Best Judgment Assessment in Pune

Local jurisdiction

Registrar (RoC)

RoC Pune — PMT Building, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune – 411004

Jurisdictional HC

Bombay High Court (Pune Bench)

GSTIN prefix

27 (Maharashtra)

Professional Tax

Maharashtra levies Professional Tax (max ₹2,500/year). Companies in Pune must register within 30 days of commencement.

Business hubs

Hinjewadi, Koregaon Park, Viman Nagar, Kharadi, Baner

Pune is Maharashtra's second-largest city and a major IT, manufacturing, and education hub. It attracts numerous MNCs and startups, especially in the automotive, IT, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Also in: Mumbai

A best judgment assessment under Section 144 is an order the Assessing Officer (AO) passes on estimated income when a taxpayer does not file the return, ignores notices under Section 142(1)/143(2) or a special-audit (142(2A)) direction, or the books of account are rejected (145(3)). A show-cause opportunity is mandatory before the order, but the demand is often high because income is estimated. It can be challenged through rectification (154) or a CIT(A) appeal in Form 35 within 30 days. It applies to any taxpayer facing or at risk of a Section 144 order for AY 2026–27.

30 days

Appeal windowA CIT(A) appeal is generally filed in Form 35 within 30 days of receiving the assessment order or demand notice. Delay may be condoned for sufficient cause, but it is safest to file within the window.

Understand It

What Is Best Judgment Assessment?

A quick, plain-language explanation before the details.

In simple terms

A best judgment assessment is an order the Assessing Officer passes on estimated income when you do not file your return, ignore notices, or your books are rejected — the AO assesses to the best of their judgment on the material available.

Legally

Under Section 144 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 the AO makes a best judgment assessment where the taxpayer fails to file the return, does not comply with a notice under Section 142(1)/143(2) or a special-audit direction under 142(2A), after giving a show-cause opportunity. Books may also be rejected under Section 145(3).

Governing authority

Passed by the Assessing Officer through the faceless e-Proceedings system on the income-tax e-filing portal (eportal.incometax.gov.in), where notices and orders are issued electronically.

Validity

A show-cause opportunity is mandatory before the order. Once passed, the demand can be challenged by rectification (154), a CIT(A) appeal in Form 35, or set aside for fresh assessment where justified.

Service Intelligence

Quick Facts

Professional Fee

Custom quote

Governing Law

Sec 144, Income-tax Act 1961

CIT(A) Appeal

Form 35 · 30 days

Rectification

Section 154 · 4 years

Mode

100% Online

Authority

Income Tax Dept

Remedies

154 / Form 35 / set-aside

Assessment Year

AY 2026–27

Legal & Regulatory Framework

Provision

Section 144, Income-tax Act 1961

Appeal

Form 35, Section 246A

Rectification

Section 154

Authority

Income Tax Dept

Portal

eportal.incometax.gov.in

Last Reviewed

17 Aug 2026

Before You Start

Is This Service Right for You?

Ideal for

Non-filers who did not file the return and have a 142(1)/144 notice or show-cause
Taxpayers who missed replying to 143(2)/142(1) scrutiny queries
Businesses whose accounts the AO proposes to reject under Section 145(3)
Taxpayers already holding a Section 144 order and a demand
Firms, companies, proprietors & professionals (presumptive or regular books)
NRIs or absent taxpayers who could not respond in time and need remote representation

You may need this if

You received a 142(1)/143(2) notice or a Section 144 show-cause
You did not file the return and the AO is moving to best judgment
The AO proposes to reject your books of account
A Section 144 order has been passed with a high estimated demand
You want to file rectification (154) or a CIT(A) appeal (Form 35)
You need remote representation on the faceless e-Proceedings portal

Not sure if you need this?

Talk to an Expert →

Why It Matters

Why Best Judgment Assessment Help is Important

A Section 144 order estimates income and can raise a demand far above your actuals. Acting early, on the right remedy, keeps the exposure realistic. Here is why it matters.

01

Stop Inflated Demand

Estimated income under Section 144 is often far higher than actuals. A timely, evidenced reply keeps the assessed figure realistic.
02

Meet Notice Deadlines

142(1) and 143(2) notices carry fixed windows. We respond on the e-Proceedings portal before the AO moves to best judgment.
03

Right Remedy Chosen

Rectification (154), CIT(A) appeal (Form 35) or set-aside — we pick the correct route so you do not lose the appeal window.
04

Books Defended

Where the AO rejects books under Section 145(3), we reconstruct records and justify the accounts to protect your declared income.
05

Interest Contained

Interest under Sections 234A/234B/234C keeps running on a demand. Faster resolution limits the interest that accrues.
06

Penalty Exposure Managed

A 144 order can invite penalty for under-reporting or mis-reporting (270A). We build the case to reduce or resist penalty.

Transparent

Simple, Transparent Pricing

Custom quote for your case

Fees depend on your business type and scope. Get a clear, itemised quote upfront — no hidden professional charges, government fee billed at actuals.

Get a Free Quote WhatsApp

Eligibility

Who Can Apply?

Non-filers with a 142(1)/144 notice or show-cause

Taxpayers who missed 143(2)/142(1) scrutiny queries

Businesses whose books the AO proposes to reject (145(3))

Taxpayers holding a Section 144 order & demand

Firms, companies, proprietors & professionals

NRIs & absent taxpayers needing remote representation

Eligibility checklist

The 142(1)/143(2)/144 notice or the assessment order with its date
The demand notice (Section 156) if an order has been passed
PAN, e-filing portal login and the relevant assessment year
Books of account, bank statements, invoices and evidence for the year
The pending return, if not yet filed, for the assessment year
Any earlier replies or adjournment requests already submitted

End-to-End

Everything You Need. One Professional Team.

01

Notice / Order Review

Read the 142(1)/143(2)/144 notice or order, check deadlines and map the options.

02

Records & Evidence

Reconstruct books and gather bank statements, invoices and proofs against a checklist.

03

Show-Cause Reply

CA panel drafts a documented reply to the show-cause before a 144 order is passed.

04

Books Defence

Where accounts are challenged under 145(3), justify the books and resist rejection.

05

Rectification (154)

File a rectification application for a mistake apparent from record in the order.

06

CIT(A) Appeal

Draft and file the appeal in Form 35 with grounds within the 30-day window.

07

e-Proceedings Representation

Respond and represent your case on the faceless portal till the order.

08

Demand & Stay

Respond to the demand notice and seek stay of disputed demand while appeal is pending.

No Ambiguity

What You’ll Receive

Notice / order review & strategy call

Show-cause reply drafted by CA panel

Books reconstruction & evidence collation

Rectification (154) application filing

CIT(A) appeal — Form 35 & grounds

e-Proceedings response & representation

Demand notice response & stay request

Post-order advisory on next steps

Checklist

What Documents Are Required for a Section 144 Case?

Requirements are grouped by the proceeding papers, your records and any filing. Keep clear scans (PDF/JPG) ready — everything is collected securely online, and we provide a checklist matched to your notice or order.

Choose a document group

Notice & Order

The proceeding papers

5 documents

The 142(1)/143(2)/144 notice or show-cause
The Section 144 assessment order (if passed)
The demand notice under Section 156
Any earlier replies or adjournment requests
The relevant assessment year & PAN details

Answer the notice on time

A missed 142(1)/143(2) deadline is a common trigger for a best judgment order. Reply within the date fixed in the notice, or seek an adjournment before the window closes.

Reconstruct and evidence the books

Where the AO proposes to reject accounts under Section 145(3), a reconstructed, bank-and-invoice-backed record is the best defence of your declared income.

Choose the correct remedy

Rectification (154) suits a mistake apparent from record; a CIT(A) appeal (Form 35) suits a substantive dispute — filing the wrong route can waste the window.

Respond to the demand notice

A Section 144 order carries a demand under Section 156. Respond to it and, where an appeal is pending, seek stay of the disputed demand.

Don’t have all the documents?

We’ll identify what your case needs →

Step by Step

How We Handle a Section 144 Case (Step by Step)

The entire process is 100% online through the faceless e-Proceedings system, with status updates throughout.

01

Notice Review

Free call — read the 142(1)/143(2)/144 notice or order, check deadlines and map the options.

02

Records & Evidence

Reconstruct books and gather bank statements, invoices and proofs against a checklist.

03

Reply / Grounds

CA drafts the show-cause reply, or the rectification (154) / Form 35 grounds.

04

Client Review

You review the draft submission — corrections are made and you sign off.

05

File & Represent

Filed on e-Proceedings or to CIT(A) — we represent your case till the order.

06

Demand & Next Steps

Respond to the demand, seek stay where appeal is pending, and advise on the outcome.

How Long It Takes

How Long Does a Section 144 Response Take?

Stage	Expected Time
Notice review & records collection	Day 1–3
Reply / grounds drafting by CA	Day 3–5
Client review & sign-off	Day 5–7
Filing & representation	Day 7–10+

A typical reply is drafted within a few working days once documents are complete. Actual filing follows the deadline in the notice, the 30-day CIT(A) appeal window, or the rectification limit, and representation continues till the order.

Compliance Calendar

Key Dates — At a Glance

Frequency	What Is Due
On the Order	Note the date of receipt — it starts the appeal clock · Respond to the demand notice under Section 156 · Assess whether 154, Form 35 or set-aside fits the facts
Within 30 Days	File the CIT(A) appeal in Form 35 with grounds · Seek stay of the disputed demand while appeal is pending · Apply for condonation if the window has just lapsed
Within 4 Years	File rectification (154) for a mistake apparent from record · Correct double-counted TDS or arithmetic errors · Keep the supporting evidence for the assessment year
Going Forward	File future returns on time to avoid a repeat 144 order · Answer 142(1)/143(2) notices within their windows · Maintain verifiable books to withstand scrutiny

Dates are indicative and may change with government notifications. Our team tracks every deadline so you never miss a filing.

Why Outsource

Doing It Yourself vs TaxClue

Doing It Yourself

Read the 142(1)/143(2)/144 notice and work out the deadline yourself
Reconstruct books and collate bank, invoice and proof trails
Decide between rectification (154), CIT(A) appeal or set-aside
Draft a documented show-cause reply or grounds of appeal
File and respond on the faceless e-Proceedings portal alone
Track the 30-day appeal and 4-year rectification windows
Risk an ex-parte estimated order, high demand and penalties

With TaxClue

CA panel reviews the notice or order and maps the deadlines
Books reconstructed and evidence collated for you
The correct remedy chosen — 154 vs Form 35 vs set-aside
Show-cause reply or grounds of appeal drafted by a CA
Filed and represented on e-Proceedings till the order
Every window tracked — appeal, rectification and demand
Demand response and stay request handled, with advisory

Skip the guesswork.

Let an expert handle it →

Avoid Delays

Common Mistakes That Delay Your Application

Ignoring the 142(1)/143(2) notice until a 144 order is passed

Missing the reply date instead of seeking an adjournment

Not filing the pending return that triggered the notice

Letting the AO reject books without a reconstructed record

Choosing the wrong remedy — 154 where an appeal was needed

Filing the CIT(A) appeal after the 30-day window lapses

Ignoring the demand notice and losing the chance to seek stay

Appearing alone at faceless proceedings without documented grounds

TaxClue reviews your documents before filing to reduce avoidable errors.

Stay Compliant

What to Keep in Mind After the Order

On the Order

Note the date of receipt — it starts the appeal clock
Respond to the demand notice under Section 156
Assess whether 154, Form 35 or set-aside fits the facts

Within 30 Days

File the CIT(A) appeal in Form 35 with grounds
Seek stay of the disputed demand while appeal is pending
Apply for condonation if the window has just lapsed

Within 4 Years

File rectification (154) for a mistake apparent from record
Correct double-counted TDS or arithmetic errors
Keep the supporting evidence for the assessment year

Going Forward

File future returns on time to avoid a repeat 144 order
Answer 142(1)/143(2) notices within their windows
Maintain verifiable books to withstand scrutiny

Risk Assessment

Penalties & Consequences

What is at stake if you do not comply

A Section 144 order estimates income ex-parte, often raising a demand far above actuals
Missing the 30-day CIT(A) window makes the estimated demand final unless condoned
Books rejected under Section 145(3) without a reconstructed record cement the estimate
Interest under Sections 234A/234B/234C keeps running on the unpaid demand
A 144 order can attract penalty under Section 270A for under- or mis-reporting

Latest Updates

Regulatory Updates 2025–26

2025: Faceless assessment (Section 144B) and faceless appeals continue, with most notices and replies handled through the e-filing portal.
2025: The Updated Return (ITR-U) window is now 48 months, giving taxpayers longer to correct or disclose income before litigation.
2025: The Income-tax Act, 2025 replaces the 1961 Act from 1 April 2026 (AY 2026-27), re-numbering many sections while keeping the assessment and appeal framework.

The Difference

Why Businesses Choose TaxClue

01

CA / CS Team

Qualified Chartered Accountants and Company Secretaries handle assessment and appeals with deep domain expertise.

02

End-to-End

From notice review to representation — fully managed, with minimal effort from you.

03

Deadline Tracking

142(1)/143(2), the 30-day appeal window and rectification limits are all tracked so nothing lapses.

04

100% Online

Everything over the faceless e-Proceedings portal, WhatsApp and email — no office visits required.

05

Representation Included

Drafting plus representation till the order — you do not appear alone.

06

Transparent Fee

A custom quote given upfront for your case — ₹0 hidden professional charges.

Data Care

Your Documents Deserve Professional Care

Documents handled by professionals under confidentiality
Access limited to the team working on your case
Communication over secure digital channels
Documents retained only as long as needed for the proceedings

Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a best judgment assessment under Section 144?

It is an assessment the Assessing Officer makes to the best of their judgment when the taxpayer fails to file a return, does not comply with notices under Section 142(1) or 143(2) or a special-audit direction, or the officer rejects the books of account. The AO must give a show-cause opportunity before passing the order.

When can the Assessing Officer make a Section 144 order?

Broadly in three situations: the return is not filed even after notice, the taxpayer does not comply with 142(1)/143(2) notices or a 142(2A) special-audit direction, or the AO is not satisfied with the correctness or completeness of the accounts and rejects the books under Section 145(3). Income is then estimated to the best of judgment.

How do I challenge a best judgment assessment order?

Depending on the facts, you can file a rectification application under Section 154 for a mistake apparent from record, or an appeal before the Commissioner (Appeals) in Form 35 within 30 days of receiving the order. In suitable cases the matter can be set aside for fresh assessment.

What is the time limit to file an appeal against a 144 order?

An appeal to the Commissioner (Appeals) is generally filed in Form 35 within 30 days of receipt of the assessment order or demand notice. The CIT(A) may condone a delay if there is sufficient cause, but it is safest to file within the window.

Can a best judgment assessment be reopened or set aside?

Yes. On appeal, the CIT(A) can confirm, reduce or set aside the assessment; a genuine mistake apparent from record can be corrected under Section 154; and, where the law permits, the case can be reassessed. The right route depends on your specific facts.

What penalties and interest apply after a Section 144 assessment?

Interest under Sections 234A, 234B and 234C can apply on unpaid or deferred tax, a late fee under Section 234F for a delayed return, and penalty under Section 270A for under-reporting (50% of tax) or mis-reporting (200%) of income. TaxClue builds the case to contain these.

What is the best defence against a best judgment assessment?

Timely compliance and proper records. Filing the return, answering 142(1)/143(2) notices on time, and maintaining verifiable books of account usually prevent an estimate. Where an order is already passed, we defend it through a documented reply, rectification or appeal.

Do I need to visit the income-tax office for this?

No. Most assessment notices, 144 orders and CIT(A) proceedings are handled through the faceless e-Proceedings system on the income-tax portal. TaxClue collects documents online and files and represents your case remotely across India.

What happens if I ignore a 142(1) or 143(2) notice?

Non-compliance is a direct trigger for a Section 144 best judgment order. The AO can estimate your income ex-parte, raising a demand that is often far higher than your actuals, together with interest and possible penalty. Replying within the notice window — or seeking an adjournment — is far cheaper than reversing the order later.

Can a rectification under Section 154 reduce a 144 demand?

Yes, where the order contains a mistake apparent from record — such as a double-counted TDS credit or an arithmetic error. A rectification application under Section 154 corrects such mistakes and can reduce the demand, and it can be filed within four years from the end of the financial year in which the order was passed.

Can an updated return (ITR-U) help avoid a best judgment order?

Where eligible, filing an updated return under Section 139(8A) can regularise a non-filed year and reduce best-judgment risk, subject to the additional tax that applies to ITR-U. We advise whether it fits your facts.

Can NRIs and absent taxpayers be represented remotely?

Yes. Because assessment notices, 144 orders and CIT(A) proceedings run through the faceless e-Proceedings system, we can respond and represent an NRI or an absent taxpayer entirely online, collecting documents remotely and handling the case till the order.

What is the difference between a Section 143(3) scrutiny assessment and a Section 144 best judgment assessment?

A Section 143(3) assessment is made after examining your return and the evidence you file in scrutiny. A Section 144 best judgment assessment is made on the officer's own estimate when you do not file, do not comply with notices, or your books are rejected — so the assessed income is often far higher and rests on estimation rather than your records.

Is a show-cause notice mandatory before a Section 144 order?

Yes. The Assessing Officer must give you a show-cause opportunity before passing a best judgment assessment, allowing you to explain why the assessment should not be completed on an estimate. A documented reply at this stage, with reconstructed records, is the best chance to keep the assessed income realistic.

What is the time limit to complete a Section 144 assessment?

A best judgment assessment must be completed within the statutory time limit measured from the end of the assessment year, as applicable to the relevant year and the faceless framework. If the officer does not pass the order within that window, the assessment becomes time-barred.

How do I get a Section 144 order set aside on appeal?

On a CIT(A) appeal in Form 35 within 30 days under Section 246A, the appellate authority can confirm, reduce or set aside the assessment. Where the estimate is arbitrary or you were prevented from replying for sufficient cause, we argue for the additions to be deleted or the matter to be reassessed on your actual records.

How is Section 145(3) rejection of books connected to a best judgment assessment?

When the Assessing Officer is not satisfied with the correctness or completeness of your accounts, the books can be rejected under Section 145(3), and income is then estimated under Section 144. A reconstructed, bank-and-invoice-backed record is the strongest defence to resist rejection and protect your declared income.

What is the time limit and process to appeal a Section 144 order to the ITAT?

If the CIT(A) order remains adverse, a second appeal to the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal is filed in Form 36 within 60 days of receiving that order under Section 253. The ITAT is the final fact-finding forum; beyond it, an appeal lies to the High Court only on a substantial question of law.

Verify Everything

Official Sources & Legal References

Every regulatory detail on this page is drawn from primary law and official government sources. Verify them directly:

Free Download

Not ready yet?

Get the complete Best Judgment Assessment checklist & document list — free.

Get Free Checklist

Instant · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime

You Might Also Need

Related Services

Scrutiny Assessment143(3) representation Income-Tax Notice Reply142(1), 143(2), 148 responses CIT(A) AppealForm 35 appeal drafting Rectification (154)Fix apparent errors in orders ITR FilingFile pending & current returns Updated Return (ITR-U)Regularise a missed year Capital Gains FilingShares, property & MF gains TDS ReturnsQuarterly TDS compliance

Continue Learning

Related Guides

Article

Free Downloads

Best Judgment Assessment Resources — All Free

Income Tax Portal GuideRespond to notices on the faceless e-Proceedings portal Free Legal DraftsShow-cause reply and Form 35 grounds drafts Document ChecklistRecords to reconstruct and defend your income Free Downloads LibraryTemplates, checklists & workbooks Free Legal DraftsReady-to-use draft formats All ResourcesGuides, calendars & checklists

Defend Your Section 144 Assessment with a CA

Facing or at risk of a best judgment assessment? Our CA panel reviews the notice or order, drafts your show-cause reply, files rectification (154) or a CIT(A) appeal (Form 35), and represents you till the order — 100% online. Free consultation, custom quote given upfront, zero hidden charges.

Talk to a CA Expert → WhatsApp Expert

Confidential · 4.9★ Google · ₹0 Hidden Charges · Expert Managed

Ask Veda

Best Judgment Assessment in Pune

Get Expert Help