I closed my business in 2023 and applied for GSTIN cancellation in Oct 2024 that is still pending.
Current status is showing as: Stage 2, Pending for Processing.
On checking filing history, I found that FY 2025-26 has zero returns filed (cuz all would be NIL anyhow as no business activities). One July GSTR-1 in FY 2024-25 is showing as Not Filed.
Do I need to file NIL returns for the above before the cancellation can be approved?
What could be any other reason for the pending status?
Please help. Thanks!
Hey @pravink,
You need to file the return for July 2024 because you have applied for cancellation in October 2024. And before applying for cancellation, all the return should be filed.
Hope this helps!
17 months is a very long time for a GST cancellation application to remain at “Pending for Processing.” The first thing I would check is whether all returns up to the relevant cancellation period were filed, including NIL returns where applicable. A missing return can sometimes hold up the process.
However, the GST Portal itself states that when a cancellation ARN remains “Pending for Processing,” the taxpayer should contact the concerned Jurisdictional Officer for further processing.
I would suggest checking the ARN and filing history first, then using the GST Portal’s Services → User Services → Contact option to identify the Jurisdictional Officer. Keep the ARN, GSTIN, cancellation application details, and copies of filed returns ready when following up.
Since the application has already been pending for 17 months, I would not rely only on waiting for the portal status to change.
A GST cancellation application pending for 17 months may require checking its status and contacting the concerned GST officer for an update.
You can also raise a grievance on the GST portal if there is an unexplained delay in processing the application.