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

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Verifying the status of your income‑tax return and knowing how to respond to a tax notice are essential steps for every Indian taxpayer, including NRIs who have Indian filing obligations. The Income Tax Department’s e‑filing portal provides real‑time updates on whether a return has been processed, is under scrutiny, or has been flagged as defective. Prompt action is required because most notices specify a strict response window, and failure to comply can lead to penalties, interest, or even reassessment of income.

This guide walks you through the practical steps to check your return status on the portal, interpret common notice types, and prepare a timely response. It is designed for salaried individuals, business owners, and NRIs who file returns in India, using everyday examples set in cities like Mumbai, Dubai, London, Singapore, and Sydney. By following the checklist and avoiding the pitfalls highlighted below, you can stay compliant and reduce unnecessary stress.

Step‑by‑step guide: verifying your return and handling a notice

Rohan: I filed my return last month but I just got a notice saying my return is defective and I have 15 days to respond – what do I do?

Veda: First, don’t panic. Log in to the Income Tax e‑filing portal (https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/) and go to “My Account” → “View Returns/Forms”. There you’ll see the status of your return for the relevant assessment year.

Rohan: I see it says “Defective” under status. What does that mean exactly?

Veda: A defective notice means the department found some mismatch or missing information – for example, Form 16 details not matching your salary income, or a missing schedule for capital gains. The notice will list the exact defect and the documents you need to submit.

Rohan: How do I know which assessment year the notice refers to?

Veda: Look at the top of the notice; it will mention the assessment year (AY) like AY 2024‑25 for the financial year 2023‑24. Make sure you are checking the return for that same AY in the portal.

Rohan: Okay, I’ve identified the defect – it’s asking for a copy of my bank interest statement. What’s the next step?

Veda: Download the requested document, scan it clearly, and upload it via the “e‑Proceeding” → “Submit Response to Notice” option on the portal. Attach the file, add a brief cover note if you want, and submit before the deadline shown on the notice.

Rohan: What if I miss the 15‑day window?

Veda: You can still file a belated response, but the department may impose a penalty under Section 271F for delayed compliance. It’s best to act within the given time; if you genuinely need more time, you can request an extension through the portal before the deadline expires.

Rohan: Any tips to avoid getting a defective notice in the first place?

Veda: Double‑check that all income sources – salary, interest, freelance, rental – are reported correctly, verify that TDS credits match Form 26AS, and keep scanned copies of supporting documents handy for at least six years.

Practical checklist

Log in to the Income Tax e‑filing portal and verify your return status under “My Account → View Returns/Forms”.
Note the assessment year mentioned in any notice and match it with the return you filed.
Read the notice carefully to identify the exact defect or information requested.
Gather the required documents (Form 16, bank statements, investment proofs, etc.) and scan them clearly.
Upload the response via “e‑Proceeding → Submit Response to Notice” before the deadline.
Keep a copy of the submitted acknowledgment and all supporting documents for your records.
If you need more time, file an extension request through the portal before the original deadline expires.

Common pitfalls to avoid

Ignoring the notice or assuming it will go away on its own.
Using the wrong assessment year when checking your return status.
Uploading unclear or incomplete documents, leading to further queries.
Missing the response deadline and incurring penalties under Section 271F.
Failing to retain copies of the submitted response and supporting proofs.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for the department to update the status after I submit my response? Usually the portal reflects the update within 3‑5 working days, but you can check the “Pending Actions” section for any further communication.
Can I respond to a notice through a tax practitioner? Yes. You can authorize a chartered accountant or tax consultant to act on your behalf by adding them as an authorized representative in the portal.
What if I notice an error in my original return after submitting a response to a notice? You can file a revised return under Section 139(5) before the end of the relevant assessment year, provided the defect does not relate to the notice you are responding to.

References

Income Tax Department of India – e‑filing portal: https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/
Union Budget of India – for latest tax provisions and deadlines: https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax advice. Readers should verify the current position with the official sources listed above or consult a qualified tax professional for advice tailored to their specific circumstances.