In the evolving financial landscape of India, it is not uncommon for individuals or businesses to receive a notice from the Income Tax Department. However, with rising cases of phishing and fraudulent communications, verifying the authenticity of an income tax notice is more important than ever. At ADY & Co. Chartered Accountants, a trusted name since 2012 and among the Best CA services in Delhi, we aim to guide you step-by-step on how to confirm if the notice is genuine and what actions to take.
Understanding the Income Tax Notice: An Overview
An Income tax notice is an official communication from the Income Tax Department, issued under various sections of the Income Tax Act, 1961. These notices can be for a variety of reasons — from seeking additional information, rectifying discrepancies, to initiating scrutiny assessments. But not every email or letter you receive is legitimate.
Types of Income Tax Notices You Might Receive
- Section 143(1): Intimation for returns processed.
- Section 139(9): Defective return notice.
- Section 142(1): Inquiry before assessment.
- Section 148: Income escaped assessment.
- Section 156: Demand notice for tax dues.
- Section 245: Adjustment against refund.
Understanding the purpose behind each section is critical, and that’s where expert assistance from a Top rated Chartered Accountant like CA Yogesh Kumar at ADY & Company becomes vital.
How to Confirm If an Income Tax Notice Is Genuine
1. Check the Notice Reference Number (Document Identification Number – DIN)
Every authentic income tax notice issued after October 1, 2019, comes with a unique DIN. Visit the Income Tax E-Filing Portal and use the DIN to confirm the validity of your notice.
2. Login to the Income Tax Portal
Navigate to the portal and log in using your PAN credentials. Go to “e-Proceedings” or “View Notices” under your dashboard. If the notice you received is genuine, a copy of it will be available here.
3. Check the Email ID & Sender’s Domain
Genuine notices are sent from official government domains such as:
- @incometax.gov.in
- @gov.in
- @nic.in
Beware of emails from suspicious domains, and never click unknown links. Instead, contact your Chartered Accountant near me for tax filing support like ADY & Co., based in Delhi, for assistance.
4. Physical Notice Cross-Verification
If you received a physical notice, verify the officer’s name, designation, and office address on the Income Tax website or consult your CA in Delhi to cross-check authenticity.
What to Do If the Notice Is Genuine
- Don’t Panic: Read the notice thoroughly.
- Check the Due Date: Respond within the timeline to avoid penalties.
- Gather Documents: Keep all relevant financial documents handy.
- Consult Experts: Reach out to the Best Chartered Accountant in Delhi — CA Yogesh Kumar, to draft your response, file revised returns, or handle assessments.
What If the Notice Is Fake?
Fake notices are often crafted to scare recipients into sharing personal or banking information. If you suspect fraud:
- Do not respond or click links.
- Report phishing to phishing@incometax.gov.in.
- Consult ADY & Company, a trusted CA Office in Delhi to guide you on secure actions.
Why Choose ADY & Co. Chartered Accountants?
Founded in 2012, ADY & Co. has become a go-to name for all financial and compliance needs. Under the leadership of CA Yogesh Kumar, we have assisted thousands of clients with:
- Income Tax Filing
- Business Registration in India
- Foreign Company Registration in India
- Register Company in USA from India
Our legacy and client success stories establish us as one of the Best CA Services in Delhi and a Top Rated Chartered Accountant firm.
Benefits of Filing ITR Before Deadline
- Avoid penalties under Sections 234A, 234B & 234F
- Faster refunds
- Valid income proof for loans & visas
- Carry forward losses
- Prevent scrutiny and notices
Our team at ADY & Company helps individuals and businesses file accurate and timely returns to eliminate compliance issues.
How Foreign Companies Can Start a Business in India
Are you a foreign entity planning to set up in India? Our services include:
- Liaison office registration
- Wholly Owned Subsidiary formation
- FEMA compliance
- Transfer pricing advisory
We simplify the complex landscape for foreign entrants and offer full-fledged Business Registration in India services.
Register Company in USA from India
With globalization, many Indian businesses want to register in the US. We offer end-to-end consulting for:
- LLC or C Corp formation
- ITIN and EIN assistance
- Virtual office setup
- Compliance with IRS regulations
With CA Yogesh Kumar and our team’s global approach, your international aspirations can become a reality.
Conclusion
If you’ve Received an income tax notice, the first step is to stay calm and confirm its authenticity using official channels. In a world full of digital scams, having a trusted advisor like ADY & Co. Chartered Accountants, led by CA Yogesh Kumar, is invaluable. Our decades-long legacy, vast experience, and personal attention ensure you are always on the right side of the law.
For reliable, top-tier, and transparent accounting support, trust the experts.
FAQs – Income Tax Notices
Genuine notices from the Income Tax Department are typically sent from the domain @incometax.gov.in or via official SMS channels like ITDEFL or ITDCPC. If the email or message is from a suspicious or generic-looking address, it may be a scam.
Visit the official Income Tax e-Filing portal and follow these steps:
Log in with your PAN and password.
Navigate to ‘e-Proceedings’ or ‘View Notices/Orders’ under the ‘e-File’ tab.
If the notice is listed there, it is authentic.
Every legitimate notice has a DIN (Document Identification Number) — a unique 20-digit alphanumeric code. You can verify the DIN by visiting:
https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/document-identification-number
Enter the DIN, issue date, and other required details to verify its validity.
Check if the PAN number and the relevant Assessment Year mentioned in the notice are accurate and pertain to you.
Notices issued online are digitally signed. Use Adobe Reader or the DSC validation option on the IT portal to check the authenticity of the digital signature.
Beware of notices that:
Ask for immediate payment through unofficial payment links
Demand personal details like OTPs or bank credentials
Contain grammatical errors or unprofessional formatting
If you are unsure or need assistance in responding, it’s best to consult a qualified Chartered Accountant. They can help you evaluate, verify, and respond correctly to avoid penalties or compliance issues.