Common Types of Income Tax Notices
| Section & Type | Purpose/Reason |
|---|---|
| 143(1) Intimation | After processing your return, informs about refund, demand, or final assessment |
| 143(2) Scrutiny | Detailed examination of your return; requests supporting documents and explanations |
| 148 Reassessment | Issued if income is believed to have escaped assessment, even after return processing |
| 156 Demand Notice | Specifies outstanding tax, penalty, or interest to be paid within the stipulated time |
| 139(9) Defective Return | Points out errors or omissions in the filed return, asking for correction |
| 142(1) Inquiry | Requests additional information or documents for assessment |
| 245 Adjustment | Intimates adjustment of refund against outstanding demand |
Step-by-Step Process for Income Tax Notice Resolution
1. Verify Authenticity of the Notice
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Check sender details, Document Identification Number (DIN), and official seals.
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Authenticate the notice on the income tax portal using the DIN.
2. Review Notice Details
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Confirm PAN, name, address, assessment year, and response deadline.
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Understand the section and reason for the notice.
3. Gather Required Documents
| Document Type | Description/Examples |
|---|---|
| Copy of Income Tax Notice | The notice received from the department |
| PAN Card & Aadhaar Card | Self-attested copies |
| Filed ITR & Acknowledgement | Copy of the original return and filing receipt |
| Form 16/16A, Salary Slips | TDS certificates, salary statements |
| Bank Statements | For the relevant financial year |
| Investment Proofs | Section 80C, 80D, 80G, etc. |
| Property/Asset Documents | If related to the notice |
| Business/Professional Records | Profit & loss, balance sheet, invoices |
| Supporting Explanations | Written clarification or cover letter |
| Other Relevant Documents | As specifically requested in the notice |
4. Draft and Submit Response
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Log in to the income tax e-filing portal.
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Go to the e-Proceedings or “Comply to Notice” section.
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Select the relevant notice and submit your response with supporting documents in PDF/XLS/CSV format (max 5MB per file, up to 10 files per submission).
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Clearly state whether you agree or disagree with the notice findings, and provide factual explanations.
5. Track and Retain Acknowledgements
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Download and save the response submission receipt and all correspondence.
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Monitor the status of your case on the portal for further updates or closure.
Income Tax Notice Response Checklist
| Step/Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Authenticate Notice | Verify DIN and sender details on the portal |
| Review Details | Check PAN, assessment year, and reason for notice |
| Gather Documents | Collect all required proofs and supporting documents |
| Draft Response | Prepare a clear, factual, and timely reply |
| Submit Online | Upload response and documents in the correct format |
| Acknowledge Receipt | Save submission and acknowledgement for records |
| Monitor Status | Track updates or further communication from the department |
| Seek Professional Help | Consult a tax expert if the notice is complex or unclear |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if I receive an income tax notice?
Read the notice carefully, verify its authenticity, check the response deadline, and gather all relevant documents before submitting a clear and timely response.
How do I respond to an income tax notice online?
Log in to the income tax e-filing portal, access the e-Proceedings or “Comply to Notice” section, select the notice, and submit your response with supporting documents.
What happens if I ignore a tax notice?
Ignoring a notice can lead to penalties, interest, reopening of your case, or even prosecution. Always respond within the specified time frame.
What documents are needed to respond to a tax notice?
You may need your PAN, Aadhaar, filed ITR, Form 16/16A, bank statements, investment proofs, and any other document specified in the notice.
Can I revise my return or seek rectification after receiving a notice?
Yes, you can file a revised return or rectification if you identify errors or omissions in your original filing, provided it is within the allowed time.
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