Application for Unbarring of GST Returns – Complete Guide for Taxpayers

GST compliance in India is driven by timely filing of returns. However, many taxpayers face situations where GST returns become barred on the GST portal, preventing them from filing pending or current returns. With the introduction of statutory time-bar provisions, this issue has become more critical than ever. Many GST-registered taxpayers face a common yet stressful issue — GST returns getting barred on the portal, making it impossible to file pending or current returns. This blockage not only halts compliance but also leads to penalties, interest, and loss of Input Tax Credit (ITC).

In this article, Tax Manthan explains what unbarring of GST returns means, reasons for blockage, the application process, and practical tips to resolve the issue smoothly.

What Does “Unbarring of GST Returns” Mean?

When a taxpayer is restricted from filing GST returns on the GST portal, it is commonly referred to as barring of returns.
Unbarring means removal of this restriction by the GST Department after due verification, allowing the taxpayer to resume return filing.

Common Reasons for GST Returns Being Barred

GST returns are usually barred due to the following reasons:

1️⃣ Continuous Non-Filing of Returns

• Non-filing of GSTR-3B or GSTR-1 for consecutive tax periods

• As per GST law, filing of returns can be blocked if defaults continue beyond prescribed limits

• As per recent amendments, GST returns cannot be filed after the expiry of three years from their original due date. This rule applies to returns such as:  GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-4, GSTR-5, 6, 7, 8 GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C. Once the three-year limit expires, the GST portal automatically bars filing of such returns, irrespective of tax payment status.

2️⃣ Suspension or Cancellation of GST Registration

• Registration cancelled due to non-compliance

• Filing barred even after revocation unless permission is granted

3️⃣ Discrepancies or High-Risk Flagging

• Mismatch between GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and GSTR-2B

• Fake invoicing or suspicious ITC claims flagged by the department

4️⃣ Technical or System-Driven Restrictions

• Auto-blocking under Rule 59(6) or Rule 86A

• Restrictions imposed after scrutiny or audit proceedings

Legal Provisions Related to Barring of GST Returns

• Section 39 of CGST Act – Filing of returns

• Rule 59(6) of CGST Rules – Restriction on filing GSTR-1

• Rule 86A – Blocking of ITC in electronic credit ledger

• Section 29 & 30 – Cancellation and revocation of registration

When Is Application for Unbarring Required?

An application for unbarring is required when:

✔ Returns are barred even after payment of tax, interest & late fee
✔ GST portal does not allow filing despite compliance
✔ Registration is restored but filing restriction continues
✔ Departmental approval is needed to enable filing manually/system-wise

How to Apply for Unbarring of GST Returns?

Step-by-Step Process

✅ Step 1: Clear Pending Dues

• Pay pending tax, interest, and late fees

• File all returns that are allowed by the portal

✅ Step 2: Draft a Formal Application

Application should be addressed to the Jurisdictional GST Officer / Assistant Commissioner mentioning:

• GSTIN

• Trade name

• Period for which returns are barred

• Reason for non-filing

• Compliance done till date

• Request for enabling GST returns

✅ Step 3: Attach Supporting Documents

• Proof of payment (challans)

• Filed return acknowledgements

• Revocation order (if applicable)

• Any notice or reply filed earlier

✅ Step 4: Submit Application

• The application is filed through:
  Services → Returns → Application for Unbarring Returns

  After submission, an Application Reference Number (ARN) is generated for tracking.

✅ Step 5: Follow-Up with Department

• Officer verifies compliance, Either Approve the request or Seek clarification or additional documents. Reject the request with reasons if unsatisfied with clarification. 

• System restriction is removed after approval

Important Points to Remember

🔹 Filing of GSTR-3B is mandatory before GSTR-1
🔹 Delay increases late fees & interest burden
🔹 Unbarring is not automatic in many cases
🔹 Proper explanation improves approval chances
🔹 Professional drafting avoids rejection or delay

Post-Approval Conditions

Once the application is approved:

✔ The blocked returns must be filed within 30 days of approval
✔ Failure to file within this period may result in re-barring of returns
✔ Late fees and interest remain payable as per law
✔ Approval does not grant waiver of tax liability

Important Practical Points

🔹 Unbarring is temporary permission, not permanent immunity
🔹 Returns should be filed immediately after unbarring
🔹 Proper explanation increases chances of approval
🔹 Early action avoids permanent loss of compliance rights

Consequences of Not Applying for Unbarring

❌ Continuous non-compliance
❌ Heavy late fees and interest
❌ Cancellation of GST registration
❌ Loss of Input Tax Credit
❌ Legal notices and recovery proceedings

Conclusion

With strict enforcement of statutory time-bar rules, unbarring of GST returns has become a time-sensitive and crucial compliance step. Taxpayers must act promptly, ensure full compliance, and submit well-drafted applications to restore filing rights.

If your GST returns are barred or at risk of becoming barred, don’t wait — take corrective action immediately.

📌 Stay compliant. Stay protected. With Tax Manthan.

Union Budget 2026: Taxation Proposals – A Complete Analysis

Union Budget 2026 focuses on tax stability, simplification, and rationalisation, rather than dramatic rate cuts. While income-tax slabs remain unchanged, several quantitative changes in TDS, TCS, capital markets, and compliance timelines significantly impact taxpayers.

Let us examine the taxation proposals of Budget 2026 with factual figures and real impact

 📜 1. Major Direct Tax Proposals

• Foreign Asset Disclosure Scheme: A one-time, 6-month window for students, tech professionals, and NRIs to disclose overseas assets/income (up to ₹1 crore for undisclosed income or ₹5 crore for undisclosed assets) with immunity from prosecution under the Black Money Act.

• Share Buybacks: Now taxed as Capital Gains for shareholders rather than the company. Corporate promoters face a 22% tax, while non-corporate promoters face 30%.

• Securities Transaction Tax (STT): To curb speculative trading, STT on Futures has been increased to 0.05% (from 0.02%) and on Options to 0.15%.

• TCS Rationalization: * Overseas tour packages: Slashed to a flat 2% (down from 5%/20%).

• LRS for education/medical: Reduced to 2% (down from 5%).

📌 2. Income Tax Slabs – Numbers Remain the Same

Despite expectations of slab changes, Budget 2026 retains existing income-tax rates.

Existing Individual Slabs (Old Regime – Unchanged):

Income Slab	Tax Rate
Up to ₹2.5 lakh	Nil
₹2.5 – ₹5 lakh	5%
₹5 – ₹10 lakh	20%
Above ₹10 lakh	30%

• Rebate under section 87A continues as per existing provisions

• No change in surcharge rates

👉 Impact:
Tax liability remains unchanged, but predictability improves long-term financial planning.

New Scheme of Taxation (New Tax Regime) – Focus Area of Budget 2026

The New Tax Regime, introduced earlier under section 115BAC, continues as the default tax regime in Budget 2026.

New Tax Regime Slabs (Unchanged):

Taxable Income (₹)	Tax Rate
Up to 4,00,000	Nil
4,00,001 – 8,00,000	5%
8,00,001 – 12,00,000	10%
12,00,001 – 16,00,000	15%
16,00,001 – 20,00,000	20%
20,00,001 – 24,00,000	25%
Above 24,00,000	30%

Key Relief: Under Section 87A, resident individuals with taxable income up to ₹12 lakh pay zero tax. For salaried employees, the effective tax-free limit is ₹12.75 lakh (including the ₹75,000 standard deduction).

✂️ 3. TDS Relief Measures

Budget 2026 removes TDS on certain small or routine transactions.

Key Change:

• TDS on motor insurance interest / claims – Removed

👉 Impact:
Simplifies compliance and reduces unnecessary deductions for individuals.

📈 4. Capital Market & Investment Taxation – Numbers That Matter

Securities Transaction Tax (STT) – Increased

Segment	New STT Rate
Futures	0.05%
Options	0.15%

👉 Impact:

• Higher cost for derivative traders

• Discourages excessive speculation

• Long-term investors largely unaffected

Share Buyback Taxation – Structural Shift

• Earlier: Taxed as dividend in company’s hands

• Now: Taxed as capital gains in shareholders’ hands

👉 Impact:
Aligns buybacks with equity taxation principles and removes arbitrage.

🏢 5. Corporate Tax & Business Stability

Corporate Tax Rates (Unchanged):

Category	Rate
Domestic companies (new regime)	22%
Manufacturing companies	15%
MAT (reduced)	14%

👉 Impact:

• Policy certainty for businesses

• Encourages long-term investment decisions

🌐 6. Customs Duty Rationalization (Selective Figures)

Budget 2026 supports manufacturing and green energy via targeted customs relief.

Key Adjustments:

• Basic Customs Duty on selected inputs reduced to 2%

• Exemptions on renewable-energy components

• No major GST rate hikes

👉 Impact:
Benefits MSMEs, infrastructure projects, and energy-transition sectors.

📊 7. Tax Administration & Compliance Timelines

📆 Revised ITR Due Dates Announced in Budget 2026

Under the Finance Bill, 2026, the due dates for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) have been differentiated based on the type of taxpayer, instead of a single deadline for all. These changes are effective from AY 2026-27 (FY 2025-26 onwards) and mirror amendments in both the new Income-tax Act, 2025 and the existing Act.

🔹 1. Due Dates by Category

✔ Salaried Individuals & Non-business Income
(ITR-1 / ITR-2):
➡️ 31 July — unchanged from earlier practice.

✔ Non-Audit Business / Profession & Trusts:
➡️ 31 August — extended from earlier 31 July.

These rationalized deadlines give business-related taxpayers extra time to prepare books and complete compliance.

🔁 2. Revised Return Filing Window Extended

The revised return deadline has been significantly extended under Budget 2026:

✔ Earlier: Up to 31 December of the assessment year.
✔ Now: Up to 31 March of the assessment year.
➡️ This extension provides three extra months to correct mistakes, add omitted income, or update declarations.

💡 However, if the revised return is filed after 31 December, a nominal fee (₹1,000 / ₹5,000) may be applicable, similar to late fee provisions.

📌 3. Updated Return Window Became More Flexible

Budget 2026 also strengthened the scope of ‘updated returns’:

✔ Taxpayers can now file an updated return even after reassessment proceedings begin, helping reduce litigation.
✔ Updated return may also allow reduction of previously claimed losses.
✔ Time limit for filing updated return is broader (up to a revised period as per law).

🧠 Impact of These Changes

✅ Salaried taxpayers still get the familiar 31 July deadline.
✅ Business owners & trust filers benefit from extra breathing space till 31 August.
✅ Mistakes can be corrected until 31 March, reducing rush and penalty stress.
✅ Better planning and fewer notices due to staggered filing windows. 

Budget 2026 is not about instant tax relief—it is about numerical clarity, compliance ease, and structural strength.

#Budget2026 #UnionBudget2026  #TaxManthan #IncomeTaxIndia #Taxation #CapitalGainsTax #StockMarketIndia #STT #InvestmentTax

📌 Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only. Tax provisions are subject to interpretation and amendments. Please consult a qualified tax professional before acting.

TDS Compliance for Non-Residents under Section 195 – Complete Guide

With globalization, foreign payments have become routine—payments to foreign consultants, overseas software vendors, purchase of property from NRIs, royalty, dividends, interest, or even online services.

However, one small mistake in TDS compliance under Section 195 can lead to serious consequences, such as:

❌ Heavy penalties
❌ Disallowance of business expenses
❌ Blocked foreign remittances
❌ Income-tax scrutiny & notices

Let’s understand Section 195 simply and practically.

🔍 Why is TDS on Non-Resident Payments Required?

Whenever any person makes a payment to a Non-Resident (NRI) or Foreign Company, tax must be deducted before remitting money abroad, if the income is taxable in India.

👉 The objective is tax collection at source, ensuring income earned in India does not escape taxation.

⭐ Key Highlights of Section 195

✅ Applicable to Non-Residents & Foreign Companies
✅ No minimum limit – even ₹1 of taxable payment attracts TDS
✅ TDS rate = Income-tax Act or DTAA, whichever is beneficial
✅ TAN mandatory, along with quarterly TDS returns
⚠️ PAN not furnished? Higher TDS applies under Section 206AA

❓ Who is a Non-Resident? (Section 6)

A person is treated as a Non-Resident if they do not satisfy the residency conditions under the Income-tax Act.

A person is Resident if:

📍 Stayed in India ≥ 182 days in a financial year, OR
📍 Stayed ≥ 60 days in the year + 365 days in the last 4 years

Special rules for Indian Citizens / PIOs:

🔹 Income > ₹15 lakh (excluding foreign income): 120-day rule
🔹 Leaving India for employment or as ship crew: 182-day rule

➡️ If these conditions are not met → Non-Resident

❓ Who Must Deduct TDS under Section 195?

Any person making payment (other than salary) to a Non-Resident:

👤 Individual
👨‍👩‍👧 HUF
🏢 Firm / LLP
🏭 Company
🏛 Government / PSU

👉 Even non-business or personal payments are covered.

👉 Even non-business or personal payments are covered.

💰 TDS Rates for FY 2025–26 (As per Finance Act)

Nature of Income	TDS Rate
Interest / Dividend	20%
LTCG u/s 115E	12.5%
LTCG on listed shares u/s 112A	12.5% (after 23-07-2024)
Other LTCG	12.5%
STCG (FII / funds)	20%
Interest on foreign currency loans	20%
Royalty / Technical fees	20%
Lottery / Games / Horse races / Online games	30%
Any other income	30%

📌 DTAA provisions can substantially reduce the TDS rate, subject to documentation.

🛠 Step-by-Step TDS Compliance under Section 195

1️⃣ Obtain TAN

TAN is mandatory for every deductor.

2️⃣ Deduct TDS

At the time of payment or credit, whichever is earlier.

3️⃣ Deposit TDS

🧾 Challan ITNS 281
📅 On or before 7th of the next month

4️⃣ File TDS Return – Form 27Q

Quarter	Due Date
Q1 (Apr–Jun)	30 July
Q2 (Jul–Sep)	31 October
Q3 (Oct–Dec)	31 January
Q4 (Jan–Mar)	31 May

5️⃣ Issue TDS Certificate

📄 Form 16A – within 15 days of filing return

📝 Lower or NIL TDS Certificate (Form 13)

A Non-Resident can apply to the Assessing Officer under Section 197 for:
✔️ Lower TDS
✔️ NIL TDS

Once approved, the deductor can deduct tax at the reduced rate mentioned in the certificate.

🌍 Foreign Remittance Compliance – Form 15CA & 15CB

Before making any foreign remittance, the payer must submit:

📄 Form 15CA
📄 Form 15CB (CA Certificate)

👉 Required even if the income is not taxable, unless specifically exempted.

❓ Why are Form 15CA & 15CB Mandatory?

✔️ Proper reporting of foreign payments
✔️ Enables banks to process remittance
✔️ Tracks cross-border tax compliance
✔️ Prevents tax leakage

🚫 Penalty for Wrong or Non-Filing of Forms 15CA / 15CB

💥 Penalty of ₹1,00,000 under Section 271-I
❗ No maximum limit prescribed

⚠️ Consequences of Non-Compliance

❌ Business expenditure may be disallowed
❌ Interest @ 1.5% per month
❌ Penalty equal to TDS amount
❌ Penalty for short deduction
❌ Bank may block foreign remittance

🚨 Important Checklist for Taxpayers

Before paying a Non-Resident, ensure:

1️⃣ Taxability in India is checked
2️⃣ Correct TDS rate / DTAA benefit applied
3️⃣ TDS deducted and deposited on time
4️⃣ Form 27Q filed
5️⃣ TDS certificate issued

✅ Proper compliance means no penalties, no notices, and smooth remittances.

 

✍️ Final Word from Tax Manthan

Section 195 is one of the most litigated and misunderstood provisions of the Income-tax Act.
A single wrong assumption can result in significant financial exposure.

📌 When in doubt, always seek professional advice before making foreign remittances.

Types of Income Tax Returns (ITR) in India

Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is a statutory responsibility under the Income Tax Act, 1961. However, many taxpayers are unaware that the law provides multiple types of returns under Section 139, each meant for specific situations such as timely filing, late filing, error correction, defective filing, or voluntary income disclosure.

1️⃣ Original Return – Section 139(1)

Meaning

An Original Return is the first return of income filed within the prescribed due date for a particular Assessment Year.

Due Dates:

• Non-Audit Cases: 31st July

• Audit Cases: 30th September

Key Benefits:

✔ No late filing fee or penalty
✔ Eligible for all deductions and exemptions
✔ Business loss and capital loss can be carried forward
✔ Considered the most compliant and preferred return

📌 Tax Manthan Insight: Timely filing under Section 139(1) ensures maximum tax benefits and minimal litigation risk.

2️⃣ Belated Return – Section 139(4)

Meaning

A Belated Return is filed when a taxpayer fails to file the return within the due date specified under Section 139(1).

Time Limit:

📅 Up to 31st December of the relevant Assessment Year

Consequences:

• Late filing fee under Section 234F

  • ₹1,000 if total income ≤ ₹5 lakh

  • ₹5,000 if total income > ₹5 lakh

• Interest under Section 234A may apply

• ❌ Certain losses (business & capital loss) cannot be carried forward

⚠️ Tax Manthan Note: Filing a belated return avoids non-compliance but results in financial disadvantages.

3️⃣ Revised Return – Section 139(5)

Meaning

If a taxpayer discovers any mistake, omission, or wrong statement in an Original or Belated Return, it can be corrected by filing a Revised Return.

Common Reasons:

• Missed interest, rental, or capital gains income

• Wrong deduction or exemption claimed

• Clerical or data entry errors

Time Limit:

📅 Up to 31st December of the relevant Assessment Year

Tax Implications:

• Interest under:

  • Section 234A (delay in filing)

  • Sections 234B & 234C (advance tax default)

✔ Multiple revisions allowed
✔ Better than waiting for a tax notice

4️⃣ Defective Return – Section 139(9)

Meaning

A return is treated as Defective when it contains incomplete, inconsistent, or incorrect information.

Common Defects:

• Tax payable not paid

• Income details missing

• Incorrect bank account details

• Mismatch between computation and return

Procedure:

📩 Income Tax Department issues a Defective Return Notice
⏳ Taxpayer must rectify the defect within the specified time

If Not Rectified:

❌ Return becomes invalid
❌ Treated as no return filed

⚠️ Tax Manthan Warning: Ignoring a defective return notice can lead to penalties and reassessment.

5️⃣ Updated Return (ITR-U) – Section 139(8A)

✅ UPDATED: 4-Year Time Limit

Meaning

The Updated Return (ITR-U) allows taxpayers to voluntarily disclose previously missed income, even after the time limit for belated or revised returns has expired. This provision aims to promote voluntary tax compliance.

🔹 Correct Time Limit (Latest Rule)

📅 An Updated Return can be filed within 48 months (4 years) from the end of the relevant Assessment Year.

Example:

• AY 2022-23 → ITR-U allowed up to 31 March 2027

• AY 2023-24 → ITR-U allowed up to 31 March 2028

🔹 Correct Additional Tax (Mandatory)

Additional tax is calculated on (tax payable + interest) — not on income.

Period of Filing ITR-U Additional Tax Payable Up to 12 months 25% of tax + interest 12 – 24 months 50% of tax + interest 24 – 36 months 60% of tax + interest 36 – 48 months 70% of tax + interest

⚠️ Additional tax is compulsory and non-waivable.

❌ ITR-U Not Allowed In Cases:

• To claim or increase refund

• To increase losses

• Search, survey, or requisition proceedings initiated

• Assessment / reassessment / revision completed

• Proceedings under foreign asset / FT&TR information

• Prosecution proceedings initiated

📌 Tax Manthan Insight: ITR-U provides extended compliance opportunity but comes at a high additional tax cost, making early correction financially wiser.

📊 Comparative Overview of ITR Types

Type of Return	Section	Time Limit	Key Impact
Original	139(1)	Due Date	Best & penalty-free
Belated	139(4)	31 Dec	Late fee applies
Revised	139(5)	31 Dec	Error correction
Defective	139(9)	As notified	Must rectify
Updated (ITR-U)	139(8A)	48 months	Heavy additional tax

Conclusion – Tax Manthan Perspective

Understanding the types of Income Tax Returns is essential to:
✔ Maintain legal compliance
✔ Correct mistakes proactively
✔ Avoid penalties, interest, and prosecution

📌 Golden Rule: Timely filing is always cheaper and safer than delayed correction.

For more Income Tax updates, compliance guidance, and professional tax insights, stay connected with Tax Manthan.

Updated ITR (ITR-U): Voluntary Compliance Comes at a Cost – Know When & How to File

With increased data tracking through AIS, Form 26AS, and information sharing, the Income Tax Department has strengthened compliance norms. One such important provision is the Updated Return (ITR-U) — a facility meant for voluntary disclosure of missed income, but not without a price.

Many taxpayers confuse Revised ITR with Updated ITR (ITR-U). This article explains the meaning, eligibility, restrictions, penalties, and deadlines for filing ITR-U — clearly and practically.

What is an Updated Return (ITR-U)?

ITR-U is a special return introduced under Section 139(8A) of the Income Tax Act.
It allows taxpayers to declare income missed earlier and pay additional tax along with interest and penalty.

👉 Important:
ITR-U can be filed only if it results in additional tax payment.

Updated ITR vs Revised ITR – Key Difference

Revised ITR

• Used to correct errors or omissions

• Can claim missed deductions or refunds

• No additional penalty

• Must be filed before the deadline

Updated ITR (ITR-U)

• Used only to disclose missed income

• Leads to higher tax liability

• Additional tax + interest + penalty applicable

• Can be filed even after missing original & revised return deadlines

When Can You File ITR-U? (Eligible Cases)

You can file an Updated Return if you want to:

✔️ Report income missed earlier
✔️ Correct income declared under the wrong head
✔️ Rectify application of an incorrect tax rate
✔️ File return after missing original and revised ITR deadlines

When You CANNOT File ITR-U? (Ineligible Cases)

❌ Claim deductions or exemptions
❌ Reduce tax liability
❌ Claim or increase a refund
❌ Correct or set off losses
❌ Make disclosures that do not increase tax payable

📌 Golden Rule:

If your correction does not increase tax, ITR-U is not allowed.

Additional Tax Payable While Filing ITR-U

Filing ITR-U attracts additional tax on the extra tax payable, apart from normal tax and interest.

Time of Filing	Additional Tax
Within 1st year	25%
2nd year	50%
3rd year	60%
4th year	70%

 🔹 Interest under Section 234A/B/C also applies

🔹 Interest @ 1% per month continues until payment

Time Limit to File ITR-U

ITR-U can be filed within 4 years from the end of the relevant assessment year.

Last Dates to File Updated Return

Financial Year	Last Date
FY 2021-22	31 March 2027
FY 2022-23	31 March 2028
FY 2023-24	31 March 2029
FY 2024-25	31 March 2030

🔹 Interest under Section 234A/B/C also applies
🔹 Interest @ 1% per month continues until payment

Should You Use ITR-U? Practical Advice

✔️ Use ITR-U if you genuinely missed reporting income
❌ Do not use it merely to correct small mistakes if no tax increase arises
✔️ File it as early as possible to reduce penalty
✔️ Always reconcile AIS & Form 26AS before deciding

ITR-U is a second chance given by the Income Tax Department — but it is not free. It promotes voluntary compliance while discouraging delayed disclosures through heavy additional tax.

👉 Best Strategy:
File correct and complete returns on time.
Use ITR-U only when unavoidable — and early.

For more such clear explanations on taxation, compliance, and financial laws, stay connected with Tax Manthan.

#ITRU #UpdatedITR #IncomeTaxIndia #TaxManthan #TaxCompliance #ITRRules #IncomeTaxUpdate