Got an income tax notice? Breathe. We've got this.
Sometimes, the Income-tax department wants to do a more detailed scrutiny of your tax filings. For the Assessment Year 2025-26, the first step for such a scrutiny starts with a notice intimating you with selection of your tax return for such a scrutiny. This is just an intimation and not an indictment. We help you understand what it actually means, what are the potential risks and help you appropriately respond to these notices in time.
First, the important part: a notice is not a penalty.
Most notices are routine - a mismatch, a clarification, or a request for documents. What matters is responding correctly and before the deadline. That's exactly what we handle, so you don't have to decode legal language or worry about saying the wrong thing.
Find the section on your notice
Look at the top of your notice for a section number. Here's what each one means in plain language - and how urgent it is.
Section 143(1)
Intimation
An automated summary after your return is processed. It either confirms your return, shows a refund, or raises a small demand from a mismatch. Common and usually easy to resolve.
RoutineSection 139(9)
Defective return
Your return is treated as defective - something is missing or inconsistent. You typically get a short window to correct and refile, or the return may be treated as invalid.
Time-boundSection 142(1)
Inquiry / call for documents
The officer is asking you to file a return or produce specific documents and details before assessment. A clear, complete response keeps things on track.
Respond promptlySection 143(2) → 143(3)
Scrutiny assessment
Your return has been picked for detailed scrutiny. This is where careful drafting and representation matter most - and where we add the most value.
Needs attentionSection 148
Income escaping assessment
The department believes some income wasn't assessed and wants to reopen the year. These carry strict timelines and procedure - handle with care, and early.
Act earlySection 245
Refund adjusted vs. demand
Your refund is proposed to be set off against an earlier outstanding demand. You can respond before it's adjusted - often the demand itself is disputable.
Respond promptlyGot a section that isn't listed - like 154 (rectification), 156 (demand) or 131 (summons)? We handle those too. Just book a call and bring the notice.
The notice has a clock on it
Almost every notice carries a response deadline printed on it. Missing it - or responding incorrectly - is what turns a small matter into a real problem. Here's what's usually at stake:
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Short response windows
Many notices give you only a fixed number of days to reply through the e-filing portal.
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Avoidable demands & interest
An unanswered mismatch can crystallise into a tax demand with interest that was never actually due.
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A clean record
Responding properly the first time keeps the matter from escalating to appeals or reassessment.
"We help you understand what is happening in your case, discuss and lay before all potential implications and work out a reasonable path forward."
From notice to resolved, in four steps
You forward the notice. We take it from there.
Read & diagnose
We review the notice, identify the section and the real ask, and flag the deadline.
Strategy & plan
You get a plain-English explanation and an indicative position, with options laid out.
Draft & file
We prepare the response, assemble supporting documents, and submit on the portal.
Represent & close
We follow through — scrutiny, appeals or rectification — until the matter is settled.
Bring your notice. Leave the worry.
Book a 30-minute consult with our team. We'll tell you what the notice means, what's at stake, and exactly what to do next.
Book a Call →Have the notice PDF handy - it helps us give you a clearer read on the call.