Reason Why People Are Receiving Frequent Income Tax Notices

The reason behind the income tax notice is simple: the government wants better tax compliance without raising tax rates. For the Assessment Year (AY) 2026, about 1.65 lakh cases have been flagged for detailed checking. This number is almost three to four times higher than usual. Out of these, over one lakh taxpayers have already received notices under Section 143(2) of the Income Tax Act.

This section allows the department to recheck income tax returns if it finds mistakes or signs of risk.

Tools Used by the Income Tax Department

• Annual Information Statement (AIS)

The AIS gives a full summary of a taxpayer’s financial activities for the year. It collects data from banks, employers, and other financial institutions to make tax filing easier and more transparent.

• Data Sharing Between Agencies

The department tracks all PAN-linked transactions across banks, brokerages, and registrars.

• Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS)

The TIS organizes a person’s financial data. It shows both system-generated figures (calculated automatically) and figures confirmed by the taxpayer. These confirmed values are later used to pre-fill the income tax return.

Types of Income Tax Notices

Following are various types of income tax notices–

Section 142(1): Inquiry Before Assessment

This notice is sent to request specific details, such as:

• Copies of account books or documents
• Statements of assets and liabilities

If a person hasn’t filed their return, they may be told to do so. Even if they have filed, they might still need to provide extra details.

Response Time: The taxpayer must reply or file the return within the time mentioned in the notice.

Section 143(1): Intimation After Filing

This is not really a notice but an intimation. It’s sent after the return is filed. It points out simple mistakes like:

• Calculation mistakes
• Wrong/incorrect claims
• Deductions not allowed under law
• Missing adjustments for disallowed expenses

Response Time: The taxpayer must reply within 30 days. If not, the officer may move forward and apply penalties as specified in Section 139(1) or even start prosecution.

Section 143(2): Scrutiny Assessment

This notice is sent when the officer needs more details or isn’t satisfied with the information provided. It typically asks for clarification about income, deductions, or exemptions.

Response Time: The taxpayer must respond within the deadline mentioned in the notice.

Section 148: Income Escaping Assessment

If the assessing officer later finds that some income wasn’t reported, they can reopen the return and reassess the income for that financial year.

Response Time: The taxpayer must file a return within three months from the end of the month when the notice was issued. If they fail to do so, the officer can make a Best Judgment Assessment under Section 144.

Time extensions may be requested from the CBDT or the Assessing Officer.

Always Check for Notices

Taxpayers must regularly check their email, SMS alerts, and the Income Tax e-filing portal, especially during tax season. However, if they ignore to do so, it can lead to extra interest charges, Penalties, Common Mistakes While Responding, Submitting incomplete or wrong documents and giving explanations without proof.

Do Notices Always Mean You Owe Tax?

Not always. Sometimes, the department just needs clarification. If the taxpayer explains properly then the case may gets closed quickly. The system is fair, it mainly targets non-compliance, not honest mistakes.

Tips to Avoid Future Problems

• Report High-Value Transactions: Always report large financial dealings before time.
• Match with Form 26AS: Ensure that reported taxes match what’s mentioned in Form 26AS.
• Keep Proper Records: Store receipts and documents carefully.
• File Early: Filing early reduces stress and mistakes.
• Report Income and Deductions Honestly: Avoid false claims or underreporting.
• Give Correct Details in ITR: Fill the return with correct details