Overview:

This guide explains how to use the “Authenticate Notice / Order issued by the Income Tax Department (ITD)” feature available on the Income Tax Department’s e-Filing portal. The tool helps both registered and unregistered users confirm whether a Notice, Order, Summons, Letter, or other communication is genuine. As a pre-login service, it helps prevent confusion or fraud by verifying document authenticity directly on the official portal.
For full instructions, refer to the official user manual on the e-Filing website.

You do not need to sign in to use this service. Once the details are validated, the portal displays confirmation such as the document number and issue date. If no matching record appears, it may indicate the document was not issued by the ITD.

This article is for general information only and reflects processes available as of November 2025. Always verify the latest details on the official portal.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

• Access to the official e-Filing portal:
  https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal
• Relevant document information, depending on the method you choose:
  • Method 1: PAN, Document Type, Assessment Year, Date of Issue, Mobile Number
  • Method 2: Document Identification Number (DIN) and Mobile Number
• A mobile number you can access for OTP verification (it doesn’t need to be linked to your PAN).
• A device capable of receiving SMS.

Important: All official communications issued on or after 1 October 2019 must contain a 20-character DIN (format: IN-DDMMYYYY#########). Documents issued without a DIN after this date are not considered valid.

Helpful Tips

• Use only the official portal to avoid phishing attempts.
• Keep your mobile number updated if applicable.
• The service is free for all users.

Step-by-Step Guide to Authenticating a Notice

Your authentication method depends on the information available on your document.

Method Comparison

• Method 1 (PAN-Based):
  Suitable for notices without a DIN (often pre-2019). Requires PAN, Document Type, AY, Date of Issue, and a mobile number. Results show the Document Number and Date of Issue.
  Time needed: ~5–7 minutes.
• Method 2 (DIN-Based):
  Suitable for post-2019 notices containing a DIN. Requires only the DIN and a mobile number.
  Time needed: ~3–5 minutes.

Accessing the Service

1. Visit the e-Filing Portal
   Navigate to: https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal
   Make sure the page is secure (look for HTTPS and the padlock icon).
2. Locate the Authentication Feature
   Find “Authenticate Notice / Order issued by ITD” under Quick Links or Services.
   If you cannot spot it immediately, search for “Authenticate Notice” in the site’s search bar.
3. Select Your Method
   • Method 1: PAN, Document Type, AY, Date of Issue + Mobile Number
   • Method 2: DIN + Mobile Number

Method 1: Authenticate Using PAN, Document Details, and Mobile Number

Use this option when your notice does not contain a DIN. Incorrect entries will need correction before OTP verification.

1. Enter the Required Details

Provide:

• PAN
• Document Type (e.g., Notice u/s 143(1), Order u/s 144, Summons)
• Assessment Year
• Date of Issue (DD/MM/YYYY)
• Mobile Number

Click Continue.

2. Verify With OTP

A 6-digit OTP will be sent via SMS.

• Valid for: 15 minutes
• Maximum attempts: 3
• You can select Resend OTP if required.

Enter the OTP and click Continue.

3. View Authentication Results

If matched successfully, the portal displays:

• Document Number
• Date of Issue

If no record is found, a message appears:
“No record found for the given criteria.”
Recheck your entries or contact the ITD helpline (1800-103-0025).

Method 2: Authenticate Using DIN and Mobile Number

Choose this faster method when the notice contains a 20-character DIN. Incorrect entries must be corrected before the OTP step.

1. Enter the DIN and Mobile Number

Fill in:

• DIN (format: IN-DDMMYYYY#########)
• Mobile Number

Click Continue.

2. Complete OTP Verification

Enter the OTP sent to your mobile number.

3. View Results

If the DIN matches, a confirmation message appears.
If no record is found, you’ll see:
“No record found for the given Document Number.”

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

OTP Not Received

Check mobile signal and wait briefly before resending. If you exceed attempts, try again after 30 minutes or switch to another method.

Incorrect Inputs

Ensure PAN, AY, dates, or DIN are correctly entered as per the notice.

Browser Problems

Clear cache, try incognito mode, or switch to another browser/device.

Mobile Number Not Updated

If needed, update it via your profile when logged in or at an ITD facilitation center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this service available 24/7? 
Yes, it can be accessed anytime.

How do I authenticate very old notices?
For notices issued before 1 October 2019, use Method 1. Notices issued after this date must include a DIN.

Does the mobile number for OTP need to be the one linked to my PAN?
No. Any accessible number works.

Can I check someone else’s notice?
Only with their permission and access to a mobile number.

What if authentication fails but I think the notice is genuine?
Reach out to the issuing authority or contact the ITD helpline.

Are there alternate helpline numbers?
You may also contact 1800-419-0025.

Best Practices

• Do not share OTPs or personal details with unknown sources.
• Follow timelines mentioned in any verified notice.
• Report suspicious documents via cybercrime.gov.in or the ITD grievance system.
• For the most accurate information, always refer to updates on the official portal.

Please detailed information please refer the official guide/user manual on how to Authenticate the Notice issued by the ITD

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Income Tax Notice in India (2025): Types, Reasons & Compliance Guide