Money & banking
I got an income tax or GST notice, or my refund is stuck
Most tax notices just ask for an explanation. What matters is replying on the portal before the deadline — silence leads to an order against you.
Answer a few questions and get your list →What the law says
The Income-tax Act, 2025 replaced the 1961 Act from 1 April 2026; notices for earlier years may still be under the 1961 Act. Under the new Act, reassessment notices are issued under Sections 280–281 (earlier 148/148A), and scrutiny follows a notice served within set time limits. All notices carry a DIN and can be seen and answered on the e-filing portal (e-Proceedings). For GST, demands for FY 2024-25 onwards are under Section 74A of the CGST Act (earlier Sections 73/74), and paying within 60 days of the notice reduces the penalty.
General information, not legal advice.
Papers that usually help
- The notice with its DIN, section and year
Check it is genuine (DIN) and which law applies. - Your return for that year and its acknowledgement
The notice compares against it. - AIS / Form 26AS (income tax) or GSTR-1, 3B, 2B (GST)
Most notices come from mismatches. - Proof for the items questioned (bank statements, bills, sale deeds, invoices)
Replies need documents, not just words. - Refund status and bank account validation on the portal
Unvalidated accounts are the most common cause. - Earlier notices, replies and orders for the same year
Repeat questions or time limits may help you. - Reply online before the deadline (or ask for more time on the portal)
Silence leads to an ex parte order.
Questions Saboot will ask you
- Which tax?
- What does the notice say?
- When is the reply due?
- Do you have a CA or tax adviser?
Sources
- Income Tax e-filing portal
- GST portal
- Income-tax Act, 2025 (in force from 1 Apr 2026)
Common situations
- Got an income tax notice asking me to explain
- Income tax demand I don’t agree with
- Old income tax case reopened
- Income tax refund not received
- GST notice for my small business
- GST registration cancelled
- Tax notice deadline has passed
- Notice about high-value cash deposit
- Someone used my PAN for transactions I don’t know
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