Rectification of mistake: tax authorities may amend orders and intimations, with notice and hearing before raising liability.
Section 287 authorises specified income tax authorities to amend orders and intimations to rectify mistakes apparent from the record, excluding matters considered and decided in appeal or revision. Amendments that increase liability require notice of intention and a reasonable opportunity of being heard; reductions in liability require refund by the Assessing Officer and increases require service of a notice of demand. A four year outer limitation from the end of the financial year of the original order or intimation applies, subject to section 288, and taxpayer applications must be disposed within six months of the relevant month end.