Received an income tax notice? Learn how to authenticate it online, avoid scams, and respond properly. Step-by-step guide with tips, safety checks, and legal advice for Indian taxpayers. Stay safe and informed with official resources.
Every year, thousands of Indian taxpayers receive emails or letters claiming to be from the Income Tax Department. But how do you know if an income tax notice is real or a scam? With increasing incidents of fake tax notices and phishing scams, it's critical to authenticate income tax notice before taking any action.
Whether you've received a notice through email or physical post, it's essential to verify its authenticity to avoid legal traps, unnecessary panic, or falling prey to fraud.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- Why authenticating an income tax notice is important
- How to verify your notice using PAN or Document Identification Number (DIN)
- How to recognize scams pretending to be from the tax department
- What to do after verifying a notice
Let’s start by understanding why this step matters so much.
Why You Must Authenticate Income Tax Notices
The Income Tax Department of India issues various notices related to tax returns, refunds, scrutiny, or compliance. However, with increasing digitization, fraudsters have started sending fake notices to unsuspecting taxpayers, asking them to pay dues or share personal information.
Failing to authenticate a notice can lead to:
- Unnecessary legal stress if a real notice is ignored
- Financial fraud if you act on a fake communication
- Delayed response resulting in penalties or scrutiny
Legal Importance of DIN
In India, every official income tax notice must carry a Document Identification Number (DIN), introduced by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to increase transparency. According to CBDT’s circular CBDT Circular No. 19/2019, no notice or order is valid unless it bears a DIN, except under certain exceptional circumstances.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| DIN Full Form | Document Identification Number |
| Purpose | Unique tracking number for official tax notices |
| Introduced By | CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) |
| Mandatory Since | 1 October 2019 |
| Validation Method | Through e-Filing DIN Verification tool |
Two Ways to Authenticate Income Tax Notice on the e-Filing Portal
The Income Tax Department’s e-Filing portal provides two official tools to verify the authenticity of any income tax notice:
- Using PAN, Assessment Year, and Notice Issue Date
- Using the DIN directly
You don’t need to log in to use these tools, and the process is simple, quick, and official.
Let’s explore both methods in detail.
Method 1: Authenticate Notice Using PAN, AY & Date
This method is ideal if your notice doesn’t mention a DIN or if you're unable to locate it. Here's how to proceed:
- Visit the e-Filing Notice/Order Authentication page.
- Enter your PAN, Assessment Year, and Notice Issue Date.
- Click on Continue.
- You’ll receive a message stating whether the notice is genuine or not.
This process works only if the notice is officially issued and recorded in the ITD’s system.
When to Use This:
- You received a physical notice via post without a DIN
- You don’t have the digital PDF or the DIN details
Method 2: Authenticate Notice Using Document Identification Number (DIN)
If your notice includes a Document Identification Number (DIN)—usually mentioned at the top-right or bottom of the document—you can verify it directly via the official DIN verification tool.
Steps to Verify Income Tax Notice via DIN:
- Go to the official DIN-based verification page.
- Enter the DIN exactly as mentioned in the notice (no spaces or special characters).
- Click on Search.
- The system will display whether the DIN is valid and associated with an official communication.
This method is 100% accurate because it matches the DIN against the government’s internal database. If the number is invalid or doesn’t exist, you can safely assume the notice is not genuine.
Comparison: PAN vs. DIN Authentication
Here's a quick comparison of both methods to help you choose the appropriate one based on your situation:
| Criteria | PAN-Based Verification | DIN-Based Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Login Required | No | No |
| Details Needed | PAN, AY, Issue Date | DIN only |
| Works For | Notices without DIN | Notices with valid DIN |
| Result Reliability | High (if details match) | Highest (matches unique DIN in database) |
| Time Taken | Less than 2 minutes | Less than 30 seconds |
How to Verify Email Notices and Identify Scam Attempts
Not all fraudulent income tax notices come in physical form. Many scammers send emails that look like official ITD communications. These emails often ask recipients to:
- Click on a suspicious link to view a “refund”
- Submit personal data
- Download a malicious file
The Income Tax Department never asks for sensitive information over email or directs users to third-party websites for refunds or notices.
Here’s what you should always check:
-
Sender Email Domain:
Genuine emails from the Income Tax Department will only come from official domains such as@gov.inor@incometax.gov.in. You can also check the department’s list of official communication channels. -
No Embedded Links for Login:
Always visit the official e-Filing portal manually at https://www.incometax.gov.in, instead of clicking on links from emails. -
No Demands for Payment via UPI or Wallets:
The government will never ask for income tax dues via UPI, wallets, or external payment apps.
Real-Life Scenario: A Case of Fraudulent Tax Notice
Let’s consider a recent incident reported by a taxpayer from Mumbai. The individual received a physical notice with the Income Tax Department's logo and a fabricated DIN. The notice demanded an immediate penalty payment via a wallet link. Luckily, the taxpayer verified the DIN via the official portal and discovered the fraud, preventing a financial loss.
Such examples show why it's crucial to authenticate income tax notices and avoid taking actions based on unauthenticated communications.
What to Do After You Authenticate Income Tax Notice
Once you successfully authenticate income tax notice, it’s critical to take timely and appropriate action based on the type of notice you’ve received. Ignoring a genuine notice can lead to legal consequences, penalties, or escalation of scrutiny.
The Income Tax Department issues various types of notices under different sections of the Income Tax Act, each requiring a specific kind of response.
Common Types of Income Tax Notices and Required Action
Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly issued income tax notices and how you should respond after verifying their authenticity:
| Section | Purpose of Notice | Required Action |
|---|---|---|
| 143(1) | Intimation regarding tax calculation and refund or demand | Accept and act if a refund is due or payment is demanded |
| 139(9) | Defective return filed | Revise the return within 15 days |
| 143(2) | Scrutiny notice for detailed assessment | Submit supporting documents and cooperate with assessing officer |
| 148 | Reassessment due to income escaping assessment | Provide reasons and/or documents for discrepancy |
| 245 | Adjustments against outstanding tax dues | Review and raise objections if dues are incorrect |
You can refer to the official Income Tax Act sections for more legal clarity on each notice type.
How to Respond to a Genuine Income Tax Notice
Here are the key steps to follow once you’ve verified that the notice is legitimate:
1. Read the Notice Carefully
Check the section under which the notice is issued, the assessment year, reason for issuance, and any due dates. Most notices have a specific timeline for response.
2. Login to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal
Visit https://www.incometax.gov.in and log in using your PAN credentials. Go to “e-Proceedings” or “Pending Actions” to view the notice digitally.
3. Prepare Your Documents
Depending on the nature of the notice, you may need to submit:
- ITR-V and computation sheet
- Form 16/Form 26AS
- Bank statements
- Investment proofs
- Correspondence with employers or vendors
4. File a Timely Response
Use the e-Filing portal’s “Submit Response” or “e-Proceedings” module to upload your documents and respond online. Avoid delays, as failing to respond on time can lead to further notices or even penalties under Section 271(1)(b).
Pro Tip: Use the Income Tax Helpdesk If Unsure
If you're unsure about the nature of your notice or how to respond, reach out to the official helpdesk of the Income Tax Department. You can contact them at their toll-free number 1800 103 0025 or via email through the e-Filing help section.
Always keep a record of your response submission, along with acknowledgment numbers, for future reference.
How to Handle Fake Income Tax Notices & Preventive Measures
Even though you may now know how to authenticate income tax notice, fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics. Fake income tax notices are often crafted to mimic the language, structure, and format of real government correspondence — making them hard to identify at first glance.
Being proactive and aware can help you avoid financial traps, identity theft, or legal confusion.
Signs of a Fake Income Tax Notice
Some red flags to help you instantly identify a potentially fraudulent notice:
| Indicator | What It Means |
|---|---|
| No Document Identification Number | All valid notices must have a DIN. No DIN = not official. |
| Email sent from unofficial domains | If it ends in @gmail.com, @mail.in, or anything other than @gov.in, it's fake |
| Urgency or threat language | Government notices never demand immediate payments under threat |
| Links to external/unfamiliar sites | Always manually visit incometax.gov.in for safety |
| Asking for confidential info | Income Tax Department never asks for bank account or OTPs via email |
In 2022, the Ministry of Finance highlighted a series of phishing attempts posing as refund claims from the IT Department. CERT-In also regularly publishes alerts about government-related phishing scams and malicious campaigns that mimic government websites.
What to Do If You Receive a Fake Tax Notice
If after verification you realize the notice is fraudulent, follow these steps immediately:
1. Do Not Respond
Never reply to the sender, open suspicious attachments, or click on any embedded links.
2. Report the Scam
Forward the suspicious email or scanned copy of the fake notice to:
- phishing@incometax.gov.in
- cybercrime.gov.in
3. File a Cyber Complaint
Use India’s National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to lodge an official complaint. The platform also allows you to track the status of your complaint.
4. Consult a Tax Expert
If you're uncertain about the notice content or legal risks, consult a Chartered Accountant or tax lawyer to avoid missteps.
Safety Checklist to Prevent Falling for Fake Notices
Here’s a quick preventive checklist to protect yourself in the future:
- ✅ Always authenticate income tax notice before acting on it
- ✅ Never disclose personal info or OTPs via email or phone
- ✅ Bookmark and use the official e-Filing portal only
- ✅ Avoid clicking on email links or downloading attachments from unknown senders
- ✅ Use two-factor authentication for your e-Filing account
- ✅ Keep your PAN, Aadhaar, and income documents secure and private
Related Queries upon
Q1. Is every notice from the Income Tax Department genuine?
No. While the department issues various notices, many fraudsters send fake ones, often mimicking the design and tone of official letters. Always authenticate income tax notice using the official verification tools provided on incometax.gov.in.
Q2. Can I ignore a notice if it seems irrelevant?
Ignoring a genuine income tax notice can lead to legal consequences. Even if it seems trivial, it's crucial to verify and respond appropriately through the e-Filing portal or by consulting a tax expert. Notices under Sections like 143(2) or 148 must be treated seriously.
Q3. What if the notice refers to an old Assessment Year?
The Income Tax Department can issue notices up to 10 years back in some cases, especially under reassessment (Section 148). To check if the notice is valid, cross-reference the Assessment Year, issue date, and DIN using the DIN verification tool.
Q4. Can I authenticate a notice if it was sent by post?
Yes. Even if you receive a physical copy, you can authenticate it online using either the PAN-based notice verification or the DIN verification method. Physical notices are increasingly rare, but always verify them online to be safe.
Final Words: Stay Alert, Stay Informed
Verifying whether a tax communication is genuine is now more important than ever. Scams have evolved — but so have the tools provided by the Income Tax Department. Whether it’s a DIN, PAN, or email-based notification, make it a habit to authenticate income tax notice before responding.
Taking 2 minutes to verify a notice can save you from:
- Legal trouble
- Financial fraud
- Identity theft
Knowledge is your best defence. Bookmark the official help page, stay aware of fraud alerts via CERT-In, and consult qualified professionals when in doubt.
FAQ
How can I authenticate an income tax notice in India?
You can authenticate a notice using the Document Identification Number (DIN) on the official income tax portal at incometax.gov.in.
What is a DIN in an income tax notice?
DIN stands for Document Identification Number. It is a unique code issued by the Income Tax Department to validate every official communication.
Can I get fake income tax notices?
Yes, many phishing scams mimic real notices. Always check the DIN and verify it online through the official government portal.
What should I do after authenticating a genuine notice?
Read the notice carefully, log in to the e-Filing portal, prepare your documents, and respond within the given time frame.
How do I report a fake income tax notice?
You can forward it to phishing@incometax.gov.in or lodge a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in if you suspect fraud.
Are notices under Section 143(2) and 148 serious?
Yes. These notices indicate scrutiny or reassessment. You must respond with supporting documents and consult a CA if needed.
Can a notice be valid without a DIN?
No. According to CBDT guidelines, any tax notice without a DIN is considered invalid unless exempted under rare circumstances.
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