GST notice response

Approach and deliverables

We distinguish a return scrutiny query, show-cause notice and demand order before choosing the next step. The review maps each allegation to invoices, return data, payment records and the legal issue it raises.

Support includes a reconciliation schedule, indexed evidence and a draft reply for client approval. Hearing preparation and attendance are expressly scoped, with authorised representation arranged where appropriate.

Create a transaction-level worklist for each issue raised, identifying the GST registration, tax period and return tables involved. Separate factual differences from questions requiring legal analysis so a corrected spreadsheet is not mistaken for a complete response to the notice.

Records for the case file

• Notice, annexures and service details
• Relevant returns and electronic ledgers
• Invoices, receipt or delivery evidence and reconciliations
• Previous replies and hearing correspondence

Use consistent invoice identifiers across the reconciliation and annexures. Keep original return downloads, adjustment records and evidence of receipt or delivery alongside the working file. Mark documents requested but not yet received, and avoid describing a transaction as supported solely because it appears in a ledger.

A practical example

An input-tax-credit mismatch may involve period differences or missing underlying evidence. The response should address both the data difference and the transaction records, not just repeat the ledger total.

For a credit difference spread across several months, show the source document, the period used in each data set and any adjustment already made. This lets the reviewer distinguish a timing explanation from a missing document or disputed eligibility question without concealing differences in a net total.

Engagement boundaries

A reply does not itself suspend payment or recovery obligations. Actual deadlines, authority jurisdiction and the applicable provisions must be checked from the case documents.

The proposal states the period, procedural stage, drafting and appearance work included. Share the deadline during intake; a public enquiry does not appoint a representative or extend any statutory time limit.

At handover, preserve the final reply, attachment index and actual filing acknowledgement together. Record hearing correspondence and subsequent requests separately, with an owner for each follow-up. Any demand, payment or recovery issue identified during the assignment needs its own recorded next action.