Income tax notice · 156

Notice of demand

A formal demand for tax, interest or penalty, issued with an assessment or penalty order. If unpaid and not stayed, recovery can start.

Income tax · 156

Notice of demand

Needs a reply

A formal demand for tax, interest or penalty, issued with an assessment or penalty order. If unpaid and not stayed, recovery can start.

Time to respond
30 days
What to do
Pay, or appeal and apply for a stay of demand
Professional reply
from₹3,699incl. GST

The date printed on your notice always wins over the usual period shown here. Law: Income-tax Act, 1961.

Or upload it: we'll explain it freeUpload the PDF. You get what it means, what they want and the deadline as printed, in plain words.

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Section 156 is numbered under the Income-tax Act, 1961, which governs returns up to FY 2025-26. A notice for tax year 2026-27 onwards, under the Income-tax Act, 2025, carries a new section number. Your professional maps it for you.

Questions about 156

What is a 156 notice?

Notice of demand. A formal demand for tax, interest or penalty, issued with an assessment or penalty order. If unpaid and not stayed, recovery can start.

How long do I have to reply to 156?

30 days. The date printed on your notice always takes priority.

What should I do about 156?

Pay, or appeal and apply for a stay of demand. A professional reply through Claw starts at ₹3,699 including GST, or ₹2,999 when you book online after verifying your mobile.

Other Income tax notices