Getting an income tax notice can be stressful. These notices can be issued for various reasons –
Mismatch in TDS amount
When the TDS claimed in the Tax return doesn’t match with Form 26AS and 16 or 16A.
If there’s a discrepancy between the income reported in your tax return and the information available to the tax authorities(e.g., TDS, Form 26AS, etc.), you may receive a notice.
Mismatch in Income
Whenever there is a discrepancy between the income tax return and form 26A.
Discrepancy in tax returns
There are times when taxpayers make common mistakes like claiming deductions under the wrong sections, or unintentionally failing to add their interest, rent, dividend, or other incomes in their calculations. Such instances will create discrepancies in their tax returns and what they are liable to pay and will invite income tax notice.
Discrepancies in disclosure of declared income versus your actual income
This is an obvious one. The income tax department is constantly on the lookout for people trying to evade taxes. If the IT authorities suspect that you haven’t disclosed all your income from various sources, then you could be served with an income tax notice.
Non-disclosure of assets
Failing to disclose assets or foreign income in your tax return can trigger an income tax notice.
Failing to report high-value transactions
Engaging in high-value transactions without disclosing them in your tax return may attract a tax notice. These transactions could include large cash deposits, purchase of property or investments, etc.
The Income Tax Department requires taxpayers to report all their high-value transactions, so they can curb black money and detect all under-reported income. In case, you fail to report such transactions then this will invite an IT notice. Examples of high-value transactions include cash deposits or withdrawals over ₹10 lacs, international transactions in foreign currency over ₹10 lacs, and purchase of mutual funds, bonds, or debentures of over ₹10 lacs.
Random scrutiny
If you’re unlucky, you could receive the notice because every year, the IT department randomly selects the files for which IT returns need to be scrutinized. If you have paid your taxes diligently and have all the paperwork in order, you have nothing to worry about.
Incomplete documentation
Many times, your income tax returns need to be accompanied by some required documentation. If you fail to provide these, then you will receive a notice. These include but are not limited to: your balance sheet and profit and loss statement in case the net profit from your business Income or profession exceeds ₹1.2 lacs, Form 67 if you have received any foreign income and Form 10E in case of arrears.
Claiming excessive deductions
If you claim deductions or exemptions that seem excessive or unrealistic compared to your income, the tax authorities may send a notice for further scrutiny.
Read More: SUMMARY OF GST NOTIFICATION ISSUED BY CBIC ON 31ST MARCH 2023
Errors in tax returns
Mistakes like incorrect personal information, wrong calculations, or incorrect tax credits can lead to a tax notice.
It’s crucial to maintain accurate records, report all income and deductions correctly, and file tax returns on time to avoid receiving an income tax notice.