New Delhi, June 15 -- The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has strengthened the scrutiny framework under Section 143(2) of the Income Tax Act. This Section governs the detailed analysis and examination of Income Tax Returns (ITRs).

A 'scrutiny assessment' is initiated when the taxation department identifies potential errors, shortfalls, risk indicators or gross mismatches in a filed return and requires the taxpayers to clarify and substantiate claims with proper evidence. Let us now examine Section 143(2) of the Income Tax Act in detail to better understand this concept.

"(2) Where a return has been furnished under section 139, or in response to a notice under sub-section (1) of section 142, the Assessing Officer or the prescribed i...