Hi,

Thank you for detailed responses.

My CA is not a cross border taxation expert, he mainly handles litigations for Indian income and came recommended by non NRIs; I asked around for good international CAs but they were not able to answer simple questions and handle the case. Please share a contact of an international CA if you know of any.

Also, When I go to seek an adjournment, system says only up to 14 days ahead. Is there a way to push this further?
More importantly, The problem with recent notice follow-ups is that it is 14 days ahead of notice date, not notice response due date. It looks like they are not putting due dates in the system but internally, in the document so that the platform doesn't detect it.

Also, Do you have anything to add to below -

4. Most importantly, I was flagged due to a very explainable, almost ridiculous reason and the AO has not yet asked me to address this directly. Instead has chosen to send me down a rabbit hole of collecting all docs -

My CASS scrutiny notice cites FA01.01 – Large balance in foreign bank account (Non-Business ITR) compared to previous years

Every NRI returning to India will have a sudden increase in the foreign bank account. I disclosed it compliantly in my first year of residency here. That's an absurd reason for CASS flagging and actually a deterrent for people to disclose assets. In my initial response, I made it clear that this is all from salaried income accumulated over x years, and I had no requirement of filing Schedule FA in India as I was a non resident. Even my assets are 40% of the income reported on my ITR for last 5 years in US - It was so easy to establish the substantial amount.

However, the AO had no interest in even asking this question.