A GST notice is alarming the first time. The difference between a notice that stays a notice and one that escalates into a demand is almost always the quality and timeliness of the reply.
With increasing data analytics and automated return matching, notices are becoming common due to mismatches between GST returns, e-invoices, e-way bills, and Income Tax records. This guide covers how to check GST notices and reply online.
Looking for expert help with GST notice reply online, GST portal view notices, GST notice types, reply to GST notice, ASMT-10 notice, DRC-01 notice? The team at Tax Garden, based in Kondapur, Hyderabad, helps Indian SMEs stay compliant. End-to-end filings, notices, and deadline tracking, all in one place.
What is a GST Notice?
A GST notice is formal communication from the GST department requiring a registered taxpayer to furnish information, explain discrepancies, or submit documents.
It is not a finding of guilt; it is the department giving you a chance to clarify your position before any penalty or demand is finalized.
Common Reasons for GST Notices
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Return Mismatches | Differences between GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and e-way bill data (DRC-01B and DRC-01C replies) |
| ITC Discrepancies | Claiming more credit than supporting invoices justify |
| Late or Non-Filing | Missing periodic return deadlines |
| Export Mismatches | Shipping bill details not in GSTR-1 |
| Registration Issues | Incomplete documentation during registration |
| Turnover Mismatch | Difference between GST turnover and Income Tax records |
Common GST Notice Types and Reply Forms
Different notices require specific reply forms within specific timeframes.
| Notice Received | Issued For | Reply Form | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| REG-03 | Registration clarification | REG-04 | 7 working days |
| REG-17 | Show-cause for cancellation | REG-18 | 7 working days |
| ASMT-10 | Return scrutiny | ASMT-11 | 30 days |
| DRC-01 | Tax demand notice | DRC-06 | 30 days |
| RFD-08 | Proposed refund rejection | RFD-09 | 15 days |
Using the wrong reply form can be treated as no response at all.
2026 Update: Section 74A Consolidation
Notices under old Sections 73 and 74 no longer issue for FY 2024-25 onward. Both are consolidated into Section 74A, which now governs all GST demand notices.
How to Check GST Notices on the Portal
Step-by-Step Process
- Log in at gst.gov.in with your username and password.
- Go to Services → User Services → View Notices and Orders and review every item listed.
- Then open Services → User Services → View Additional Notices/Orders. DRC-01, ASMT-10 and many other officer notices appear only here.
- Open each notice, download the PDF and any annexures, and note the form number, reference number, date of issue and reply due date.
- For DRC-01B and DRC-01C, also check Services → Returns → Return Compliance.
Critical: Notices May Not Trigger Email Alerts
ASMT-10 notices may not generate email alerts. Log in to your GST portal account and check both View Notices and Orders and View Additional Notices/Orders at least monthly. Notices can lapse unnoticed if you rely only on email.
How to Reply to a GST Notice Online
Step-by-Step Filing Process
- Open the notice from the same page where you found it (View Notices and Orders, or View Additional Notices/Orders).
- Click Reply (for additional notices, open the case folder and go to the Replies tab).
- Choose the correct reply form (for example REG-04, REG-18, ASMT-11 or DRC-06) and fill in your reply.
- Upload supporting documents, such as reconciliations, invoices and payment proofs, within the portal's file size limits.
- If you are paying any admitted amount, pay it first through DRC-03 and quote the ARN in the reply.
- Submit with DSC or EVC and download the acknowledgement.
Reply Tips by Notice Type
For REG-03 Registration Clarification:
- Reply using Form GST REG-04 within 7 working days
- Address each query with supporting documents
- If you do not reply in time, or the reply is not satisfactory, the officer can reject the application by an order in Form GST REG-05
For REG-17 Cancellation Show-Cause:
- Reply using Form GST REG-18 within 7 working days
- If a cancellation order issues (REG-19), apply for revocation in Form GST REG-21 within 90 days of the order (extendable by up to 180 days on sufficient cause)
For ASMT-10 Scrutiny Notice:
- Reply using Form ASMT-11 within 30 days
- Prepare reconciliation statements: GSTR-1 vs GSTR-3B vs books vs GSTR-2B
- If you agree, pay admitted tax with interest under Section 50 (18% per annum)
For DRC-01 Demand Notice:
- Reply using Form DRC-06 within 30 days
- If you accept, pay tax with interest and file DRC-03 challan details
- If you disagree, provide detailed explanation with supporting documents
GST Notice Reply Structure
A strong reply follows this format:
[Your Business Letterhead]
[Business Name & GSTIN]
[Registered Address]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
To,
The Proper Officer,
[GST Jurisdiction]
Subject: Reply to GST Notice [Type] No. [Reference Number] dated [Date] - GSTIN: [Your GSTIN]
Dear Sir/Madam,
This is with reference to your notice in Form [Notice Form] dated [Date] (Notice Ref. [ARN/DIN]), received on [Date].
**Acknowledgment**
We acknowledge receipt of your notice regarding [brief description].
**Point-Wise Response**
Issue 1: [Copy issue from notice]
Explanation: [Detailed explanation with facts]
Supporting Documents: [List documents]
Issue 2: [Copy issue from notice]
Explanation: [Detailed explanation]
Supporting Documents: [List documents]
**Reconciliation**
[Reconciliation statement showing correct position]
**Conclusion**
We respectfully submit that our explanations and supporting documents address the issues raised. We request you to consider our submission and drop the proceedings.
Yours sincerely,
[Signature]
[Authorised Signatory Name]
[Contact Number]
What If You Miss the Deadline?
| Notice Type | Consequence |
|---|---|
| REG-03 | Application can be rejected by an order in Form GST REG-05 |
| REG-17 | Registration can be cancelled by an order in Form GST REG-19 |
| ASMT-10 | Proceedings under Section 73 or 74 (Section 74A from FY 2024-25) |
| DRC-01 | Order can be passed on the material available; unpaid demand is recoverable under Section 79 |
The 30-day window is not a soft guideline; it is the most critical deadline in GST compliance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the notice: Leads to penalties, interest, and legal action
- Missing the deadline: Lets the officer reject, cancel or confirm the demand without your side of the story
- Incomplete or vague reply: Every point must be addressed with specific facts
- Not reconciling records: Compare allegations with your actual books
- Uploading irrelevant documents: Only attach documents addressing the notice
- Not verifying the DIN: Genuine notices have a Document Identification Number on GSTN dashboard
- Filing the wrong reply form: Wrong form equals no response
- Not paying admitted liability: Pay admitted tax with interest under Section 50 immediately
Where Tax Garden Helps
Tax Garden's GST experts help you:
- Check all GST notices on the portal
- Identify the correct notice type and reply form
- Draft point-by-point replies addressing every issue
- Prepare reconciliation statements and supporting documents
- File the reply before the deadline
- Respond to follow-up queries from the officer
- Appeal adverse orders if required
Looking for expert help with GST notice reply online, GST portal view notices, GST notice types, reply to GST notice, ASMT-10 notice, DRC-01 notice? The team at Tax Garden, based in Kondapur, Hyderabad, helps Indian SMEs stay compliant. End-to-end filings, notices, and deadline tracking, all in one place.
Sources: CGST Act 2017 Sections 29, 30, 61, 73, 74, 74A and 79; CGST Rules 2017 Rules 9, 22, 23, 92 and 99; GST portal (gst.gov.in). Verify current procedures, deadlines, and forms on gst.gov.in before acting. This article is general information on GST notice reply and not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly do I find GST notices on the portal?
Log in to gst.gov.in and check both Services, then User Services, then View Notices and Orders, and the separate View Additional Notices/Orders page. Many notices, including DRC-01 show cause notices and scrutiny notices, appear only in Additional Notices/Orders, so checking just the first page can make you miss them.
What happens if I do not reply to a REG-17 cancellation notice?
If you do not reply in REG-18 within 7 working days, or your reply is not accepted, the officer can cancel your registration by an order in Form REG-19. Once cancelled, you cannot issue tax invoices or collect GST, and your customers lose ITC on any invoice you issue after the cancellation date.
How long do I have to apply for revocation of a cancelled GST registration?
An application for revocation in Form REG-21 must be filed within 90 days of the cancellation order, and this can be extended by up to 180 more days on sufficient cause. Before applying, file all pending returns and pay the tax, interest and late fees due up to the date of cancellation.
How do I reply to a notice proposing rejection of my GST refund?
A notice proposing rejection of a refund claim is issued in Form RFD-08. Reply in Form RFD-09 within 15 days of receiving it, answering each ground and attaching the missing documents. If the refund is then rejected by an order in RFD-06, you can file an appeal in APL-01 within three months.
How can I check whether a GST notice is genuine?
A genuine notice appears in your account on the GST portal. Notices from central tax officers also carry a Document Identification Number that you can verify on the CBIC website. Be cautious of emails or calls asking for payment through links or bank transfers, since GST is paid only through challans generated on the portal.
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