GSTN Advisory, Dated 04-01-2026
1. Introduction
The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) has issued an advisory dated 04-01-2026 announcing the availability of electronic filing of Annexure VII and Annexure VIII on the GST Portal. This update operationalises the opt-in declaration mechanism for treating hotel premises as ‘specified premises’, as prescribed under Notification No. 05/2025 – Central Tax (Rate), dated 16-01-2025. The move aims to streamline compliance and reduce manual processes for eligible taxpayers in the hospitality sector.
2. Scope and Applicability of the Facility
The electronic filing facility is available to regular registered taxpayers supplying hotel accommodation services as well as applicants seeking new GST registration. However, the advisory clarifies that this functionality is not applicable to composition taxpayers, TDS/TCS registrants, SEZ units or developers, casual taxable persons, or taxpayers with cancelled registrations. This ensures the opt-in mechanism is restricted to eligible hotel service providers only.
3. Filing Requirements for Existing Registered Taxpayers
Existing registered taxpayers are required to file Annexure VII for the next financial year within a defined time window—from 1st January to 31st March of the preceding financial year. Specifically, for FY 2026–27, the filing window has been notified as 01-01-2026 to 31-03-2026. This declaration allows taxpayers to opt in to treat their hotel premises as specified premises for GST rate purposes.
4. Filing Procedure for New Registrants and Special Cases
Applicants for new GST registration may file Annexure VIII within 15 days from the date of generation of the Application Reference Number (ARN), provided the application is not rejected. The advisory also clarifies that taxpayers who had submitted declarations manually for FY 2025–26, or those declaring specified premises for the first time, must now file Annexure VII electronically for FY 2026–27 within the prescribed window.
5. Conclusion
GSTN’s introduction of electronic filing for Annexure VII and VIII marks a significant step toward digitising compliance for the hospitality sector. By providing clarity on timelines, eligibility, and continuity of opt-in declarations, the advisory helps taxpayers ensure accurate classification of hotel premises and avoid procedural lapses. Notably, once exercised, the opt-in will continue for subsequent financial years unless an explicit opt-out declaration is filed, ensuring long-term compliance certainty.
