2025 ActIncome-tax Act, 2025 is in force from 1 April 2026 — every page shows old (1961) & new (2025) section numbers side by side.Income-tax Act, 2025 in force · old & new sections shown
Notice guide · Income tax notices

Penalty u/s 270A: Under-reporting (50%) and Misreporting (200%) — Immunity & Reply

After an addition in assessment, a penalty of 50% of the tax (under-reporting) or 200% (misreporting) can follow. Immunity and a well-argued reply can reduce or remove it.

Updated Nov 2026 Old & new sections
Under-reporting50% of tax on the under-reported income
Misreporting200% of the tax
ImmunitySection 270AA — pay and don't appeal
Budget 2026Assessment and penalty in one common order
Penalty u/s 270A: Under-reporting (50%) and Misreporting (200%) — Immunity & Reply
How to read section numbers: s.80C→s.123 means Section 80C of the Income-tax Act, 1961 is now Section 123 of the Income-tax Act, 2025 (in force from 1 April 2026). Returns for FY 2025-26 still use the old numbers; Tax Year 2026-27 onwards uses the new ones. Section Finder

The immunity route

Under section 270AA of the 1961 Act, if you pay the tax and interest as per the order within the time allowed and do not file an appeal, you can apply for immunity from the 270A penalty (except misreporting cases) within one month from the end of the month in which the order is received.

Defending the penalty

  • Show that the addition is a bona fide difference of opinion, with full disclosure
  • Show that misreporting categories (suppression, false entries) do not apply
  • Penalty proceedings are separate in law — an addition does not automatically mean penalty

Common mistakes

  • Missing the 270AA application window
  • Treating penalty as automatic
  • Appealing and also seeking immunity

Frequently asked questions

Yes — an appeal lies to the Commissioner (Appeals) within 30 days of receiving the order. If you applied for immunity under 270AA, you cannot appeal the assessment for those issues.

Last reviewed on 11 November 2026 by Vinay Jaglan, VJ & Associates. Law and portal screens change — verify before acting, or ask the office.

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