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Types of GST Notices

A plain-language guide to every major type of GST notice — what it means and what you need to do.

Return-Related Notices

Form / SectionWhat It IsAction Required
ASMT-10
(Sec 61)
Scrutiny of filed returns. Issued when the officer finds discrepancies between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B, ITC mismatches, or inconsistencies with third-party data. File a reconciliation and explanation within 15–30 days. If you accept the discrepancy, pay the differential tax.
REG-03 Notice issued during GST registration application when the officer wants additional documents or clarification. Respond within 7 working days with the requested documents via the GST portal.
REG-17 Show Cause Notice for cancellation of GST registration. Issued when there is reason to believe the registration was obtained fraudulently, or the taxpayer has not filed returns for 6+ consecutive months. File a reply within 7 working days explaining why registration should not be cancelled.

Demand and Recovery Notices

Form / SectionWhat It IsAction Required
DRC-01A
(Rule 142(1A))
Pre-SCN intimation. Issued before a formal show cause notice to give the taxpayer a chance to pay voluntarily and avoid the SCN process entirely. Pay the tax, interest (and reduced penalty if applicable) within the period indicated. File DRC-03 as payment proof.
DRC-01
(Sec 73/74)
Summary of Show Cause Notice. Formal notice demanding explanation for unpaid/short-paid tax. Section 73 = non-fraud cases; Section 74 = fraud alleged. File Form DRC-06 within 30 days. Pay tax + interest before the order is passed to reduce or eliminate penalty.
DRC-07 Summary of Order. Issued after the adjudicating officer passes an order determining the tax, interest, and penalty payable. Pay within 3 months, or file an appeal before the GST Appellate Authority within 3 months of the order.
DRC-09 Notice to a third party (bank, debtor) for recovery of tax dues from a taxpayer. Issued when the taxpayer has not paid after an order (DRC-07). If you are the taxpayer, pay immediately to prevent third-party recovery action. If you are the third party, comply or contest.
DRC-10 Notice of auction of taxpayer's goods or property for recovery of outstanding dues. Pay the outstanding dues immediately to prevent the auction. Engage a CA or advocate urgently.

Inspection, Search and Seizure

Form / SectionWhat It IsAction Required
INS-01
(Sec 67)
Authorisation for inspection of any place of business to verify records, stocks, and documents. Cooperate with the inspection. Do not obstruct. Maintain a written record of everything removed or examined.
MOV-06
(E-way bill)
Notice issued during detention of goods in transit for a discrepancy in the e-way bill or accompanying documents. Respond within 7 days or the goods may be liable to confiscation.

Refund Notices

Form / SectionWhat It IsAction Required
RFD-08 Notice to Show Cause why the refund claim should not be rejected. Issued when the officer finds grounds to reject or partially reduce a filed refund application. File a reply within 15 days explaining why the refund should be allowed, with supporting documents.

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