Taxpayers are being targeted by scammers sending fake income tax notices during the ITR filing season. This article provides a crucial guide on how to spot a fake notice by verifying its Document Identification Number (DIN) and outlines the step-by-step process for authenticating a notice on the official e-filing portal to avoid falling victim to fraud.
How to spot a fake tax notice
Receiving an income tax notice can be nerve-wracking, but before you panic, it's essential to check if it's authentic. The Income Tax Department has a strict protocol: every official communication issued on or after October 1, 2019, must have a unique Document Identification Number (DIN).
This DIN acts as a unique fingerprint, making every notice traceable. If you get a tax notice via email, SMS, or post that doesn't have a DIN, it is not genuine. The Income Tax Department has stated that such communications are invalid and you don't need to take any action. Scammers often use fake notices to create panic and extort money, so checking for the DIN is your first and most important line of defense.
A step-by-step guide to authenticating a notice
If your notice does have a DIN, the next step is to verify it on the official Income Tax e-filing portal. This simple process can confirm whether the notice is real.
Step 1:
Visit the official portal: Go to the Income Tax e-filing portal at https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/
Step 2:
Find the authentication link: On the homepage, look for the "Quick Links" section and click on 'Authenticate notice/order issued by ITD.'
Step 3:
Enter details: You can either enter the unique DIN and a mobile number of your choice, or use your PAN, document type, and the date the notice was issued.
Step 4:
Validate with OTP: An OTP will be sent to the mobile number you provided. Enter it to validate the request.
Step 5:
Check the result: A real notice will show a success message. If the notice is fake, the portal will display a "No record found for the given Document Number" message.
Step 6:
Remember to stay calm. Verifying the notice is a quick way to protect yourself and avoid scams.
