How to Respond to an Income Tax Notice in 2026

A notice from the Income Tax Department is not an accusation. It’s a request for information or clarification. The people who get hurt are rarely the ones who did something wrong. They’re the ones who panicked, ignored the letter, or replied without reading what was actually asked.

First, read the notice properly

Every notice states the section it was issued under, the assessment year it concerns, and a reply-by date. Those three facts decide everything that follows. A 143(1) intimation is routine. A 148 notice for reassessment is serious. Work out which one you’re holding before you do anything else.

Note the deadline the moment it arrives

Most notices carry a reply window, often 15 to 30 days from the date of issue, not the date you opened the envelope. Replying early is simpler and cheaper than a last-minute scramble. Diarise the date the day the notice arrives.

• Check the notice on the income-tax e-filing portal, not just the paper copy.
• Download every attachment referenced in the notice.
• Match the figures quoted against your filed return and Form 26AS / AIS.
• Gather supporting documents before drafting a single line of reply.

Never reply in a hurry to a notice you don’t fully understand. A wrong admission is far harder to undo than a well-drafted request for time.

Reply on the record, in the right format

You file the reply through the e-proceedings tab on the portal, with documents attached and every claim backed by evidence. Keep the tone factual, answer exactly what was asked, and never volunteer information that wasn’t requested. If the notice is complex or the amount is material, have it reviewed before you submit.

Dealing with this right now?

If a notice, deadline, or dispute is sitting on your desk, don’t let it age. The first consultation is free and confidential. We’ll read what you’ve received and tell you plainly where you stand before any fee is discussed.