How to Reply for GST Notice: File Reply to the Issued Notice by Tax Officer

Not sure about how to reply for GST notice? Fear not, because it is not uncommon to receive a GST notice. A GST notice may be issued by tax authorities for many reasons. In this blog, the top GST consultant in Gurgaon will discuss how to reply GST registration notice and discuss the various reasons behind such notices. Read more here:

How To Reply For GST Notice - Respond to GST Notices and Orders

It's not uncommon for individuals to struggle when navigating the complex tax landscape in India. However, although receiving a GST notice may seem like a reason to panic, one of the top chartered accountant firms in Gurgaon is here to tell you that it's normal, and you can solve this without much trouble. Read more on this blog to learn how to reply GST notice online:

What is a Notice for GST?

A GST notice is a formal communication or notice issued by the tax officials in India. It is sent under the GST (Goods and Services Tax) Act, and mentions any discrepancy or non-compliance with GST regulations by taxpayers. The tax authorities may ask for additional information or rectification of information within the communication or may send the notice and order due to the late or incomplete GST return filed by the taxpayer. Learning the reason behind the notice can help you understand how to reply to GST show cause notice.

A GST Notice is also known as a Show Cause Notice (SCN), scrutiny notice, or demand notice. The taxpayer needs to know how to reply SCN in GST portal online within the specified time limit to avoid legal penalties. Responding to the notice issued by the tax officer on time ensures smooth operations with no compliance risks. We'll discuss how to reply SCN in GST registration in later sections.

Recommended: What is Reverse Charge Mechanism for Import of Services in GST?

What is a Notice for GST?

What are the Common Reasons for GST Notice?

If a notice has been issued by GST authorities, then you must know the reason behind it before you know how to reply GST show cause notice online. The common reasons for GST notices are:

  • A scrutiny notice is sent if there is a mismatch in the information reported between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B.
  • If the Input Tax Credit claims made in GSTR-3B and GSTR-2B/2A are different.
  • If you delay when you are filing the GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B for about six months.
  • If there are inconsistencies present within the declaration in the e-way bill portal and GSTR-1.
  • If there are miscalculations in the GST rates for reduced prices of goods and services. If sellers do not implement the right prices, then they are sent a notice. 
  • If there is no payment of GST tax or if the payment is less than what should be given in the filed tax returns.
  • If a GST refund is wrongly made by the taxpayer.
  • If the Input Tax Credit is not correctly utilized or availed.
  • If any business is eligible for GST registration but has failed to register, and is not filing GST tax returns. 
  • If there are inconsistencies when reporting Exports in GSTR-1 with the details that are available on ICEGATE. 
  • If additional information is required by the tax authorities concerning the records maintained by the taxpayer.
  • If the tax officers want to conduct an audit.
  • If additional information was required by the tax officers, however, you failed to submit it within the mentioned time frame.

Must Read: Understanding Place of Supply Rules Under GST for Goods & Service

What are the common reasons for GST Notice?

Different Types of Notices Issued by Tax Officers : How to Reply, Time Limit & Action Taken if You Fail

To know how to give reply to GST notice online issued by the tax authorities, the taxpayer needs to determine the type of notice that has been sent. Here is the list of types of notices:

1. GSTR-3A

Description: This is for taxpayers who have not filed GST returns

How to Reply: File the tax returns that haven't been filed with penalty or interest (if applicable)

Time Limit: 15 days from the date you received the notice

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: A penalty of 10,000 or 10% of the tax that is due. The one that is higher will be imposed

2. CMP-05

Description: Notice for questioning the eligibility of the composition dealer

How to Reply: Respond through CMP-06 to justify your eligibility for the composition scheme

Time Limit: Reply within 15 days for the reply to the GST show cause notice

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: A penalty under section 122 will be imposed, and you will receive benefits of the composition scheme under CMP-07

3. REG-03

Description: After a GST registration form is submitted, tax authorities may ask for additional details or documentation to verify the information mentioned within the form.

How to Reply: Clarification of the previously mentioned information with a reply letter in REG-04.

Time Limit: 7 days from the date you receive the notice.

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: The application will be rejected by the GST authorities, and the information will be conveyed through REG-05.

4. REG-17

Description: This notice will be sent to the taxpayer asking why the cancellation of the GST registration should not be done.

How to Reply: Justify the reasons in a reply letter in REG-18 explaining why the cancellation should not be done.

Time Limit: 7 days from when the notice is received.

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: The GST registration will be cancelled in REG-19.

5. REG-23

Description: A show cause notice mentioning the reasons behind the GST registration cancellation.

How to Reply: Send a reply letter through REG-24.

Time Limit: Reply to show cause notice under GST within 7 Days from receiving the notice.

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: The GST registration cancellation will be revoked.

6. REG-27

Description: If no application is filed after provisional registration, or if there is any missing information.

How to Reply: Apply with form REG-26 and appear before the tax officers.

Time Limit: The time limit will be mentioned in the notice.

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: The issue of the provisional registration cancellation in REG-28.

7. PCT-03

Description: This notice is sent after misconduct by the taxpayer.

How to Reply: Send a reply letter as mentioned in the SCN.

Time Limit: The time limit will be mentioned in the SCN.

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: The license of the GST practitioner will be ordered to be revoked.

8. RFD-08

Description: A notice specifying why the refund will not be made to the taxpayer.

How to Reply: Send a reply letter in RFD-09.

Time Limit: 15 Days from the date you receive the notice.

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: An order will be sent in RFD-06 to reject the GST refund application.

9. ASMT-02

Description: The notice is sent to the taxpayer for additional information required for the provisional GST assessment.

How to Reply: Use form ASMT-03 with supporting documents.

Time Limit: Respond within 15 days of the notice.

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: The provisional GST application may be rejected.

10. ASMT-06

Description: This notice is sent to request additional information from the taxpayer for the final GST assessment.

How to Reply: Use form ASMT-07 with the requested documents.

Time Limit: Respond within 15 days of receiving the notice.

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: Form ASMT-07 will be passed without consideration of the taxpayer's views.

11. ASMT-10

Description: This is a scrutiny notice after the assessing officer finds discrepancies in the GST return.

How to Reply: Use form ASMT-11 to reply and mention the causes behind the discrepancies.

Time Limit: The time limit will be mentioned. It is usually 30 days.

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: The application will be processed based on the available information and may lead to a penalty or prosecution.

12. ASMT-14

Description: Show cause notice under section 63 of the best judgment assessment.

How to Reply: Use form ASMT-15 to reply and appear before the tax authority.

Time Limit: Respond within 15 days.

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: The assessment order will not be in favor of the taxpayer.

13. ADT-01

Description: A notice sent to the taxpayer for an audit conducted by the tax authority under section 65.

How to Reply: Do as directed in the notice for the GST audit notice response, where you might need to appear in person or submit documents mentioned in the order issued.

Time Limit: Respond within the due date mentioned in the notice.

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: It will be assumed that the taxpayer does not own the books of accounts, and the proceedings will not be initiated.

14. RVN-01

Description: It is a notice sent before the revision order on appeals is passed.

How to Reply: Use form RVN-02 to send a reply and/or appear before the GST authority.

Time Limit: Respond within 7 days of the notice.

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: The case will be decided based on available records and the merits of the taxpayer.

15. Enquiry Notice by Directorate of Anti-Profiteering

Description: If a supplier fails to pass on ITC benefits, then information is sought from all parties involved.

How to Reply: Provide the required evidence and cooperate in the proceedings.

Time Limit: The time limit will be mentioned in the notice.

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: The proceedings will be initiated based on available evidence.

16. DRC-01

Description: This is issued to demand unpaid or short-paid tax.

How to Reply: Use the form DRC-03 and pay the tax amount demanded in the notice.

Time Limit: Respond within 30-60 days of the notice.

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: A higher penalty or prosecution order can be passed on the taxpayer.

17. DRC-10 and DRC-17

Description: Demand notice or recovery order under section 79(1)(b) where the order for demand will be given or the recovery will be made through an officer will be sent through the execution of the order.

How to Reply: Use form DRC-09 to pay the outstanding demand mentioned.

Time Limit: Respond within the time frame mentioned, which is usually 15 days after the notification.

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: It will be put up for sale or e-auction.

18. DRC-11

Description: This notice is issued to the successful bidder after the recovery of tax dues.

How to Reply: Pay the full bid amount as mentioned.

Time Limit: Pay within 15 days of the notice.

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: The tax officer will conduct a re-auction.

19. DRC-13

Description: This notice is issued for the recovery of outstanding tax from a third party.

How to Reply: Use form DRC-14 to pay the amount mentioned in the notice.

Time Limit: No time limit.

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: The taxpayer may be subject to prosecution or hefty penalties.

20. DRC-16

Description: This notice is sent to inform taxpayers about attachment and property or shares that may be sold to recover taxes that are due.

How to Reply: No transfer or charge of the products will be considered valid.

Time Limit: No time limit.

Actions Taken if You Fail to Reply: The taxpayer may be prosecuted or given penalties for contravention of the notice and orders issued.

How to Reply to GST Notice

Want to know how to respond to GST notice online? Follow the instructions mentioned below to learn how to reply for GST notice online:

STEP 1: Visit the Official GST Portal

Log in using your basic details and credentials. This includes details such as username and password. The next steps will explain how to reply notice in GST portal.

STEP 2: Find the Notice

After logging in, check the dashboard and click on the "View additional notices/orders" under the "Services" and "User Services" section. 

STEP 3: View Notices and Orders

Review the details mentioned in the notice after clicking the "Document" hyperlink. This will help you to download the notice.

STEP 4: Prepare Notice

Determine the type of notice you have received and prepare your letter reply for submission. Remember to attach the required documents to the notice in the form GST.

STEP 5: Submit Reply

Find the "reply" button in the "due date of reply" column. Ensure all details are accurate and submit them with your DSC(Digital Signature Certificate). 

If you need further assistance during the form submission, you can reach out to DSRV India, the top tax consultant in Gurgaon

Read More: Issue Related To Liaison Office Under FEMA, GST, And Income Tax

Conclusion

A GST notice is an official communication sent by the GST authorities. By knowing how to reply to GST notice online, you can navigate the complexities of GST registration with more ease and avoid the risk of non-compliance, which may lead to hefty penalties or prosecution.

Need Professional Guidance for GST Notice?

Our tax consultants will personally guide you through every step of the process. Get in touch with us today.

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