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

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.

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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. [caption id="attachment_384077" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Income Tax Clarification on Mass Scrutiny Notices[/caption] 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.