How to Open Intimation Order

Receiving an intimation order from the income tax department can be an important part of your financial and tax journey. It often indicates the completion of the assessment or verification process of your filed income tax return (ITR). For many taxpayers, understanding how to open intimation order properly and interpret it is crucial, especially to ensure that the income tax return has been processed correctly and there are no discrepancies in the tax calculations. This document typically arrives via email or is made available in your income tax portal account, and knowing how to access and review it can help avoid penalties or missed refunds.

What Is an Intimation Order?

An intimation order under Section 143(1) of the Income Tax Act is a communication from the tax department informing you about the status of your ITR processing. It compares the data you submitted in your return with the data the department has on record. Based on this comparison, it may confirm that:

• There is no discrepancy, and the return is accepted as filed
• You are eligible for a refund
• You owe additional tax

It is essential to read and understand this intimation to verify the correctness of your tax return and take any required action.

Where to Find Your Intimation Order

Email Notification

Once your ITR is processed, the income tax department usually sends an intimation order via email. The email is sent to the registered email address provided at the time of filing. It includes a password-protected PDF attachment of the intimation order.

Income Tax Portal

If you didn’t receive the intimation by email or misplaced it, you can download it from the official Income Tax e-Filing portal. This is the most reliable method and allows you to retrieve documents from prior years as well.

Steps to Open Intimation Order PDF

1. Locate the PDF File

Whether downloaded from your email or the income tax portal, the intimation order comes as a PDF file. Save this file securely on your device.

2. Understand the Password Format

The intimation order PDF is protected with a password to safeguard your sensitive tax information. The default password format is a combination of your personal details:

• Your PAN (in lowercase) followed by your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format

For example, if your PAN is ABCDE1234F and your date of birth is 15th August 1990, then the password would be:abcde1234f15081990

3. Open the PDF File

Use any standard PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or a browser-based viewer. Open the file and enter the password in the required field. If entered correctly, you will be able to view the intimation order.

Steps to Download Intimation Order from the Income Tax Portal

If you need to retrieve the order again, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official Income Tax e-Filing Website

Use your browser to navigate to the e-filing portal. Make sure the site is secure and legitimate by checking for the official domain.

2. Login to Your Account

Enter your PAN or Aadhaar number as your user ID and input your password. You may need to enter an OTP sent to your registered mobile number or email for verification.

3. Navigate to ‘View Filed Returns’

Once logged in, go to the dashboard or select ‘e-File’ >‘Income Tax Returns’ >‘View Filed Returns’ from the top menu bar.

4. Select the Relevant Assessment Year

Choose the correct assessment year for which you want to access the intimation order. You will see a list of returns filed under your PAN.

5. Click on ‘Download Intimation Order’

Under the ‘Actions’ column, you will find an option to download the intimation order. Save the PDF file to your computer and use the correct password to open it.

How to Read and Understand the Intimation Order

The intimation order contains a summary of your ITR and a comparison with records held by the department. It typically includes:

• Details of income reported and processed
• Tax deductions claimed and accepted
• Tax payable or refund due
• Any adjustments made by the assessing officer

Review the comparison section to identify any differences between the ‘As Provided by Taxpayer’ and ‘As Computed Under Section 143(1)’ columns. If everything matches, your return is accepted without changes. If there are differences, take time to understand why adjustments were made.

What to Do If You Disagree with the Intimation Order

If you notice errors or disagree with the calculations in the intimation order, you have a few options:

1. Review Your Filed Return

Check the original ITR to confirm whether the data was entered correctly. Often, mistakes in figures, bank details, or missing deductions can lead to mismatches.

2. File a Rectification Request

If the discrepancy is due to an error in your return or a mistake by the department, you can file a rectification request under Section 154 using the income tax portal. This will allow you to correct errors without refiling the entire return.

3. Contact a Tax Consultant

If the issue is complex or involves legal interpretation, consider consulting a qualified tax advisor. They can guide you on how to proceed, especially in cases of incorrect tax demands.

Common Issues When Opening Intimation Orders

Sometimes users face difficulties while trying to open the intimation PDF. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• Incorrect Password: Make sure the PAN is in lowercase and the date of birth is in the correct format (DDMMYYYY)
• Corrupted File: Try downloading the PDF again from the portal
• Unsupported PDF Viewer: Use a reliable PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat

Tips for Managing Intimation Orders Efficiently

• Always download and save a copy of the intimation order for future reference
• Check your spam or junk folder if you haven’t received it by email
• Make note of the assessment year while reviewing or downloading
• Keep your login credentials updated on the income tax portal

Knowing how to open intimation order and interpret its contents is essential for all taxpayers. Whether it’s confirming a refund, reconciling a tax demand, or simply reviewing your tax filing status, the intimation order serves as official communication from the income tax department. Make sure to review the document carefully, verify the details, and take timely action if required. Staying informed and proactive will ensure your tax matters remain in good standing and free of unnecessary complications.