Self-Assessment U/S 143(1) Income Tax Act Doesn't Qualify As Assessment By AO, No Bar On Reopening Assessment U/S 147: Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court ruled that self-assessment under Section 143(1) of the Income Tax Act does not qualify as an assessment by the Assessing Officer (AO), and therefore, there is no bar on reopening assessments under Section 147. The court clarified that merely processing returns under Section 143(1) does not constitute a complete assessment, allowing tax authorities to revisit cases when necessary. This decision widens the scope for reassessment proceedings, ensuring that authorities have the latitude to correct errors or address newly discovered issues.