What happens in a GST audit by the department?

Short answerIn a departmental audit (Section 65), the officer issues an ADT-01 notice, examines your records, returns and reconciliations, and concludes with findings in ADT-02. If discrepancies are found, a demand may follow. It should be completed within a set period (generally three months, extendable). Good reconciliations are your strongest defence.

How it begins

A departmental audit under Section 65 starts with an ADT-01 notice giving you advance intimation and a list of records sought — returns, invoices, ledgers, ITC reconciliations and financial statements. The officer (or a team) then examines them, at your premises or remotely.

What they check and conclude

The focus is usually output tax vs returns, ITC vs GSTR-2B, reversals, RCM, and classification. Findings are issued in ADT-02; where tax is found short, a demand (DRC-01) can follow. The audit should be completed within a set period. Confirm the current timelines.

How to handle it — an example

Example: on an ADT-01, a business presents tidy monthly reconciliations of GSTR-1/3B/2B, its RCM register and ITC workings — the audit closes with minor or no adjustments. A business with messy records, by contrast, faces estimates and a demand. Preparing the reconciliations before trouble, not during, is what makes an audit smooth. Our team can audit-proof your GST records and represent you.

Talk to CA Vijay R Singh

Facing a GST audit and want to be ready? You can message him directly, or book a short call to talk through your situation.

This answer is general information for businesses, not tax advice. Tax rates, thresholds and forms change with each Finance Act — please confirm the current position for your own facts, or speak to us, before acting.

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