Section 36 of CGST Act, 2017 deals with the Period of Retention of Accounts
1. What is the Provision mentioned in Section 36 of CGST Act, 2017?
Every registered person required to keep and maintain books of account or other records in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (1) of section 35 shall retain them until the expiry of seventy two months from the due date of furnishing of annual return for the year pertaining to such accounts and records:
Provided that a registered person, who is a party to an appeal or revision or any other proceedings before any Appellate Authority or Revisional Authority or Appellate Tribunal or court, whether filed by him or by the Commissioner, or is under investigation for an offence under Chapter XIX, shall retain the books of account and other records pertaining to the subject matter of such appeal or revision or proceedings or investigation for a period of one year after final disposal of such appeal or revision or proceedings or investigation, or for the period specified above, whichever is later.
2. Till what time, records for FY 2017-18 are required to be maintained?
The due for Annual Return for FY 2017-18 is 5th February, 2020 & 7th February, 2020 as per the Notification No. 06/2020 – Central Tax dated 3rd February, 2020.
The accounts are required to be preserved for Seventy Two months from the due date of furnishing of annual return for the year pertaining to such accounts and records, i.e. 5th February, 2026 & 7th February, 2026.
3. Till what time, records for FY 2018-19 are required to be maintained?
The due for Annual Return for FY 2018-19 is 31 st December, 2020 as per the Notification No. 80/2020 – Central Tax dated 28th October, 2020. The accounts are required to be preserved for Seventy Two months from the due date of furnishing of annual return for the year pertaining to such accounts and records, i.e. 31 st December, 2026.
4. Till what time, records for FY 2019-20 are required to be maintained?
The due for Annual Return for FY 2019-20 is 31 st December, 2020. The accounts are required to be preserved for Seventy Two months from the due date of furnishing of annual return for the year pertaining to such accounts and records, i.e. 31 st December, 2026.
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