Normal Period:
All books of accounts an other records are to be preserved for a minimum period of 6 years from the due date of the Annual Return. Due date of annual return is 31st December following the end of the financial year.
In other words, Records for FY 2018-19 will have to be preserved till 31.12.2025, 6 years and 9 months from the end of the financial year
For matters under appeal:
A person, who is a party to
a. an appeal or
b. revision or
c. any other proceedings any authority or
d. is under investigation for an offence under section 122 to 138 of CGST Act
shall retain the records pertaining to such matter for a period of 1 year after final disposal of such matter or for the period discussed above, whichever is later
Financial Year |
Annual Return Due Dt | Last date till when Accounts and records are required to be maintained |
| 2017-18 | 5.02.2020 | 4.02.2026 |
| 2018-19 | 31.12.2020 | 31.12.2026 |
| 2019-20 | 31.03.2021 | 31.03.2027 |
| 2020-21 | 28.02.2022 | 28.02.2028 |
| 2021-22 | 31.12.2022 | 31.12.2028 |
| 2022-23 | 31.12.2023 | 31.12.2029 |
| 2023-24 | 31.12.2024 | 31.12.2030 |
| 2024-25 | 31.12.2025 | 31.12.2031 |
| 2025-26 | 31.12.2026 | 31.12.2032 |