After you file your income tax return (ITR), the Income Tax Department processes it and sends you a message called “Intimation under Section 143(1).” This is not a notice—just a friendly summary from the tax department letting you know if your tax return is okay or if there are any changes.
Let’s break it down clearly and simply.
What is Section 143(1) Intimation?
It’s an official communication from the Income Tax Department after they check your filed ITR. They compare the data you submitted with their own records and send you an intimation (summary result).
It will say one of three things:
- ✅ Your tax return is perfectly fine.
- 💸 You need to pay extra tax (demand).
- 💰 You will get a refund.
What Does the Department Check?
The department does basic checks only—no deep investigation. They look at:
- Math mistakes in your return
- Mismatch in income or deductions
- TDS details from Form 26AS or AIS
- Wrong claims, like deduction limits crossed
What Will the Intimation Include?
It usually has two columns:
| Part A – As Filed by You | Part B – As Processed by CPC |
|---|---|
| Your declared income, deductions, tax | What the tax department calculated |
This helps you easily compare what you filed vs. what they processed.
How Do You Receive It?
- Sent via email and SMS
- Can also be downloaded from: incometax.gov.in
🕒 Usually issued within a few months of filing your return.
What If You Get a Refund?
- The intimation will show the refund amount.
- Refund is usually credited directly to your bank account.
What If You Owe More Tax?
- You must pay the demand amount within the given time (typically 30 days).
- You can pay via Challan 280 on the income tax portal.
What If There’s a Mistake?
If you disagree with the intimation:
- File a rectification request under Section 154 on the income tax website.
- Or respond using the e-Proceedings tab if asked.
Important Points
- It’s not a notice or audit. Just a summary.
- Keep the intimation safe as proof of ITR processing.
- Check for errors or mismatches before taking any action.
- If the intimation shows “no demand, no refund,” your ITR is accepted without issues.
Simple Example
Rita files her ITR showing a refund of ₹2,000. A few weeks later, she gets an email titled “Intimation u/s 143(1)”. The mail confirms the refund amount, and within days, ₹2,000 is credited to her bank. That’s a Section 143(1) intimation at work—quick, clear, and simple!
Let me know if you’d like a visual sample of a 143(1) intimation or a guide to read one line-by-line!
