Fact-check notes
Last fact-checked: 2026-06-04
AY 2026-27 return filing for FY 2025-26 is governed by the Income-tax Act, 1961. The Income-tax Act, 2025 applies from Tax Year 2026-27 onward, so new-section references must be checked against the live portal before filing.
This page is preparation guidance for scoping work on WorkIndex. Ask the expert to verify active law, portal forms, notifications and your documents before filing or signing anything.
What this covers
TDS on Interest 194A helps deductors and taxpayers understand what to verify before payment, return filing or correction.
- Section 194A applies to many interest payments other than interest on securities.
- Banks, NBFCs, companies and some entities have different operational workflows.
- Form 15G/15H, PAN, threshold and exemption status should be checked.
- Interest accrual and payment dates should reconcile with books.
Who this is for
- Business deducting TDS.
- Taxpayer reconciling Form 26AS/AIS.
- Finance team preparing quarterly return.
- Person receiving notice or default.
Documents and details to prepare
- PAN/TAN and deductor profile.
- Agreement, invoice and payment dates.
- Challan, return and certificate status.
- Lower/nil certificate or exemption proof if any.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Wrong section or assessment year.
- Deducting after payment deadline.
- Invalid PAN or certificate data.
- No reconciliation before filing return.
How to brief the expert
- Mention the city, entity type, transaction value, deadline and current portal status.
- Upload or list the records available so the expert can quote accurately.
- Ask for scope, deliverables, timeline, assumptions and government fee exclusions in writing.
- Keep acknowledgements, challans, filings, certificates and advice notes after completion.
FAQs
Can WorkIndex help with this?
Yes. Post your requirement and compare relevant experts by scope, quote, timeline and supporting documents needed.
Is this page legal or tax advice?
No. It is a preparation guide. Your expert should verify current law, portal forms, notifications and your documents before filing or signing.
What should I include in my post?
Include the city, year or period, entity type, deadline, notices if any, documents available and whether you need filing, review, drafting or ongoing support.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the significance of TDS on Interest 194A in tax reassessment and scrutiny notices?
Under the Income Tax Act, TDS on Interest 194A often relates to scrutiny assessments or reassessment proceedings. If a notice is received, taxpayers must reconcile their filed ITRs and AIS records immediately.
2. How should a taxpayer respond to a notice regarding TDS on Interest 194A?
For notices involving TDS on Interest 194A, a detailed reply along with supporting documents (bank statements, computations) must be submitted online on the e-filing portal within the specified timeline (usually 15-30 days).
3. What is the time limit for responding to a Section 148A notice?
A taxpayer must submit a detailed reply to the show-cause notice within the time limit specified by the Assessing Officer, which is usually not less than 7 days and not more than 30 days from the date of issue.
4. What is the new time limit for reopening tax assessments?
The standard time limit for reopening assessments is 3 years from the end of the relevant assessment year. It can be extended up to 5 years (previously 10 years) only if the Assessing Officer has evidence that income escaping assessment exceeds ₹50 lakh.
5. What happens if I ignore an Income Tax notice?
Ignoring a notice will lead the Assessing Officer to pass an ex-parte order under Section 144 (Best Judgment Assessment) or Section 148A(d) based on available SFT records, which often results in heavy tax demands, interest u/s 234A/B, and penalties.
6. What is a DIN in tax notices, and why is it mandatory?
DIN stands for Document Identification Number. Every official communication from the Income Tax Department must carry a unique, system-generated DIN. Any notice issued without a DIN is legally invalid.
7. Can a tax assessment be reopened after the audit has been completed?
Yes, if the Assessing Officer has 'information' suggesting income has escaped assessment, they can initiate reassessment u/s 147 even after standard scrutiny under Section 143(3) was completed, subject to time limits.
8. What are the common grounds for issuing a reassessment notice?
Common grounds include mismatches between filed ITR and SFT data (like high-value cash deposits, property transactions, share trading, or foreign remittances shown in AIS), undisclosed capital gains, or foreign asset omissions.
9. Can I file an Updated Return (ITR-U) after receiving a Section 148 notice?
No. Once a notice for assessment, reassessment, or search/seizure is issued for a financial year, you are barred from filing an Updated Return (ITR-U) under Section 139(8A) for that year.
10. What is a Section 143(1) intimation notice?
An intimation u/s 143(1) is an automated processing letter showing whether your filed ITR calculations match the tax department's database. It is not a reassessment notice, but can contain tax demands or refund adjustments.
11. What is a Section 143(2) notice?
A notice u/s 143(2) is issued to select an ITR for detailed scrutiny. It requires the taxpayer to submit supporting evidence for claims, deductions, and income heads before an assessment order u/s 143(3) is passed.
12. What is Section 154 rectification?
Section 154 allows rectifying apparent mistakes in orders or intimations (like incorrect TDS credit, mathematical errors). It cannot be used to introduce new deduction claims or dispute legal interpretations.
13. How do I check notice status on the e-filing portal?
Log in to the income tax portal, go to 'Pending Actions' > 'e-Proceedings', where all active notices, show-cause letters, and response forms are listed.
14. Can I challenge a Section 148 reassessment notice in court?
Yes. If the procedural requirements (like not issuing a 148A notice, not providing sufficient time, or not obtaining prior higher authority approval) are violated, the taxpayer can file a writ petition in the High Court.
15. What is the penalty for underreporting or misreporting income?
Under Section 270A, the penalty for underreporting income is 50% of the tax payable, which rises to 200% of the tax payable if the underreporting is due to misreporting (undisclosed sources, fake invoices, etc.).