GST Section 16(4): ITC Time Limit and 30 November Cut-off
Section 16(4) generally blocks ITC after 30 November following the financial year or filing of the annual return, whichever is earlier, subject to special statutory relief provisions.
Section 16(4) places an outer time limit on taking input tax credit for an invoice or debit note.
What is the general rule?
ITC cannot generally be taken after the 30th day of November following the end of the financial year to which the invoice or debit note relates, or furnishing of the relevant annual return, whichever is earlier.
Example
For an invoice relating to FY 2025-26, the general statutory cut-off is 30 November 2026, unless the annual return is filed earlier or a specific statutory relief provision applies.
Why monthly reconciliation matters
Invoices missing from books or GSTR-2B should be identified early. Waiting until November leaves little time for supplier correction and internal approval.
Practical year-end list
- Invoices in books but missing from GSTR-2B.
- Invoices in GSTR-2B but missing from books.
- Debit notes.
- Import documents.
- Temporarily reversed ITC.
- Blocked or permanently ineligible credit.
The 30 November date is an outer limit, not a recommended filing strategy. Reconcile throughout the year.