Got an Income Tax Notice? Here’s How to Identify If It’s Genuine or a Fake Message

As the deadline for filing income tax returns for FY 2024–25 approaches, many taxpayers are receiving notices from the Income Tax Department. While some of these notices are authentic, cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting this opportunity by sending fake notices to mislead people. Falling for such fraudulent messages can cause unnecessary stress and even financial loss. That’s why it’s crucial to know how to verify whether a notice is genuine or fake before taking any action.

Why Are Tax Notices Sent?

The Income Tax Department issues notices for various reasons—ranging from discrepancies in tax filings and incomplete details to requests for additional information. Since the last date to file ITR for non-audit cases is September 15, 2025, mistakes or omissions during filing can trigger these notices.

However, scammers often take advantage of this period of high activity. They send misleading messages or forged letters in the name of the department, tricking people into sharing personal or financial details. To protect yourself, it’s essential to check the authenticity of every notice you receive.

The Most Important Check: DIN Number

Every genuine notice issued by the Income Tax Department after October 1, 2019, must carry a Document Identification Number (DIN). This unique number serves as proof that the notice is officially recorded in the department’s system.

• If your notice contains a DIN, it is traceable and legally valid.

• If there is no DIN mentioned, the notice is fake and does not carry any legal weight. In such cases, you are not required to respond.

This simple step can save you from falling prey to fraud. Always make it a point to check for the DIN before considering the next step.

Step-by-Step Process to Verify a Tax Notice

If you have received an income tax notice, don’t panic. Instead, follow these quick steps to verify its authenticity through the official portal:

1. Visit the official Income Tax website: https://www.incometax.gov.in

2. On the homepage, navigate to the “Quick Links” section and click on “Authenticate notice/order issued by ITD.”

3. Enter the DIN number provided on your notice, along with your registered mobile number.

4. Once you submit the details, you will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your mobile.

5. Enter the OTP on the website.

   • If the notice is genuine, you will see a “Success” message on the screen.

   • If the notice is fake, the system will display “No record found.”

This process takes only a few minutes and provides complete clarity.

What If You Receive a Fake Notice?

If a notice turns out to be fake:

• Do not respond to the sender.

• Do not share personal or financial information, such as your PAN, Aadhaar, or bank details.

• Report the fraudulent message to the cybercrime portal or local authorities for further action.

By staying cautious, you can avoid unnecessary panic and prevent fraudsters from exploiting your trust.

Key Takeaway

As the ITR filing deadline nears, receiving a tax notice can be stressful. But remember: every authentic notice from the Income Tax Department carries a DIN number and can be verified easily through the official portal. If you ever receive a suspicious notice, take a few minutes to confirm its authenticity.

✅ Always check before you react. A quick verification could save you from scams and give you peace of mind.