Need help with e-Campaign notice for FY 2022–23 cash deposits
Today I found a pending e-Campaign notice on the Income Tax portal for non-filing of ITR for FY 2022–23 (AY 2023–24).
The notice shows around ₹10.2 lakh in cash deposits during the year, along with mutual-fund transactions. The mutual-fund information is correct. I was unemployed at that time and did not know that banks report annual cash deposits above ₹10 lakh.
The deposits were made in multiple smaller transactions throughout the year. As far as I remember, the money mainly consisted of cash repayments from friends and family to whom I had previously lent money. It was not black money or business income, but I do not have written agreements or complete records showing the source and date of every repayment.
How should I respond to the e-Campaign notice? Should I first file the ITR for AY 2023–24, or submit an explanation through the Compliance Portal? What evidence can help support my explanation, and could the entire ₹10.2 lakh be treated as taxable income?
Should I consult a CA or tax lawyer before responding? I would appreciate guidance from anyone who has handled a similar notice.