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.