Scrutiny notice timing invalidates reassessment when issued before the return filed in response to a reopening notice.

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....Under reassessment procedure, a scrutiny notice must be issued only after the taxpayer files a return in response to a reopening notice. Issuing the scrutiny notice before that return is filed makes the notice invalid and cannot cure the statutory defect. Without a valid scrutiny notice, the reassessment order is invalid. Reassessment orders founded on prematurely issued scrutiny notices are therefore liable to be set aside, and appeals challenging their invalidation fail where no further question of law arises.....