This circular provides comprehensive clarification on various relief measures announced by the Government to ease GST compliance in view of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It explains the relief granted through multiple notifications, including waiver of late fee and reduction or nil rate of interest for delayed filing of FORM GSTR-3B for the tax periods February to April 2020, subject to filing returns within the specified timelines. For taxpayers with aggregate turnover above ₹5 crore, interest is charged at nil rate for the initial period and at a reduced rate thereafter, while taxpayers with turnover up to ₹5 crore are eligible for nil rate of interest if returns are filed within the extended dates. Late fee for delayed filing of FORM GSTR-3B and FORM GSTR-1 has also been waived if returns are furnished by the prescribed dates.

The circular further clarifies extensions provided to composition taxpayers for filing FORM CMP-08 and FORM GSTR-4, extension of time limits for opting into the composition scheme, and cumulative application of Rule 36(4) relating to input tax credit for February to August 2020. It also confirms extension of validity of e-way bills expiring during the lockdown period and extension of due dates for various compliances, including returns by TDS deductors, ISDs, non-resident taxable persons and TCS filers.

Overall, the circular aims to ensure uniform implementation of COVID-related GST relaxations and provide certainty to taxpayers during the period of disruption.