Fails to reply section 148

You then stand at a better position
1. you have neither admitted undisclosed income nor kept it remained undisclosed by filing a return.

2. the ao cant proceed further with inquiry proceeding untill you have filed return.

3. the ao cant finalise order under 147 unless you have filed a return.

4. the will have to invariably complete assessment under 144 with very less documentary evidence or without substantial evidence.

5. such baseless assessment can easily be anulled in appeal

Penalty amount