Verify the notice through the official portal
Check the communication, reference or document identification details using the official Income Tax or GST account and record how it was served. Be cautious with payment links, attachments and phone numbers in unsolicited messages.
Record the issue, period and deadline
Identify the assessment or tax period, provision or proceeding stated, amount involved, information requested and response date. Keep the complete notice and attachments rather than working from a screenshot of the first page.
Reconcile the filed data and source records
Gather returns, computations, invoices, ledgers, bank records, withholding information and earlier replies. Reconcile differences and prepare an indexed explanation so the response can be traced to evidence.
Coordinate legal and accounting advice
Some issues are primarily factual or computational; others concern interpretation, procedure, evidence or appeal. A tax lawyer and accountant may need to coordinate, with the engagement clearly stating who prepares and submits each part.
Submit and preserve the acknowledgement
Use the authorised portal or procedure, review every uploaded document and save the submission acknowledgement. Track later communications and orders; an appeal or rectification can have a separate deadline.
Key takeaways
- Verify the notice on the official system
- Record the response deadline
- Reconcile returns with source records
- Coordinate tax and legal review
- Save every submission acknowledgement
Official sources
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws, procedures and deadlines vary by location and circumstances. Sources and procedures should be checked for later updates.
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