Answer

1. F

   Facts

   Rule 20 asks you to file REG-16 within 30 days of the event, such as closure. The portal does not lock the form after 30 days. Late filing mainly means more returns and late fees for the months in between.

2. P

   Provisions and law

   • Rule 20, CGST Rules 2017Application in REG-16 within 30 days of the event, with details of stock, liability and payment
   • Circular 69/43/2018-GSTSOP for REG-16: effective date as requested but not before the application date; complete applications processed within 30 days
   • Sec 47, CGST Act 2017Late fee for returns filed after the due date
3. A

   Analysis

   The 30-day limit is procedural. Circular 69/43/2018-GST asks officers to read delays in REG-16 liberally where the business has wound down gradually. The real cost is that your returns stay due for every month until the cancellation date, so you must file them, nil if there was no business, and pay late fee. For example, a monthly filer with four nil GSTR-3B returns pays ₹20 a day per return, subject to the nil return cap, check the latest notification.

4. C

   Conclusion

   1. 1File all pending returns up to today as nil if there were no sales.
   2. 2Pay the late fee from the cash ledger.
   3. 3File REG-16 with the actual closure date and a short note explaining the delay.
   4. 4Keep proof of closure such as the shop lease surrender or bank account closure.

Choosing an old cancellation date does not cancel returns already due for later months.

General guidance from TaxSavvy’s library of money processes. Laws change; your Savvy confirms the answer on your exact case before anything is filed.