GST Notice Reply & Litigation Support
Drafting replies to departmental notices, compiling records and representation where required.
Governed by the period stated in the notice — usually 7 to 30 days, so early contact matters
A GST notice is not in itself an allegation of wrongdoing. Most arise from a difference the system has flagged — credit claimed that does not match GSTR-2B, a return not filed, turnover reported inconsistently between returns. What matters is answering within the time allowed, with the records that support your position.
Our advocate handles drafting and representation, working with the accounting side of the practice to compile the underlying records.
Respond within the period stated
Every notice specifies a period for response. Allowing it to pass does not make the matter go away; it typically results in an order being passed on the information the department already holds, which is harder and more expensive to contest afterwards than to answer in the first place.
If the period is short and the records are extensive, an extension can often be sought — but that too has to be done within the original period.
What a reply involves
We read the notice to establish precisely what is being asked and under which provision, reconstruct the position from your records, and draft a reply that answers the specific point with the supporting documents annexed.
Where the department's position is correct, we will say so and advise on regularising the position, which is usually less costly than contesting it.
Who needs this
- Businesses that have received a notice, intimation or summons under GST
- Businesses facing a mismatch between GSTR-3B and GSTR-2B or GSTR-1
- Registrations proposed for cancellation by the department
- Businesses selected for departmental audit or scrutiny
Eligibility and conditions
- A notice, intimation or order issued by the department
- Access to the records for the period concerned
- Authorisation for us to appear, where representation is required
What this covers
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Notice reviewed
What is being asked, under which provision, and what the exposure is.
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Records compiled
The supporting documents assembled and cross-checked.
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Reply drafted and filed
A reply that addresses the specific point raised.
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Representation
Appearance before the authority where the matter requires it.
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Position regularised
Where the department is right, advice on settling it.
How the process works
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Send us the notice
Along with the registration details and period concerned.
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Review
The provision, the period allowed and what is actually being asked.
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Reconstruct the position
Records for the period compiled and reconciled.
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Draft and confirm
The reply drafted and reviewed with you.
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File and follow through
Reply filed, with representation if required.
Documents required
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The notice itself
Complete, with all annexures.
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Returns for the period
GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B as filed.
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Purchase and sales registers
For the period under question.
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Invoices in dispute
Where specific transactions are queried.
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Bank statements
Where payments are to be evidenced.
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Prior correspondence
Any earlier replies or orders in the same matter.
The list above is indicative. Additional documents may be required depending on your case and the current departmental requirements.
Frequently asked questions
I have received a GST notice. What should I do first?
Note the date of the notice and the period it allows for a response — that period runs from the date of the notice, not from when you read it. Then send us the complete notice, including annexures, along with your registration details.
Most notices arise from a difference the system has flagged rather than from an allegation of wrongdoing, and are resolved by a reply with the supporting records. Allowing the period to lapse is what turns a manageable query into a costly one.
Articles on this topic
Received a GST notice?
Send us the notice and the period it relates to, and we will explain what is being asked and what the reply involves.