I-T returns: Want to verify if your Income-Tax notice is authentic? Here's a stepwise guide for how to do so

Filing your income-tax returns (ITR) has become more accessible in the past few years, with the full process available online via the Income-Tax (I-T) website. Yet, first-time taxpayers often find the process confusing.

An I-T notice is a formal communication from the Income Tax Department (ITD) sent to a taxpayer for various reasons. Receiving one does not always mean you are at fault; it may simply indicate an error in your filing. Notices can be issued both before and after you file returns.

Types of tax notices

Income-tax notices are usually sent to your registered email address. The section mentioned in the email highlights the area of concern. Respond promptly to income tax notices to avoid penalties.

• Inquiry before assessment is under Section 142(1) of the I-T Act
• Intimation letter is sent under Section 143(1) of the ITA
• Notice for scrutiny of assessment is received under Section 143(2) of the ITA
• Notice for escaping assessment is sent under Section 148 of the ITA
• Demand notice is sent under Section 245 of the ITA

How to verify authenticity

Always check the authenticity of a notice before responding. Use the authentication feature on the I-T e-filing portal.

Keep your PAN Card, tax documents, Document Identification Number (DIN), and phone handy to properly authenticate the notice.

Step-by-step guide to authenticate your I-T notice

• Visit the income tax e-filing portal: https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/
• Scroll down to the Quick Links section on the left side of the page and click ‘Authenticate notice/order issued by ITD2’.
• Enter your DIN and mobile number to authenticate. You can also authenticate using your PAN, document type, assessment year and issue date.

• Once you fill in the details, an OTP will be sent to your mobile number, which you can use to receive a success message confirming if the income tax notice is real.
• If the notice is genuine, you will see a success message. If not, the portal will display ‘No record found’.

Common reasons for I-T notice

• Non-filing of ITR, use of incorrect ITR form when filing your returns, misreported or incorrect TDS amount in ITR, inaccuracies in your ITR, and random assessment of ITR filing by an officer.

• Failure to declare any income during the fiscal / assessment year in ITR, oversight in submission of relevant papers with ITR, non-disclosure or misreporting of capital gains during the fiscal / assessment year in ITR.
• Failure to correctly report investments for self, spouse or children, non-disclosure of high-value transactions during the fiscal / assessment year in ITR.

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