Income Tax Dept Breaks Silence: No Mass Scrutiny for Small Taxpayers

There had been previous rumors that the Income Tax Department is sending bulk scrutiny notices to small taxpayers, but these were all fallacious rumors.

Scrutiny notice is issued by the Income Tax Department to a taxpayer when the said department finds certain issues in the ITR filed by the taxpayer. The department requires the taxpayer to provide further clarification.

Income Tax Clarification on Mass Scrutiny Notices

Reality behind the said rumor:

• Every year, scrutiny is performed for a very small percentage of total returns filed.
• The notices which are issued are issued under DIN which stands for Document Identification Number. This makes no space for fake notices in order to blackmail a taxpayer. The authenticity of the notice can also be checked via DIN on the portal.
• The selection is divided into two categories: (i) CASS, (ii) Compulsory (limited or full) .
• The maximum number of cases fall under limited scrutiny wherein officers limit themselves to those specific points.
• The procedure of Scrutiny occurs in a totally faceless manner, leaving no space for bribery or harassment. A draft order is issued before the final order and enough opportunities are given in order to reply.
• There is a set-up of a High-Pitched Assessment Committee which can be approached if there are any unjust demands/additions added.

It is advised to taxpayers to not pay money to anyone who claims to be an officer.