What is the Direct Tax Code 2025 and when did it come into effect?

The Direct Tax Code 2025 (Income Tax Act 2025) replaced the Income Tax Act 1961 from April 1, 2026. It simplifies the entire direct tax framework, renumbers sections, removes redundancies, and modernizes taxation for India.

Is the Income Tax Act 1961 still valid after April 2026?

The Income Tax Act 1961 was repealed under Section 536 of the new Act from April 1, 2026. However, all assessments, appeals, and proceedings for periods before April 1, 2026 continue under the old ITA 1961 rules.

What is the new section number for Section 80C in Income Tax Act 2025?

Section 80C of the ITA 1961 maps to Section 123 of the Direct Tax Code 2025. Deductions for LIC premiums, PPF, ELSS, EPF, and home loan principal repayment continue under the new act.

What is the new section for TDS on professional fees (194J)?

Section 194J (TDS on professional and technical services) of the old Income Tax Act 1961 has been renumbered in the Direct Tax Code 2025. Use our free converter at ita1961to2025.in to find the exact new section number instantly.

How do I convert old income tax section numbers to new 2025 numbers?

Visit ita1961to2025.in and use the free section search tool. Type any old ITA 1961 section number (e.g., 80C, 194J, 139) and instantly see the new DTC 2025 equivalent, its status, and key changes.

Is the ITA 1961 to 2025 mapping tool free for CAs and tax professionals?

Yes, completely free. The section mapper, comparison cheat sheet, PDF download, and Tax Academy blog are all free for Chartered Accountants, tax lawyers, law students, and taxpayers.

Which sections were completely deleted in the new Income Tax Act 2025?

Several redundant and overlapping sections from ITA 1961 were not carried into DTC 2025. Use our free converter — each section is marked as Retained, Modified, or Deleted so you can quickly check any section's status.

Can I download the ITA 1961 to DTC 2025 comparison as a PDF?

Yes! Visit the Comparison page at ita1961to2025.in/comparison to download a free cheat sheet PDF showing side-by-side mapping of key ITA 1961 sections to their DTC 2025 equivalents.

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ITA 1961 → DTC 2025Assessment

Section 142(1) → Section 157

Inquiry before assessment

RetainedVery High - The first warning shot fired before a scrutiny assessment.

Quick Answer

Section 142(1) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (Inquiry before assessment) corresponds to Section 157 of the Direct Tax Code 2025 (Income-tax Act, 2025), effective 1st April 2026. Status: Retained.

Old Law (ITA 1961)Ch: XIV

Sec 142(1)

Provision Summary

Notice issued by the AO to compel a person to file a return (if not filed) or to produce specific accounts and documents for assessment.

New Law (DTC 2025)Ch: XV

Sec 157

Provision Summary

Retained. All 142(1) notices are now system-generated with a Document Identification Number (DIN) and served via the faceless portal.

Key Changes & Highlights

Non-compliance with a 142(1) notice is the primary legal trigger for an ex-parte Best Judgment Assessment under Section 144.

Related Sections

Section 144

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Section 142(1) of the Income Tax Act 1961 deal with?

Section 142(1) (Inquiry before assessment) Notice issued by the AO to compel a person to file a return (if not filed) or to produce specific accounts and documents for assessment.

What is the new section number for Section 142(1) under the Direct Tax Code 2025?

Section 142(1) of the ITA 1961 maps to Section 157 of the Direct Tax Code 2025 (Income-tax Act, 2025), effective from 1st April 2026.

What is the status of Section 142(1) under the new tax code?

Section 142(1) is marked as "Retained" with status "Active". Impact: Very High - The first warning shot fired before a scrutiny assessment.

What are the key changes to Section 142(1) under DTC 2025?

Non-compliance with a 142(1) notice is the primary legal trigger for an ex-parte Best Judgment Assessment under Section 144.

Disclaimer: This page is for educational and reference purposes only. Section mappings are based on publicly available drafts and circulars. Always consult a qualified Chartered Accountant before filing or making compliance decisions under the Direct Tax Code 2025.

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