ITR
Check if a defective notice email is genuine
Updated . Every paid answer is checked by a CA. Free AI answers are labelled until a CA verifies them.
Facts
Genuine notices are also visible after you log in to the e-Filing portal under e-Proceedings, and communications carry a Document Identification Number that you can check on the portal. The department does not ask you to pay through links in emails or messages.
Provisions and law
- Sec 139(9), Income-tax Act 1961 (now Sec 263(7), Income-tax Act 2025)The Assessing Officer can treat a return as defective, give 15 days (or more on request) to fix it, and treat it as invalid if not fixed.
- e-Filing portal, Authenticate notice or order issued by ITDLets anyone verify the DIN of a notice or order on the portal.
Analysis
Do not click links in the email. Log in to the portal directly by typing the address and check whether the same notice appears under e-Proceedings. Use the authenticate notice option to check the DIN. If nothing matches, treat it as phishing, do not share OTPs or bank details, and report it.
Conclusion
- Do not click any link or attachment in the message.
- Log in to incometax.gov.in yourself and check e-Proceedings.
- Verify the DIN using the authenticate notice service.
- If fake, report the email and change your portal password if you shared anything.
Never share your OTP or portal password with anyone who calls or emails about a notice.
A Savvy can do this for you
Defective return, Sec 139(9) (now 263(7))
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