Section 291
Section 291: intimation of loss
Section 291 requires the Assessing Officer to formally notify an assessee, in writing, of the amount of loss he has computed during assessment, whenever that loss is one the assessee is entitled to carry forward and set off under specific loss provisions of the Act.
When intimation is required
The Assessing Officer must notify the assessee by an order in writing of the amount of loss computed by him for the purposes of section 111(1), 112, 113(2) or 115(1), where:
- in the course of assessing the assessee's total income, it is established that a loss has taken place; and
- the assessee is entitled to have that loss carried forward and set off under the relevant sections.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the Assessing Officer need to formally intimate a loss?
Section 291 requires the Assessing Officer to notify the assessee in writing of a computed loss so that the assessee has a clear, formal record of the loss amount that is eligible to be carried forward and set off under sections 111(1), 112, 113(2) or 115(1) in later years.
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Talk to our team about carrying forward a lossLast updated 9 September 2026