Critical GST Compliance Alert

Order Deadline for FY 2019-20

March 31, 2026

The time limit for tax authorities to pass orders under Section 74 of the GST Act for Financial Year 2019-20 is rapidly approaching. This date marks the final window for the department to finalize assessments related to specific evasion cases.

What is Section 74?

Section 74 is invoked when tax is not paid, short-paid, or erroneously refunded due to fraud, wilful misstatement, or suppression of facts. Unlike Section 73, this section carries higher penalties and a longer limitation period of 5 years from the annual return due date.

Compliance Action Statutory Deadline
Issuance of Show Cause Notice (SCN) u/s 74(2) September 30, 2025
Passing of Final Order u/s 74(10) March 31, 2026
Correction for TDS/TCS for FY 2025-26 March 31, 2026
Legal Impact: Any order passed after March 31, 2026, for the FY 2019-20 period will be considered "time-barred" and legally invalid, provided there are no specific court stays or further extensions.