Answer

ITR

How to draft a reply to a 148A show cause

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  1. Facts

    A good reply covers time limit, jurisdiction and the merits of the transaction. It should show the income was reported, exempt, not yours, or below the threshold. Evidence should be attached for each point.

  2. Provisions and law

    • Sec 148A (now Sec 281)Before a Sec 148 notice, the officer must share the information, give a show cause notice and pass a reasoned order
    • Sec 149 (now Sec 282)Time limit: Sec 148A notice within 3 years from the end of the assessment year, up to 5 years only if escaped income is ₹50 lakh or more
    • Sec 147 (now Sec 279)If income chargeable to tax has escaped assessment, the officer may assess or reassess it
  3. Analysis

    Structure the reply as: facts, time limit, and then the transaction explained, for example 'the ₹18 lakh credit is a housing loan from SBI, disbursement letter attached'. Answer every item of information, and attach the return, computation, bank statements and third-party papers. Avoid admitting income you cannot calculate, and do not give new versions of facts later. The officer then decides under Sec 148A whether it is a fit case for a Sec 148 notice.

  4. Conclusion

    1. List each item of information in the notice.
    2. For each, write the explanation with a document.
    3. Add any time bar or approval objection at the start.
    4. Upload the reply with an index on e-Proceedings.

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Reassessment, Sec 148A / 148 (now 281 / 280)

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