you avoid these issues.

Final Takeaway

This advisory underlines the importance of complying with Rule 10A. If you have not yet provided your bank account details on the GST Portal, do so at the earliest. With the upcoming portal enhancements, timely action will help you maintain an active and compliant GST registration without interruptions.

For assistance with GST registration amendments or compliance, feel free to reach out.

GST Network (GSTN) has announced that the Annual Return (GSTR-9) and Reconciliation Statement (GSTR-9C) for the Financial Year 2024-25 have been enabled on the GST portal effective from October 12, 2025.

Taxpayers are advised to ensure that all periodic returns — GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B — for FY 2024-25 are filed before proceeding to access and file GSTR-9/9C. Non-filing of these returns may restrict the availability of the Annual Return tile on the portal.

Additionally, GSTN has informed that a comprehensive FAQ and filing guide will be released shortly to help taxpayers navigate the annual return and reconciliation filing process smoothly.

Key Takeaway:
Start reviewing your FY 2024-25 data early, reconcile your books, and ensure all monthly/quarterly returns are filed to avoid last-minute rush or discrepancies.

Nearly 5,000 Drivers to Benefit from India’s First-of-its-Kind Model

In a landmark move to strengthen the social security net for gig and informal workers, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has launched the National Pension System (NPS) for Goa’s driver community in partnership with GoaMiles and HDFC Pension Fund (PoP).

The initiative was inaugurated at a special event held in Panjim on 30th September 2025, in the presence of the Transport Minister of Goa, Shri Mauvin Godinho. The scheme will extend structured retirement planning to nearly 5,000 drivers associated with the GoaMiles platform — making it a first-of-its-kind model in India.

At the launch event, 50 Permanent Retirement Account Numbers (PRANs) were symbolically distributed to drivers, marking the beginning of this impactful initiative. GoaMiles will also make contributions to each of its mobility partners’ NPS accounts, ensuring long-term financial security for its drivers.

Drivers — The Brand Ambassadors of Goa

Speaking at the launch, Shri Mauvin Godinho, Transport Minister of Goa, expressed gratitude to PFRDA and GoaMiles for their joint effort in empowering the state’s driver community.

He said,

“The drivers of Goa are not just service providers — they are the brand ambassadors of our state, representing our hospitality, culture, and values to every visitor. Goa, though India’s smallest state, has always led by example, and this initiative perfectly aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.”

He added that Goa will continue to take the lead in people-centric reforms that bring inclusivity and financial dignity to every segment of society.

“Let’s Grow Rich Before We Grow Old” — PFRDA Chairperson

Shri S. Ramann, Chairman, PFRDA, highlighted the importance of financial discipline and early savings.

“Let’s grow rich before we grow old. The power of compounding is real—and when tapped into early, even modest savings can grow into a substantial and dignified retirement corpus,” he said.
“NPS is designed to give every Indian a structured, inclusive, and long-term savings platform.”

GoaMiles and HDFC Pension Fund Join Hands for Financial Security

Sriram Iyer, MD & CEO, HDFC Pension Fund, shared his enthusiasm for being part of the initiative:

“We are pleased to partner with GoaMiles to secure the future for their ‘Kaptaans’. Retirement planning is essential for all, and we’re proud to contribute to a financially secure future for India’s workforce.”

Adding to this, Shri Utkarsh Dabhade, CEO of GoaMiles, emphasized that GoaMiles has always focused on empowering its drivers through sustainable livelihood opportunities.

“By extending NPS, we’re ensuring our drivers enjoy long-term financial dignity while continuing to represent Goa’s warmth and hospitality. GoaMiles will contribute to the NPS accounts of all our 5,000 mobility partners,” he said.

Towards “Every Profession, One Pension”

The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Shri Sumit Kumar, Chief General Manager, PFRDA, who appreciated the Government of Goa, GoaMiles, HDFC Pension Fund, and the driver community for making this pioneering initiative possible.

With this launch, PFRDA takes another strong step towards its vision of “Every Profession, One Pension”, spreading the message that —

“NPS Zaruri Hai.”

The Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, has rolled out its Special Campaign 5.0 from 2nd October 2025, marking another milestone in its efforts to institutionalize cleanliness, efficiency, and citizen-centric governance.

In true spirit of Swachhata, DFS has set an ambitious target — to clean over 40,000 sites across the country during this campaign. The drive not only emphasizes cleanliness in physical spaces but also aims to improve digital and administrative efficiency across financial institutions.

At the launch, Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, DFS, personally visited various sections of the department to review cleanliness and pendency of files. He urged officers and staff to adopt digitalization of physical records and find innovative ways to optimize resources while maintaining hygiene in office premises.

???? Key Highlights of Special Campaign 5.0

• Mass Cleanliness Drive: DFS will oversee the cleaning of 40,000+ sites nationwide.

• Digital Transformation: Emphasis on reducing pendency through file digitalization and smart record management.

• E-Waste Disposal: Focus on safe and responsible disposal of e-waste to promote sustainability.

• Financial Sector Reforms: Targeted actions like updating dormant accounts, renewing locker agreements, claim settlements, pension grievance redressal, and updating account nominations.

• Cyber Awareness: Conducting special sessions to educate citizens about cybercrime prevention and digital arrest scams.

• Customer-Centric Improvements: Encouraging banks and financial institutions to install water dispensers, improve waiting areas for senior citizens, and build ramps for Divyangjans.

To ensure smooth coordination, DFS has already appointed Nodal Officers and updated all activities on the Special Campaign Digital Progress Monitoring (SCDPM) Portal.

The campaign’s message is clear — clean surroundings, cleaner records, and cleaner governance. Through this initiative, DFS continues to set an example of how cleanliness and efficiency can go hand in hand with citizen welfare and financial inclusion.

Stay tuned to DFS’s social media handles for more updates and success stories under #SpecialCampaign5 and #SwachhataHiSeva.