Technical Glitch on GSTR-9 and 9C filing 2024-25

Many taxpayers are facing unexpected JSON rejection errors while uploading GSTR-9 through the offline utility, even when all figures are correct. The primary issue lies in recurring bugs within Table 7, particularly involving Section 17(5) ITC reversals and Column H entries. The first bug occurs when 17(5) reversal amounts entered in the utility cause “Schema Validation Failed” errors due to a mismatch between the offline tool and the GST portal. The only reliable workaround is to upload the JSON without these values and then manually enter the 17(5) reversals on the portal, ensuring tax columns follow the correct IGST–CGST–SGST order. The second bug involves Column H values not flowing into the portal after JSON upload, creating silent discrepancies. Professionals are advised to use Column H only for internal calculations and manually update all Table 7 reversals online. Until the schema issues are fixed, manual entry remains the safest and most accurate approach.

GSTR-9 JSON Getting Rejected with “Schema Validation Failed”?

• Even after triple-checking every figure?
• The real culprit may not be your workings — it’s Table 7.
• After multiple cases this week, two repeat bugs in the offline GSTR-9 utility are emerging. Sharing them so others don’t lose hours debugging a return that is already correct.

Bug 1 – Section 17(5) Reversals Causing JSON Rejection

• If you enter 17(5) ITC reversals in Table 7 using the offline tool, the JSON can fail schema validation even though the math and legal positions are perfect.
• This clearly points to a schema mismatch between the Excel utility and the live GST portal — not a taxpayer mistake.

Workaround (tested & working):

• Keep your 17(5) workings in Excel (don’t delete them!).
• Do NOT push those values into the utility.
• Upload the JSON without the 17(5) line — it should pass validation instantly.
• After upload, enter the 17(5) reversal manually on the online GSTR-9 form.
• Watch out for column order mismatch:
  • Utility: CGST – SGST – IGST
  • Portal: IGST – CGST – SGST
  • A quick copy-paste can easily flip taxes.

Bug 2 – Column H (Other ITC reversal) Not Flowing to Portal

1. Some users noticed that values filled in Column H the offline utility but do NOT flow to the portal after JSON upload — with no error, no warning, nothing.

This creates a dangerous silent mismatch between your reviewed workings and the return you’re about to file.

Safe practice:

• Use Column H in the tool only for internal computation.
• After JSON upload, re-enter Column H values manually on the portal.
• Before filing, download the draft GSTR-9 PDF and ensure every reversal/reclaim in Table 7 matches your workings line-by-line.

Final Word

If your JSON is failing validation or your Table 7 is not reflecting correctly:

Until the schema issues are fixed, manual entry on the portal for Table 7 is the safest path.

If you’ve observed similar glitches, share them — it may save another professional an entire evening of head-scratching.