A contract note is a legally mandated document issued by a registered stockbroker following the execution of a trade on your behalf. It serves as a confirmation of the transactions carried out on a particular trading day and outlines essential trade details such as order type, quantity, price, and applicable charges. In India, stockbrokers registered with SEBI must issue a contract note for every executed trade, whether for equities, commodities, or derivatives. Understanding what is contract note helps ensure transparency and accountability in your trading activities. As a trader or investor, you should always verify the accuracy of each note received.
How do contract notes work?
Once you place an order through your broker, the execution details are recorded in the exchange’s system. After the trade is executed, a contract note is generated and shared by the broker. Understanding how contract notes work helps you keep track of your trades, fees, and compliance-related requirements.
Trade execution
When your buy or sell order is executed on the stock exchange, the details are logged and matched by the broker's system against your demat and trading account.
Contract note generation
The broker generates the contract note based on trade execution, usually by the end of the trading day. It reflects individual trades with time, price, and quantity.
Inclusion of transaction details
The contract note includes order number, trade ID, security name, quantity, rate, brokerage charges, service tax, STT, stamp duty, and net payable/receivable.
Digital or physical issuance
Most brokers issue digital contract notes over email in PDF format, but physical copies are available upon request, as per SEBI guidelines.
Verification and record-keeping
You must verify the contents for accuracy and maintain the contract note for reference, audits, or in case of disputes or clarifications.
Importance of a contract note in trading
Understanding what a contract note is and its purpose is essential for every investor and trader. A contract note provides official confirmation of your executed trades and the associated charges, ensuring that all transactions are documented transparently. It acts as a safeguard against discrepancies by serving as a verifiable summary of your trading activity on a particular date. For Indian traders, contract notes are especially important as they help in reconciling trades with demat and bank accounts.
You can also use contract notes for tax filing purposes, as they detail the buy/sell prices and costs that impact capital gains calculations. In cases of dispute with your broker, a contract note becomes critical legal evidence. It also promotes regulatory compliance, as brokers are obligated by SEBI to issue them promptly and in a standardised format. Retaining your contract notes ensures a complete audit trail and helps with future financial planning and documentation.
What is contract note in stock market
In the Indian stock market, a contract note is more than a record; it is an obligation under SEBI rules. Whether you are trading equity shares, futures, or options, understanding what is contract note helps you ensure every transaction is accurately recorded and legally acknowledged by your broker.
SEBI-mandated documentation
Every SEBI-registered broker must issue a contract note after each successful trade, outlining trade specifics, cost breakdown, and settlement terms.
Legal proof of trade
The contract note acts as legal proof of the transaction. It can be presented in case of disputes or inquiries from regulatory bodies or tax authorities.
Charge breakdown
It gives a detailed view of all charges—brokerage, GST, exchange transaction charges, STT, and stamp duty—helping you track actual costs.
Timestamped trade history
Every trade listed on the contract note is timestamped, confirming when and how the order was processed.
Daily trading record
You receive one contract note per trading day that lists all the trades executed across different securities or instruments.
Legal significance of contract notes
Contract notes carry legal weight under Indian securities law. SEBI mandates that brokers issue them in a specified format that complies with regulatory and legal standards. These documents serve as proof of execution, making them vital for resolving trade disputes, verifying records, and fulfilling tax obligations.
You can rely on a contract note to validate each buy or sell action, especially when reviewing capital gains or settling misunderstandings with your broker. Their issuance also ensures accountability from the broker's side, reducing risks of unauthorised trades. In legal proceedings, a contract note can be submitted as evidence, offering protection to investors. The timestamp, order ID, and broker seal make them admissible as legal documents. Keeping these records in order not only helps with portfolio tracking but also ensures you meet compliance and regulatory requirements over time.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even though a contract note is issued by the broker, many investors make avoidable errors when reviewing or storing them. Understanding what is a contract note and avoiding the following mistakes ensures that your trading records remain accurate and legally valid.
Ignoring daily emails
Some traders overlook or delete contract notes sent via email, missing key errors or unauthorised transactions.
Not verifying charges
Failing to check brokerage, taxes, and hidden fees listed in the note can lead to unnoticed deductions from your trading account.
Mismatching trades
Not matching the trades in your demat account or trading statement with your contract note may result in confusion or incorrect reporting.
Incomplete storage
Not saving or backing up your contract notes, especially during audits or tax filing, could lead to compliance issues.
Misunderstanding abbreviations
Not understanding the terms and codes used in the note can lead to misinterpretation of trade details.
Conclusion
A contract note plays an essential role in documenting and verifying your transactions in the stock market. Whether you are a seasoned investor or just starting out, knowing what is contract note helps you stay organised, compliant, and informed. It offers a detailed summary of every executed trade, including prices, quantities, and costs, making it a key part of your trading records.
You should make a habit of checking your contract notes regularly. This ensures that your broker has executed orders correctly and that all charges applied are as expected. In cases where you find discrepancies or unauthorised transactions, the contract note serves as a reliable reference for communication or complaint resolution. These documents are particularly important during tax filing seasons or while undergoing portfolio reviews.
Since contract notes are legal documents, storing them securely—either digitally or in printed form—is important. It is equally crucial to understand the terminologies used and verify that your PAN, client ID, and trade details are accurate. By following these practices, you maintain a trustworthy and transparent trading process while safeguarding your financial interests.