Common steps to verify tax return status and respond to a tax notice

Rohan’s Tax Return Panic

Rohan: Veda, I filed my ITR last month and I have no idea if it’s been processed. Also, I got an email saying “income tax notice” and now my heart is doing bhangra. What do I do?

Veda: Breathe, Rohan. Checking your tax return status is easier than ordering biryani online. Just go to the Income Tax Department portal, log in with your PAN and password (or OTP), and click on ‘View Returns’. You’ll see the status right there – “Processed”, “Under Processing”, or “Not Found”. If it says “Not Found”, either you entered the wrong assessment year or your return hasn’t been uploaded yet. Don’t panic.

Rohan: Okay, that’s sorted. But what about the notice? I deleted the email by accident.

Veda: No problem. Log into your income tax account again. There’s a section called ‘e-Proceedings’ or ‘Notices’. All official notices show up there. Download it, read it carefully, and reply within the deadline mentioned. Most notices are just requests for documents – not the end of the world.

Steps to Verify Tax Return Status

Veda: Here’s how you check your ITR status step by step:

Visit the official Income Tax Department website.
Log in using your PAN, password, and captcha (or generate OTP if you’re a new user).
Navigate to ‘Services’ then ‘View Returns’.
Select the relevant assessment year and submit.
Your return status will appear instantly.

If you haven’t e-verified your return yet, do that first. You can verify via Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or by sending a signed physical copy. Until verification is complete, your return won’t show as processed.

Responding to a Tax Notice

Rohan: So I found the notice. It says I need to submit proof of HRA. Can I just ignore it?

Veda: Absolutely not, Rohan. Ignoring a tax notice is like ignoring your mother-in-law – it only gets worse. Read the notice carefully. Note the type of notice (like notice under Section 133(1) or 142(1)), the documents required, and the last date for response. Gather your documents – rent receipts, PAN of landlord, rent agreement. Upload them through the ‘e-Proceedings’ tab. If you’re confused, ask a CA friend or hire a professional. Better safe than sorry.

Rohan: Got it. No ignoring notices, no deleting emails, and always check the portal.

Veda: Exactly. And remember – the Income Tax Department sends notices through the portal, not just email. So even if your inbox is a mess, your notice is waiting for you online.

Quick Checklist Before You File

Always e-verify your return within 30 days of filing.
Check your return status regularly for at least 60 days.
Never ignore a tax notice – respond within the given timeline.
Keep all supporting documents safe for at least 7 years.
Use only the official income tax portal for checking status or notices.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Veda: Rohan, let me tell you what NOT to do:

Don’t trust third-party websites that promise “instant status updates” – they might steal your data.
Don’t wait until the last minute to respond to notices – servers crash during deadline hours.
Don’t assume “no news is good news” – sometimes notices get buried in spam folders.
Don’t forget to check both your registered email AND the income tax portal for communications.

FAQs

How long does it take for ITR to be processed?

Usually 15-45 days if everything is in order. Delays happen during peak filing season (July-September).

What happens if I don’t respond to a tax notice?

The department may pass an order based on available information, which could increase your tax liability. Always respond.

Can I check ITR status without logging in?

No. You must log in with your PAN credentials for security reasons. There’s no public search option.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax laws change frequently. Always verify the current position at official sources before making any decisions. Consider consulting a qualified tax professional for your specific situation.