Books of account or other records shall be retained by every registered person for a period of 72 months from the due date of furnishing of Annual Return for the year pertaining to such accounts and records.
Period of Preservation of Accounts [Rule 56(16)]
Accounts maintained by the registered person together with all the invoices, bills of supply, credit and debit notes, and delivery challans relating to stocks, deliveries, inward supply and outward supply shall be preserved for a period of 72 months from the due date of furnishing of Annual Return for the year pertaining to such accounts and records. Further. where such accounts and documents are maintained manually, the said accounts and documents shall be kept at every related place of business mentioned in the certificate of registration and shall be accessible at every related place of business where such accounts and documents are maintained digitally.
Period of Retention in Case Books of Account Etc. Pertain To an Appeal or Revision or Any Other Proceeding before Any Appellate Authority [Proviso to Section 36]
If a registered person is party to an appeal or revision or any other proceedings before any Appellate Authority or Revisional Authority or Appellate Tribunal or Court or is under investigation for an offence or penalty under Chapter XIX of the CGST / SGST Act, then it shall be obligatory on its part to retain the books of account and other records pertaining to subject matter of such appeal or revision or proceeding or investigation for Later of the following two periods:
(a) Period of one year after final disposal of such appeal or revision or proceedings or investigation or
(b) Period of 72 months from the due date of filing of Annual Return for the year pertaining to such accounts and records. |
