Why Is My CA Asking So Many Questions

 

Subject: Your Query on Information Requirements for Tax Filing – Clarification

Dear Anirudh,

Thank you for your email. It’s great to have you and your family onboard with S&Co for this year’s income tax return filings. I understand your concern - the list of details we’ve requested may seem longer than what you’ve been used to in the past. Allow me to explain why.

Each taxpayer is different - not just in terms of the source of income but also in the nature of transactions, deductions, exemptions claimed, and financial behaviour. In your case, we are looking at four unique profiles:

• You, a self-employed musician and music arranger with possible freelance gigs, royalty income, studio expenses, and TDS from different sources.
• Your wife, a salaried employee in the tech sector who may have stock options, bonuses, or even crypto holdings.
• Your mother, a pensioner - for whom senior citizen benefits and 80C/80D deductions may apply.
• Your father, a retired businessman now drawing income from investments, perhaps with capital gains, dividends, and interest components.

Now, the reason we’re being thorough is because the Income Tax Department is being thorough too. Over the past few years, the tax system has become more data-driven and interconnected. Annual Information Statements (AIS), TIS, 26AS, and other data points are now automatically matched with your return. Even small mismatches can trigger notices or refunds getting held up.

We’re not trying to overwhelm you. We’re trying to represent your family’s finances as accurately as possible - while ensuring you don’t miss out on any deduction or benefit legally available. For instance, many self-employed professionals overlook claiming legitimate business expenses like travel, instrument maintenance, or software subscriptions. Similarly, salaried employees often miss HRA, Section 80 deductions, or even foreign income disclosures.

Our goal is not just to file a return, but to file an informed, clean, compliant return that:

1.      Minimises your tax liability legally.

2.      Avoids future scrutiny or unnecessary notices.

3.      Keeps your financial records tidy in case of any loan applications or investments down the line.

Your father-in-law, who kindly referred you to us, will attest - this extra effort upfront saves a lot of time and trouble later.

We see this as a long-term relationship, not just a transaction for this year. As we get to know your family’s financial patterns better, future years will become much smoother and faster.

Let’s take this first step carefully and confidently. Thank you again for your trust in us. Feel free to call or drop in if you’d like to go over any specific questions.

Warm regards,
S Srini
S & Co, Chartered Accountants

The content made available in this article is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the content, it should not be considered as a substitute for professional consultation. 

About the Author