Common steps to verify tax return status and respond to a tax notice
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Filing an income tax return is only the first half of compliance. Once the return is submitted, the taxpayer must confirm whether it has been accepted, processed, or flagged for further review. This applies to resident Indians and to non-resident Indians who have Indian filing obligations because of rental income, capital gains, interest, or other India-sourced earnings. A tax notice can arrive by email or show up on the e-filing portal, and ignoring it can mean penalties, interest, or a delayed refund.
This guide explains how to verify your return status and how to respond to a tax notice, step by step. Whether you are based in Dubai, London, New York, Singapore, or Sydney, you use the same Income Tax Department portal and follow the same broad process. Knowing what each notice means helps you act quickly and avoid unnecessary stress.
Below, we walk through checking your status on the official portal, identifying common notice types, preparing a response, and keeping the right records. You will also find a checklist, common pitfalls, and answers to frequently asked questions. Always verify current dates and requirements on the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal before acting.
Rohan: I just got an email from the Income Tax Department saying my return is defective, and I am in Dubai for a client meeting. I have no idea what to click first.
Veda: Breathe. Most notices are not a raid on your living room. Log in to the e-filing portal, go to “View Filed Returns,” and see the exact status and the reason code. The email usually tells you which assessment year and which form is affected.
Rohan: I tried logging in, but I keep getting stuck on the OTP because my Indian number is not with me.
Veda: That is a classic NRI problem. Use the Aadhaar OTP option if your Aadhaar is linked to your foreign number, or log in through Net Banking or a Demat account if you have one. If none works, you can request help through the portal, but do not wait too long because notices carry response windows.
Rohan: Okay, I am in. It says “Defective Return.” What does that even mean?
Veda: It means the department thinks something is missing or inconsistent—maybe a wrong PAN, mismatched TDS, or an incomplete schedule. It is not an accusation. You just need to file a revised return or submit a clarification through the portal before the deadline stated in the notice.
Rohan: What if it is a demand notice instead? Say they say I owe ₹45,000 for AY 2024-25.
Veda: Then do not panic and do not ignore it. Open the notice, check the demand details, and if you agree, pay it through the portal. If you disagree, you can file a response explaining your position, with supporting documents like Form 16, bank statements, or sale deeds. Keep copies of everything.
Rohan: I am an NRI. Do I need to respond differently?
Veda: Not really. The portal and the response format are the same. Just make sure your residential status is correctly declared, your foreign bank account details are accurate if you claimed a refund, and you have not missed any Indian income such as rent or interest. If you are unsure about treaty benefits or double taxation, that is when you speak to a qualified tax professional.
Rohan: How long do I usually have?
Veda: The notice itself will mention the deadline. It could be 15 days, 30 days, or another period depending on the type of notice. Mark it on your calendar and reply a few days early. Last-minute portal crashes are real.
Rohan: What documents should I keep ready?
Veda: Your ITR acknowledgment, Form 16 or Form 16A, bank interest certificates, capital gain statements, rental agreements, and any foreign tax credit documents if you claimed relief. Save the notice PDF and your response acknowledgment too.
Rohan: And if I miss the deadline?
Veda: The department may proceed with an assessment without your input, treat the return as invalid, or impose interest and penalties. It is better to reply late than never, but timely is always cheaper.
Rohan: Thanks, Veda. I will reply today.
Veda: Good. And Rohan, next time check your portal once a month after filing, not just when your inbox screams.
How to verify your income tax return status
Log in to the e-filing portal and open “View Filed Returns.” Select the relevant assessment year and the ITR form you filed. The portal will show whether the return is submitted, verified, processed, defective, or pending. If a notice has been issued, it will usually appear under “e-Proceedings” or “Responses.” Check the status regularly, especially in the weeks after filing.
Common tax notices and what they mean
| Notice type | What it usually means | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Processing intimation | The department has processed your return and is informing you of the outcome, such as a refund or a mismatch. | Review the details. If you agree, no action may be needed. If you disagree, file a response or rectification. |
| Defective return notice | Your return is incomplete or has inconsistencies, such as missing schedules or mismatched tax details. | File a revised return or submit a clarification through the portal before the deadline. |
| Demand notice | The department believes you owe additional tax, interest, or penalty. | Pay the demand if you agree, or file a response with supporting documents if you disagree. |
| Scrutiny notice | Your return has been selected for detailed examination. | Respond through the e-proceedings section and provide the documents asked for. |
How to respond to a tax notice
Open the notice on the portal and read the deadline carefully. Prepare your reply based on the type of notice. For a defective return, you may need to file a revised return. For a demand, you can pay or dispute it with documents. For scrutiny, you must submit the records requested. Upload your response and supporting files through the portal, then download the acknowledgment. Keep the acknowledgment and a copy of your submission for your records.
NRI-specific reminders
NRIs use the same e-filing portal as resident taxpayers. The key differences are declaring the correct residential status, reporting only the Indian income that is taxable in India, and ensuring your foreign bank account details are accurate if you are expecting a refund. If you have income from more than one country, check whether double taxation relief applies, but confirm the exact rules and any claim process with a qualified tax professional.
Practical checklist
- Log in to the e-filing portal and open “View Filed Returns” for the relevant assessment year.
- Note the status: submitted, verified, processed, defective, or pending.
- Open any notice under “e-Proceedings” or “Responses” and read the deadline carefully.
- Gather supporting documents such as Form 16, bank statements, capital gain statements, and rental agreements.
- Prepare your response, upload documents, and submit through the portal.
- Download and save the acknowledgment and a copy of your response.
- Set a reminder to check the portal again after submission to confirm the notice is closed.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Ignoring the email because it looks like spam or a phishing attempt.
- Replying after the deadline mentioned in the notice.
- Paying a demand without checking whether the amount is correct.
- Using the wrong assessment year when filing a revised return.
- Forgetting to link or update your foreign bank account if you are an NRI expecting a refund.
Frequently asked questions
Can I check my return status without logging in?
No. You need to log in to the e-filing portal with your credentials to see the detailed status of your filed returns.
What if I do not receive an email but see a demand on the portal?
Treat the portal as the official record. Open the demand notice, check the details, and respond within the time given there.
Do NRIs need a separate portal or a different process?
No. NRIs use the same e-filing portal. The difference is in declaring residential status correctly and reporting only the Indian income that is taxable in India.
References
Educational disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute chartered accountancy, legal, or personal financial advice. Tax laws and portal procedures change over time. Verify the current position with the Income Tax Department and consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation.