Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is a significant part of personal finance management, but your responsibilities don’t end once you submit the return. After filing, the Income Tax Department sends an ITR Intimation under Section 143(1), which communicates the status of your return. This document can confirm that your return has been accepted as is or highlight any discrepancies. Knowing how to open ITR Intimation is crucial to ensure that your tax matters are in order and that there are no issues that require your attention or correction.
Understanding ITR Intimation
The ITR Intimation is a formal communication from the Income Tax Department. It is automatically generated and typically sent to your registered email address after your return is processed. This document includes important information such as your income details, tax calculations, deductions claimed, and any discrepancies between the filed return and the department’s records.
Why Is It Important?
- Confirms the acceptance of your filed return
- Highlights mismatches, if any, between your data and the IT Department’s data
- Indicates a demand for additional tax or a refund due
- Essential for future reference and financial documentation
Where to Find Your ITR Intimation
Once your ITR is processed, the intimation is usually sent to your registered email address. You can also access it through the Income Tax e-Filing portal. It is important to keep your contact details updated in the system to avoid missing critical communication.
Steps to Access ITR Intimation from Email
- Open your registered email inbox
- Search for a message from donotreply@incometax.gov.in
- Locate the email with a subject line mentioning Intimation under Section 143(1)
- Download the attached ZIP file containing the intimation notice
Steps to Access ITR Intimation from e-Filing Portal
- Visit the official Income Tax e-Filing portal
- Log in using your PAN, Aadhaar, or user ID, along with your password
- Navigate to the e-File section
- Select Income Tax Returns >View Filed Returns
- Find the relevant Assessment Year
- Click on the View Details or Download Intimation link
How to Open the Downloaded ITR Intimation
When you download your ITR Intimation from either the email or the portal, it comes in a compressed ZIP format. You need to extract it and then open the PDF file using the correct password. Without the password, the file will remain inaccessible for security reasons.
Step-by-Step Guide to Open the File
1. Extract the ZIP File
- Locate the downloaded ZIP file on your computer or mobile device
- Right-click and select Extract All (on PC) or use a file manager app (on mobile)
- A new folder will be created containing the PDF document
2. Enter the Correct Password
The PDF file is password protected to ensure that your confidential financial information remains secure. The password follows a specific format based on your personal details.
Password Format:
- It is a combination of your PAN (in lowercase) and your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format
- Example: If your PAN is ABCDE1234F and your date of birth is 15th August 1990, the password will be: abcde1234f15081990
3. Open with PDF Reader
- Use any standard PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader
- When prompted, enter the password exactly as explained above
- You can now view the full details of your ITR Intimation
Contents of the ITR Intimation
Once opened, the document will show a comparison between the figures submitted by you and those processed by the IT Department. Understanding each section will help you assess whether any action is needed.
Main Sections to Review
- Part A: Basic details such as name, PAN, assessment year, and filing status
- Part B: Summary of income, deductions, taxes paid, and tax payable or refundable
- Comparison Table: Side-by-side comparison of values as per return filed and values processed by the department
- Final Result: Status of return – no demand, refund due, or demand payable
What to Do After Opening the ITR Intimation
If No Discrepancy Is Found
If the intimation confirms that there is no difference between your filed return and the department’s computation, and the result shows No Demand / No Refund, then no action is required on your part.
If a Refund Is Mentioned
In case the intimation shows that a refund is due to you, it will typically be credited to your bank account linked with your PAN. You can track the refund status on the refund processing portal or through the e-Filing portal.
If There’s a Tax Demand
If the department calculates a tax demand, compare their computations with your records to identify the discrepancy. If the demand is genuine, proceed to pay the outstanding amount through the e-Filing portal or authorized bank. If you believe it is incorrect, you can file a rectification request.
How to Handle Errors or Mismatches
Errors can occur due to mismatched Form 26AS data, omitted income, or incorrect deductions. If you find any issues in the intimation, here’s what you can do:
Filing a Rectification Request
- Log in to the e-Filing portal
- Go to e-File >Rectification
- Select the assessment year and submit your correction
- Upload relevant documentation if required
Revised Return Option
If you discover a genuine mistake in your original return, you can revise it before the deadline. The revised return will replace your original filing and will be reprocessed.
Tips for Avoiding Issues in Future
- Always verify your return before final submission
- Cross-check data with Form 26AS and AIS (Annual Information Statement)
- Ensure your bank account is pre-validated and linked to your PAN
- Keep your contact and email information updated in the e-Filing portal
Understanding how to open and review your ITR Intimation is essential to stay compliant with tax regulations and to detect any potential discrepancies early. Whether you receive it through email or download it from the portal, always check the intimation carefully using the correct password format. The process is straightforward once you know the steps, and paying attention to these details ensures peace of mind and proper financial planning. Be proactive with your tax responsibilities, and treat the ITR Intimation as a key part of your annual income tax workflow.