Meesho

India’s fast-growing social commerce platform Meesho is facing heightened regulatory scrutiny after receiving an income tax notice demanding approximately Rs. 1,500 crore. The notice reportedly follows a tax assessment concerning the company’s financial filings and operational transactions from previous fiscal years. While the firm is reviewing the claim and evaluating its legal options, the development underscores the increasingly vigilant stance of tax authorities toward venture-backed technology companies.

Indian e-commerce platform Meesho has received a significant income tax demand notice amounting to nearly Rs. 1,500 crore for the assessment year 2023–24. The notice, issued by the tax authorities, includes both the principal tax amount and applicable interest arising from adjustments made to the company’s reported income. In response, Meesho has indicated that it disagrees with the assessment and intends to contest the order through legal channels.

Meesho, the Bengaluru-based e-commerce startup backed by Japanese investment giant SoftBank, has initiated a confidential filing with India’s Securities and Exchange Board (SEBI) for an initial public offering (IPO). The company, known for its asset-light, social commerce model, intends to raise at least Rs. 4,250 crore through the offering. By leveraging SEBI’s pre-filing confidentiality provision, Meesho aims to maintain strategic discretion while navigating fluctuating market conditions.