Section 288 → Section 420
Appearance by authorised representative
Quick Answer
Section 288 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (Appearance by authorised representative) corresponds to Section 420 of the Income-tax Act, 2025, effective 1st April 2026. Status: Retained.
What changed for Section 288
Under the Income Tax Act, 1961, Section 288 governs appearance by authorised representative. Defines who can represent a taxpayer (Chartered Accountants, Lawyers, Tax Practitioners).
Under the Income-tax Act, 2025 (effective 1st April 2026), Section 288 is retained and renumbered as Section 420 of the Income-tax Act, 2025. Retained. Authorized representatives must now be registered on the 'Faceless' portal with valid Power of Attorney.
The transition impact on Section 288 is assessed as High. Governs the rights of the tax profession.
Sec 288
Provision Summary
Defines who can represent a taxpayer (Chartered Accountants, Lawyers, Tax Practitioners).
Sec 420
Provision Summary
Retained. Authorized representatives must now be registered on the 'Faceless' portal with valid Power of Attorney.
Key Changes & Highlights
- Digital authorization (e-POA) system implemented.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which subject does Section 288 of the 1961 Act cover?
Section 288 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 covers appearance by authorised representative. Defines who can represent a taxpayer (Chartered Accountants, Lawyers, Tax Practitioners).
What is the new section number for Section 288 under the Income-tax Act, 2025?
Section 288 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 maps to Section 420 of the Income-tax Act, 2025, effective 1st April 2026 (status: Retained). Retained. Authorized representatives must now be registered on the 'Faceless' portal with valid Power of Attorney.
How does the Income-tax Act, 2025 affect Section 288 in practice?
The transition impact for Section 288 is rated High. Governs the rights of the tax profession.
What is new about Section 288 under the Income-tax Act, 2025?
Digital authorization (e-POA) system implemented. These points are specific to Section 288 (Appearance by authorised representative).
Disclaimer: This mapping of Section 288 (Appearance by authorised representative) to Section 420 of the Income-tax Act, 2025 is for educational and reference purposes only, based on publicly available drafts and circulars. As Section 288 is currently marked Retained, always confirm its treatment with a qualified Chartered Accountant before filing or making compliance decisions.
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