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

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Keeping your income tax return in order is more than just filing before the deadline. The Income Tax Department cross‑checks the information you submit with data from employers, banks, and other payers. If there is a mismatch, the department may issue a notice under Section 139(9) or a demand under Section 143(1). For most resident taxpayers, the process of verifying the return status is straightforward, but for non‑resident Indians who may have income from multiple countries, the complexity increases and the risk of overlooking a required step grows.

This guide is aimed at Indian taxpayers, including NRIs, who have filed a return and need to confirm that it has been processed correctly. It also covers how to respond if you receive a tax notice, whether it is a request for additional information, a demand for payment, or a notice of defective filing. By following the steps outlined here, you can avoid penalties, reduce stress, and ensure your compliance record remains clean.

In the sections that follow, we walk through the practical actions you can take on the official portal, explain the common reasons for notices, and provide a checklist to keep you on track. The information is presented in a conversational format, but every step is grounded in the current procedures published by the Income Tax Department.

Rohan: I just got an email saying my return is defective. I didn’t even know I could get a notice after filing!

Veda: It happens more often than you think. The first thing is to log in to the e‑filing portal and check the status of your return.

Rohan: How do I do that? I’ve only used the portal to file, not to track.

Veda: After you log in, go to the ‘My Returns’ section. You’ll see a list of your filed returns with a status column. If it says ‘Defective’, click on it to view the exact reason.

Rohan: What if I can’t find the return? I think I might have filed under the wrong PAN.

Veda: Double‑check that you are using the correct PAN. If you have multiple PANs, you need to consolidate them. The portal will flag any mismatch.

Rohan: Okay, I’ll check. But what if the notice asks for more documents?

Veda: Then you’ll need to upload the requested proof, such as Form 16, bank statements, or a tax treaty benefit claim. Make sure the files are in PDF format and under the size limit.

Rohan: Thanks, that clears up a lot. I’ll start with the portal now.

How to Verify Your Return Status

The Income Tax Department provides a self‑service portal where you can check the processing status of any return you have filed. The portal is accessible at the official e‑filing website. After logging in, navigate to the “My Returns” tab. Here you will see a table with columns for Assessment Year, Filing Date, and Status.

Interpreting the Status Column

• Filed: The return has been submitted but not yet processed.
• Processed: The return has been processed and no further action is required.
• Defective: The return was filed with errors or missing information. You will need to correct it.
• Notice Issued: The department has sent a notice under Section 139(9) or 143(1).

If the status is “Defective” or “Notice Issued,” click on the link to view the detailed reason. The reason will reference a specific clause of the Income Tax Act and may ask for additional documents.

Common Reasons for Tax Notices

Notices are typically issued for the following reasons:

• Mismatch between the income reported in your return and the income reflected in Form 26AS or AIS.
• Claimed deductions that exceed the statutory limit.
• Failure to file a return when your total income exceeds the basic exemption limit.
• Incorrect bank account details leading to a refund failure.
• Non‑compliance with reporting requirements for foreign assets (for NRIs).

Understanding the underlying cause helps you prepare the appropriate response and avoid repeated notices.

Responding to a Tax Notice

When you receive a notice, follow these steps promptly:

1. Read the notice carefully and note the deadline for response.
2. Gather all relevant documents, such as Form 16, salary slips, bank statements, and proof of investments.
3. Log in to the e‑filing portal and navigate to the “Notice” section.
4. Upload the required documents and submit a response through the portal.
5. Keep a copy of the acknowledgment for your records.

If the notice demands payment, verify the amount against your own calculations. If you believe the demand is incorrect, you can file a rectification request under Section 154 within the prescribed time limit.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Ignoring the notice because you think it is a spam email.
• Missing the response deadline, which can lead to additional penalties.
• Uploading incorrect or incomplete documents.
• Using a different PAN than the one associated with the notice.
• Assuming that a notice for one assessment year covers all years.

Checklist for Compliance

Use this checklist to ensure you have taken all necessary actions:

• Log in to the e‑filing portal and verify the status of each filed return.
• Review any notices and note the response deadline.
• Collect all supporting documents referenced in the notice.
• Upload documents and submit response through the portal.
• Save the acknowledgment and any correspondence.
• Update your contact information on the portal to receive future notices.
• Consider setting a calendar reminder for annual filing deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What should I do if I cannot find my return on the portal?

A1: Ensure you are logged in with the correct PAN. If the return was filed under a different PAN, you may need to consolidate your PANs or contact the department’s helpdesk.

Q2: Can I respond to a notice after the deadline?

A2: It is strongly advised to respond before the deadline. Late responses may attract additional interest and penalties. If you need more time, you can request an extension through the portal.

Q3: How do I know if a notice is genuine?

A3: Genuine notices will have a unique reference number and will be available in the “Notice” section of your e‑filing account. You can also verify the sender’s email address against the official domain @incometax.gov.in.

For the most up‑to‑date information, refer to the Income Tax Department portal and the Union Budget documents.

Disclaimer: The information provided by VedaMoney is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial or tax advice.