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Have you recently received an Income Tax Notice or Order and are unsure about its validity? Worry not! The Income Tax Department has implemented a system featuring computer-generated "Document Identification Number (DIN)" to help you verify any communication you receive from them.
Starting from 1st October 2019, all official communications from the Income Tax Department pertaining to matters such as inquiries, investigations, assessments, appeals, orders, penalties, information verification, rectifications, and prosecutions will include a unique DIN. Here's how you can leverage DIN to confirm the authenticity of notices and orders issued by the Income Tax Department.
The Document Identification Number (DIN) is a distinctive code established by the Income Tax Department in India. This innovative system serves as a set of official guidelines designed to bolster transparency, accountability, and efficiency within the realm of tax administration.
Under the provisions of this circular, every official communication emanating from the Income Tax Department, dated on or after the aforementioned circular's issuance date, is mandated to incorporate a DIN. It's imperative to note that communications lacking this unique identifier are considered void and hold no legal standing.
The introduction of DIN has indeed brought standardization and enhanced security to the process of issuing and receiving notices from the Income Tax Department.
Under this system, every communication from the department, including notices, letters, orders, and summonses, is now required to carry a unique 15-digit alphanumeric code. This measure not only facilitates tracking and monitoring but also significantly reduces the risk of fraudulent or unauthorized communications, providing both taxpayers and tax authorities with a more secure and efficient means of correspondence.
You can authenticate the notice/order/letter issued by the income tax authority on the e-filing portal. Let us understand to verify the same.
Method 1- Using PAN, AY, Document type, and Date of Issue. These can be used only for AY 2011-12 and subsequent years. The following screen will appear as mentioned in the screenshot for reference. Fill in the details and click on continue-
Method 2- Another alternative is to authenticate using DIN and mobile number. Enter DIN and mobile number and continue. You will receive an OTP. Validate using OTP.
Tip: If the income tax departmental officers fail to comply with the requirement of quoting of Document Identification Number, then any such communication would be treated as invalid. It shall be deemed that the officer has never issued such communication.
A Document Identification Number (DIN) is a unique identification number assigned to documents issued by the income tax authority in India. It is used to track and authenticate various communications, including notices, orders, and letters.
DIN is crucial for ensuring the authenticity and accountability of documents issued by the income tax authority. It helps taxpayers verify the legitimacy of communication/notice received from tax authorities.
Officers of the income tax department who issue documents such as notices, orders, or letters to taxpayers are required to quote a DIN on these documents. Taxpayers themselves do not have DINs.
To verify a document using a DIN, log in to the e-Filing portal of the Income Tax Department, enter the relevant details (PAN, Assessment Year, Document Number, Date of Issuance), and generate an OTP. After entering the OTP, the document's authenticity can be confirmed on the portal.
If a document issued by the income tax authority lacks a valid DIN, it may be considered invalid, and its authenticity can be challenged. It's essential to verify the document's authenticity using the e-Filing portal.
DIN is primarily used to verify income tax-related documents, such as notices, orders, and letters, issued by the income tax authority.
Yes, officers of the income tax department are required to quote a DIN on all documents issued to taxpayers. Authentication using DIN helps maintain transparency and accountability.
Yes, once a document is authenticated using the DIN on the e-filing portal, you can access and review it online. It is typically available in PDF format for viewing and downloading.
If you have concerns about the authenticity of a document received from the income tax authority, you should verify it using the e-filing portal. If the document lacks a valid DIN or raises suspicions, you may consider seeking legal advice.
Yes, if you have questions or concerns about the contents of a document, you can communicate with the income tax authority for clarification or follow the appropriate legal procedures to dispute the matter.
