New Delhi, Aug 26 (IANS) The Central government on Monday extended the last date of filing the annual GST returns by three months, from August 31 to November 30.

"It is hereby informed that the last date for furnishing of 'Annual Return' in the 'FORM GSTR-9 or FORM GSTR-9A' and 'Reconciliation Statement' in the 'FORM GSTR-9C' for the Financial Year 2017-18 is extended from 31st August, 2019 to 30th November, 2019," the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) said in a statement.

It cited certain technical difficulties being faced by taxpayers to file the annual returns for the extension.

"Businesses were awaiting this extension for a couple of days now," said Abhishek Jain, Tax Partner, EY India.

"Owing to some IT system concerns and ambiguities in the reporting, coupled with other statutory deadlines, this extension was much sought-after and should help provide quite a breather to the businesses."

--IANS rv-nk/vd