ITR
Checking whether a notice is genuine
Updated . Every paid answer is checked by a CA. Free AI answers are labelled until a CA verifies them.
Facts
Genuine notices carry a Document Identification Number and appear in your e-Filing account under e-Proceedings. The portal has a service to authenticate a notice or order issued by the department. Fake emails often ask you to click links or pay to a personal account.
Provisions and law
- Sec 142(1) (now Sec 268(1))Officer can call for a return, accounts, documents or information before making an assessment
- CBDT Circular 19/2019Communications from the department must carry a computer generated DIN
Analysis
Do not click links in the email. Log in to incometax.gov.in directly and check e-Proceedings. Use the authenticate notice service with the DIN or PAN and date. If it is not on the portal and the DIN does not verify, treat it as phishing and report it. Never share OTPs or pay to anyone except through e-Pay Tax.
Conclusion
- Log in directly to incometax.gov.in, not through the email link
- Check Pending Actions > e-Proceedings for the notice
- Verify the DIN with the authenticate notice service
- Report suspected phishing to the department's report phishing address listed on the portal
A Savvy can do this for you
Inquiry before assessment, Sec 142(1) (now 268(1))
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