An individual can receive a tax notice for a variety of reasons. Here is what the notices under different sections mean

131 (1A)	Assessing officer has reason to suspect that income has been concealed.
133a	For survey or scrutiny of accounts
142	For not filing income tax return. For scrutiny of accounts and documents in support of the return filed by taxpayer.
143(1)	For adjustment or additional tax demand if an error or incorrect information is detected in the return filed by taxpayer.
143(2)	For regular assessment after detailed inquiry by assessing officer.
148	For reassessment if assessing officer believes some income has escaped assessment.
156	For dues (tax, interest, penalty, fine or any other sum) payable by the assessee.

 

Penalties for various Tax Offences

• Late Filing of Returns
  If you file your ITR after the due date but before 31st December, a penalty of Rs. 5,000 will be levied. For returns filed after 31st December, the penalty will be Rs. 10,000. For those whose total income does not exceed Rs. 5 lakh, the maximum penalty for delay will be Rs. 1,000.
• Under-Reporting of Income
  50% of the tax payable on the under-reported income will have to be paid as penalty.
• Misreported Income
  200% of the tax payable on the misreported income will have to be paid as penalty.