Response to Faceless Assessment Notice — Template and Tips
Ready-to-use draft reply template for notice under faceless assessment scheme requiring information/documents under the Income Tax Act. Includes format, legal references, and compliance notes. Illustrative only — customize based on your specific case facts and professional advice.
Response Deadline: As specified in the notice (typically 15-30 days)
Filing: E-filing portal (incometax.gov.in) → Pending Actions → Response to Notices
When Do You Receive This Notice?
notice under faceless assessment scheme requiring information/documents is issued by the Assessing Officer / CPC when Section 144B / Faceless Assessment provisions are triggered. You must respond within the time specified in the notice — failure to respond can result in best judgment assessment, penalty, and prosecution.
Draft Reply
Subject: Response to Faceless Assessment Notice — PAN: [PAN] — AY [Year]
Respected Sir/Madam (Through NeAC),
In response to the notice/questionnaire received through the e-filing portal, I/we submit the following:
1. Issue raised: [Specific issue from the notice]
Response: [Detailed factual response with legal basis and supporting documents]
2. Issue raised: [Second issue]
Response: [Response]
Documents uploaded: [List of all documents attached in PDF format]
I/we request a fair assessment based on the submissions made. If required, I/we are available for video conference hearing.
[Name] | [PAN] | Date: [Date]
Key Compliance Notes
Tips for faceless assessment: (a) NEVER visit any tax office or try to contact any officer — all communication through e-filing portal only. (b) Upload COMPLETE response with ALL documents — incomplete response = adverse inference. (c) Request video conference if you need to explain complex issues. (d) Respond within the deadline shown on portal — typically 7-15 days. (e) Keep screenshots/downloads of all submissions as proof. (f) If notice seems suspicious: verify on e-filing portal (Pending Actions → Outstanding Demands/Notices).
Documents to Attach
| # | Document | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Copy of the notice received | Reference |
| 2 | Copy of ITR filed for the relevant AY | Proof of filing |
| 3 | Computation of income with supporting schedules | Substantiation |
| 4 | All documentary evidence supporting your position | Evidence |
| 5 | Bank statements, Form 26AS, AIS for the relevant period | Verification |