An income tax notice lands in your inbox and the first instinct is panic. Most notices aren’t as serious as they feel, but ignoring one, or responding to it wrong, is what actually turns a routine query into a real problem. Here’s how to handle it properly.
First, Identify What Kind of Notice It Actually Is
Notices are issued under specific sections, and the section number tells you what you’re actually dealing with:
- Section 143(1) – an intimation, often just confirming your return was processed, sometimes flagging a minor mismatch. Usually the least serious.
- Section 139(9) – defective return notice, something in your filing needs correction before it’s accepted.
- Section 143(2) – your return has been picked up for scrutiny assessment. This one needs a proper, documented response.
- Section 148 – income escaping assessment, the department believes income wasn’t fully disclosed in a past year. Take this seriously and respond carefully.
- Section 245 – notice of adjustment, refund from one year being adjusted against demand from another.
Don’t Do These Things
- Don’t ignore it, even notices that look minor have response deadlines, and missing them removes options you’d otherwise have.
- Don’t respond without checking the underlying data first. Confirm what the department is actually seeing on their end (Form 26AS, AIS) before you reply.
- Don’t assume it means you did something wrong. A large share of notices are routine data mismatches, not accusations.
What to Do Instead
- Read the notice fully and note the section, deadline, and specific query being raised
- Log in to the income tax portal and check the notice details match what’s on file
- Pull your Form 26AS, AIS, and the original return you filed for that year
- Identify exactly where the mismatch or query originates before drafting a response
- Respond within the deadline, through the portal, with supporting documents attached
When to Get Professional Help
A Section 143(1) intimation with a small, explainable mismatch is often fine to handle yourself. Scrutiny notices under 143(2), reassessment notices under 148, or anything involving a demand you don’t understand are worth getting reviewed properly, the way you respond genuinely affects the outcome.
Got a Notice You’re Not Sure About?
Send it over and we’ll tell you plainly what it means and what it actually requires. Get in touch with our team before the response deadline, not after.
