ITR Refunds: Difficulties are going to increase for those who get tax refund by showing fake donations. The Income Tax Department has taken a tough stance and started strict investigation against such taxpayers who try to get refunds by making false claims of making alleged donations to political parties or various organizations while filing Income Tax Returns (ITR). The department says that now such cases are being closely monitored and strict action will be taken against those found guilty.

According to Income Tax officials, in recent times a large number of such cases have come to light in which taxpayers have claimed to donate to any political party or charitable organization, but during investigation these claims were found to be suspicious or completely fake. In many cases, it has also come to light that instead of giving the donation directly to the concerned organization, it was shown through an intermediary or agent, so that more refund could be claimed by taking tax exemption.

Now the Intax Department will wield power!

The Income Tax Department has issued this warning at a time when there is a delay in processing the refunds of many taxpayers. Officials have clarified that a major reason for the delay in refund is that now the claims made in the returns are being thoroughly investigated. Especially those cases are being investigated where the claims of tax exemption and refund are unusually high.

During the investigation, the department got information about a whole network of agents and middlemen who provide fake documents to taxpayers in exchange for commission. These agents assure the taxpayers that by filing returns through them, the tax will be very less and the refund will be more. For this, fake donation receipts, documents of donations in the name of unrecognized political parties and in some cases, receipts of fake charitable trusts were used.

Strict strictness of Income Tax Department

The Income Tax Department has made it clear that not only will the refund be stopped against those making such fake claims, but penalty, interest and legal action can also be taken in serious cases. The department says that under the Income Tax Act, availing tax exemption by giving false information is considered a serious crime.

The department has appealed to honest taxpayers to claim tax exemption only on genuine and valid donations and not to fall prey to any agent or middleman. Besides, taxpayers have also been advised to check all the documents properly before filing the return, so that any kind of problem can be avoided in future.

Overall, this step of the Income Tax Department is being considered as a big and strict message towards increasing transparency in the tax system and preventing loss of revenue through fake refunds.

Also read: Meesho’s shares did wonders, reached 52-week high, founder Vidit Atre became a billionaire.

Income tax return deadline: The time limit for filing income tax returns for FY 2025 (Assessment Year 2025-26) has been extended for one day. That is, the taxpayers who have not been able to file income tax returns so far, will get a chance till today i.e. on 16 September 2025.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said in a late night statement that the last date of filing income tax for assessment year 2025-26 has been increased from September 15 to September 16. CBDT made it clear that the e-filing portal will be on maintenance on September 16 from 12:00 am to 2:30 pm to change the services.

Relief for taxpayers

It is worth noting that a large number of taxpayers had complained about technical flaws while filing income tax returns. In view of these problems, it has been decided to increase the time limit. Notification to this effect has been issued separately.

Earlier, Chartered Accountants and Taxpayers were constantly complaining about the problems coming about the e-filing portal on social media. He was expressing dissatisfaction with the delay in the release of Annual Information statement, slow speed and ITR utilities.

The tax department says that by September 15, more than 7 crore ITRs have been filed. The statement further said that taxpayers and tax professionals thank, who helped us reach this milestone. Also, we urge all that those who have not been able to file the Income Tax Return (ITR) for the assessment year 2025-26, must file their ITR.

For the convenience of taxpayers, ‘Assist Taxpayers Helpdesk’ 24X7 has been provided by the department. Through this, taxpayers can get help through calls, live chats, social media platforms and Webex.

Also read: Awesome! Investors broke as soon as the IPO opened, subscribe on the first day; Vijay Kedia also has investment

‘Can PM not give 1 hour’, Owaisi angry at not being called in an all-party meeting, Rijiju said- ‘Your voice is sharp’