What a good reply does
Most notices ask for something specific: an explanation of a mismatch, documents supporting a claim, or reasons why a proposed action shouldn't be taken. A good reply answers exactly that, in order, with evidence — no more and no less. It doesn't volunteer unrelated information, and it doesn't ignore any point raised.
The detailed pages for the two most common kinds are GST notice replies and income tax notice replies.
Notices we commonly handle
| Authority | Typical notices |
|---|---|
| GST | Scrutiny of returns, mismatches between returns, show cause notices, demand orders |
| Income tax | Defective return, adjustment on processing, scrutiny, reassessment, demands |
| Registrar of Companies / MCA | Non-filing or late filing, inspection and inquiry, adjudication of penalties |
| EPFO and ESIC | Non-payment or late payment, coverage disputes, damages and interest |
What we need
- The notice itself, with all annexures, and how it was received.
- Returns, accounts and filings for the period in question.
- Supporting documents for the points raised — invoices, agreements, bank statements.
- Any earlier correspondence on the same matter.
How we handle it
Verify and diarise
Confirm the notice is genuine and note the deadline and the section it's issued under.
Analyse
Work out exactly what is being asked, and what the records show.
Draft
A point-by-point reply with documents indexed and cross-referenced.
File and follow up
Filed on the portal or in person, with acknowledgement kept; hearings attended where fixed.
Practical notes from our engagements
- Notices seen late. Most notices are sent by email and to the portal. Unmonitored inboxes are the most common reason for missed deadlines.
- Replying without the working. An explanation without the reconciliation behind it rarely closes a query.
- Accepting a demand to save time. Sometimes right, often not. Check the basis before paying.
Our scope
We draft replies and appear before tax and company-law authorities within the scope of our practice as Chartered Accountants. Where a matter moves to a court, we work with the client's advocate.
How we handle notice replies
We read the notice first for what it actually asks, gather the evidence, and draft a reply that answers every point, on time. If a hearing is fixed, we attend it.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
How do I know a tax notice is genuine?
Income tax notices carry a Document Identification Number that can be verified on the e-filing portal, and GST notices appear on the GST portal. We check before replying.
What if I can't reply by the deadline?
Ask for an extension before the deadline, where the notice or law allows. Letting it pass can lead to an order without your side being heard.
Can you attend hearings on my behalf?
Yes, before tax and company-law authorities within the scope of our practice, with your authorisation.
Do you handle notices from EPFO or ESIC?
Yes, replies on contribution and compliance matters, alongside our payroll work.
Should I just pay the demand?
Not before checking its basis. Many demands arise from mismatches that can be explained.