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Published on:
March 21, 2023
By
Prudhvi Raj

Flow of Notices under GST

Notices under GST can be issued for various reasons, such as non-filing of returns, incorrect information provided in the returns, non-payment or short-payment of tax, etc. The flow of notices under GST typically follows these steps:

1. Intimation: The first step is an intimation, which is an informal communication to the taxpayer to provide some information or clarification. Intimation can be in the form of a letter, email, or SMS.

2. Notice: If the taxpayer does not comply with the intimation, a formal notice is issued by the tax department. The notice can be in the form of an email, letter, or even a text message, and it specifies the reason for the notice and the required action.

3. Show cause notice: If the taxpayer fails to comply with the notice, a show cause notice is issued. This notice requires the taxpayer to explain why he or she has not complied with the previous notice or tax requirements.

4. Adjudication: If the explanation provided by the taxpayer is not satisfactory, the tax department can proceed with adjudication. The adjudicating authority will examine the evidence and decide whether the taxpayer has committed a tax violation.

5. Demand notice: If the taxpayer is found to be in violation of GST regulations, a demand notice is issued. This notice specifies the amount of tax, interest, and penalty that the taxpayer must pay.

6. Recovery proceedings: If the taxpayer fails to pay the tax, interest, and penalty specified in the demand notice, the tax department can initiate recovery proceedings. This can include the seizure and sale of assets or the freezing of bank accounts.

It is important for taxpayers to respond to notices and comply with the requirements to avoid further complications and penalties.

What is Notice under GST

A notice under GST is a formal communication issued by the tax authorities to a registered person, requiring them to provide certain information or documentation, or to take certain actions in relation to their GST compliance. Notices can be issued for various reasons, including non-payment or short payment of tax, incorrect filing of returns, non-compliance with GST rules and regulations, or discrepancies in GST-related information reported by the registered person. It is important for a registered person to respond to a notice under GST within the stipulated time frame and provide the required information or take the necessary actions to avoid penalties and legal proceedings.

Most common reasons for GST Notices

Some of the most common reasons for GST notices include:

1. Non-filing of GST returns

2. Incorrect filing of GST returns

3. Discrepancies in input tax credit claims

4. Non-payment or short payment of GST liability

5. Failure to register under GST

6. Failure to obtain GST registration despite being liable to do so

7. Mismatch in GST returns and GST payments

8. Discrepancies in GST invoices and e-way bills

9. Non-compliance with GST audit requirements

10. Any other non-compliance with GST provisions or rules as identified by the tax authorities.

Flow of Notices under GST

Types of Notices under GST law

Under GST law, there are mainly four types of notices that can be issued to taxpayers:

1. Notice for registration: This notice is issued by the tax authorities if a person is liable to get registered under GST but has failed to do so.

2. Notice for filing of returns: This notice is issued to a registered person who has failed to file GST returns within the prescribed due dates.

3. Notice for assessment: This notice is issued by the tax authorities to initiate an assessment of the tax liability of a taxpayer.

4. Show cause notice: This notice is issued to a taxpayer by the tax authorities to explain any discrepancies or non-compliances found in their GST returns or other documents. It is a preliminary step before the tax authorities take any punitive action against the taxpayer.

Valid modes of sending GST Notices

As per the GST law, notices can be served through various modes, including:

1. By hand delivery: The notice can be served in person to the addressee or an authorized signatory.

2. Registered post or speed post: The notice can be sent by registered post or speed post to the addressee.

3. Courier: The notice can be sent through a courier service to the addressee.

4. E-mail: The notice can be sent to the addressee's e-mail address.

5. Message: The notice can be sent via SMS to the addressee's registered mobile number.

6. Common portal: The notice can also be served through the common portal, which is the online platform for GST compliance.

Reply to GST Notices & effects of not replying

When a taxpayer receives a notice under GST, it is important to reply to the notice within the specified timeline. A reply to a notice can be filed online through the GST portal or in person by visiting the GST department.

The reply should address the concerns mentioned in the notice and provide all relevant information and supporting documents to the GST officer. The taxpayer should also make sure to provide accurate information in the reply, as providing false information or withholding information can lead to penalties and legal consequences.

If a taxpayer does not reply to a GST notice within the specified timeline, the GST officer can proceed with the assessment based on the available information and impose penalties for non-compliance. In some cases, failure to reply to a notice can also result in the cancellation of the taxpayer's GST registration or suspension of their input tax credit.

It is therefore important for taxpayers to respond to GST notices in a timely and appropriate manner to avoid any adverse consequences.

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