Social Media: There is going to be a big change in the rules related to income tax in India, which can have a direct impact on the digital privacy of common people. From April 1, 2026, the Income Tax Department is going to get the power to not only limit itself to physical assets while investigating tax evasion but can also access the digital activities of citizens. This will be the first time that tax officials will be able to formally conduct investigations in the digital world.

Now not just cash and jewellery, digital world also on radar

Till now, Income Tax officials were allowed to examine material things like house, property, cash, documents and jewelery during raids. This action is taken under Section 132 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. But under the new proposed rules, officials will also get the right to access the so-called virtual digital space.

This digital space will include email accounts, cloud storage, digital wallets, trading and investment platforms, social media profiles and other online accounts. This means that everything from Gmail to social media chats can come under the ambit of tax scrutiny.

Why is the government making such a change?

The government says that today most of the transactions have become online. From banking to investing, trading and even crypto assets, everything is happening on digital platforms. In such a situation, detecting tax evasion only through physical investigation is no longer effective.

According to officials, the entire financial activity of a person is hidden in his digital footprint. Therefore, by getting access to digital data, cases of tax evasion can be detected more accurately.

Will everyone’s data be checked at any time?

The biggest question regarding this change is privacy. However, the government has made it clear that tax officials will not be able to arbitrarily access anyone’s digital data. Just as earlier reason to believe was necessary for raids, the same condition will be applicable for digital accounts also.

This means that unless there is a solid basis against a person for irregularities in income or financial transactions, his email, social media or other digital accounts will not be accessible.

What does this mean for taxpayers?

Tax related transparency is going to increase in the coming time, but at the same time people will have to be more cautious about their digital activities. If your income and transactions are clean and declared correctly then there is no need to panic.

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Income Tax Department 24×7 Control Room: Keeping in mind the upcoming Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections of 2025-26, the Income Tax Department has started preparations to keep a close watch on the misuse of money power in the electoral process. Under this, a state-of-the-art control room is being set up in Mumbai, which will be active 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

The objective of this control room is to ensure fair, free and transparent elections after the implementation of the election code of conduct. In particular, activities like illegal documents, unaccounted cash transactions, black money and distribution of money or valuables during election campaign will be strictly monitored.

Income Tax Department Control Room in Mumbai

According to the Income Tax Department, this control room will work as an election surveillance system throughout the election period. Along with this, common citizens will also be made aware that if they get any information about distribution of money, illegal cash, black money or other valuable items during elections, they should immediately share it with the department.

For this, the Income Tax Department has kept its official channels like WhatsApp, Tax Messaging System, phone calls and e-mail active, so that information can be obtained easily and quickly. The department has assured that immediate action will be taken on the basis of solid and reliable information, so that the dignity and transparency of the electoral process is maintained.

Keep an eye on unaccounted cash

The Income Tax Department has also clarified that their main focus during the elections will be on identification and seizure of unaccounted cash. Concern has been raised for a long time regarding such activities in local body elections. Officials believe that the role of the general public is very important in this direction, because many times such activities remain hidden from the common sight, which can be easily identified by the local people. Only through public cooperation can these illegal activities be effectively curbed and the democratic process can be made clean and fair.

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.

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As soon as the month of December starts, the last date for many important works related to taxes, documents and government schemes comes closer. In such a situation, if you have been postponing tasks like PAN-Aadhaar linking, ITR filing, advanced tax, ITR return or correction till now, then now is the time to be alert. All these deadlines directly affect your banking, investment and tax profile. Therefore, it is very important to complete them on time, in such a situation, let us tell you today which important tasks you should complete by 31st December, otherwise the government will not give you the opportunity again and again.

Deadline for depositing advance tax

It is mandatory for those whose tax liability after TDS is more than Rs 10,000, it is mandatory to pay advance tax. Whereas December 15 is the last date for depositing its third installment. In case of delay in advance tax, both interest and penalty can be imposed on you.

Belated ITR Last chance to fill up

If you are not able to submit ITR for the financial year 2024-25 on time, then you have a chance to file the belated return till 31st December. However, for this you will also have to pay late fees. For filing belated ITR, a late fee of Rs 1,000 will be charged for those with income less than Rs 5 lakh and Rs 5,000 for those with income above Rs 5 lakh. At the same time, if you do not file the belated ITR even by 31st December, then you will not get a chance to file the return.

Last date for PAN-Aadhaar linking is also 31st December

It is mandatory for those whose Aadhaar card is made on or before October 1, 2024, to link PAN with Aadhaar by December 31, 2025. If PAN is not linked to Aadhar card, PAN will become inactive. Bank services will also be affected, apart from this, work related to investment and demat will also stop and there will be problems in ITR file link. You can easily do PAN and Aadhaar linking through both income tax e-filing portal and SMS.

Ration card e-KYC also necessary till December

In many states including UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, the last date for ration card e-KYC has also been fixed as December. In such a situation, if e-KYC is not done in December, the receipt of government ration may stop from January 2026.

Last date of PM Awas Yojana

The application date for PM Awas Yojana, which provides assistance of up to Rs 2.5 lakh for building a house, has also been extended to December 31. In such a situation, interested candidates can apply online with Aadhaar, income certificate and residence certificate.

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Cash Transaction Rules: In the era of promotion of digital payments and online banking, the Income Tax Department has become very strict regarding large cash transactions. Whether you are withdrawing cash for personal use or for business purposes, it is important to understand how much cash you can legally transact in a day. Many people may not know that if you make cash transactions beyond a certain limit, you will not only be fined but you may also get an income tax notice. So let us know how much cash transaction can be done in a day under the Income Tax Act.

Section 269 ST

According to Section 269 ST of the Income Tax Act, no person is allowed to receive Rs 2 lakh or more in cash in a day from one or more persons. This restriction does not depend at all on whether the transaction is personal or business. For example, if you are selling a car and receive Rs 2.5 lakh in cash, then legally it is against the income tax law.

Penalty for violating rules

If you accept more than Rs 2 lakh in cash, the Income Tax Department can impose a penalty equal to the total cash amount received. For example, if you accept ₹ 5 lakh in cash for your property or business transactions, then the penalty on that can also be the entire ₹ 5 lakh. This penalty is imposed under Section 271DA and only the person receiving the cash is held accountable.

Why is this rule

The ₹2 lakh cash transaction limit was imposed to curb black money and tax evasion in the economy. The government’s aim is that all major transactions, whether through bank transfer, check or digital means, should be transparent and traceable. Even if it is a personal transaction, like giving money to a friend or relative, if it is more than Rs 2 lakh then it can be investigated.

Income Tax Department Monitoring System

The Income Tax Department uses AI-powered data analysis to monitor unusual or high-value cash deposits and withdrawals. Along with this, an alert can be issued on cash deposit or withdrawal of more than Rs 10 lakh in a savings account or Rs 50 lakh in a current account in a financial year. Not only this, but many cash transactions of less than Rs 2 lakh can also be identified as suspicious to avoid detection.

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Bihar Election 2025: With the announcement of Bihar Assembly elections 2025, the politics of the state has heated up. The first phase of voting will be held on November 6 and the second phase of voting will be held on November 11, while the results will be declared on November 14. Meanwhile, the process of nomination for the first phase has started and with this the election activity has intensified in the entire state. But with the announcement of elections, another important aspect i.e. the code of conduct becomes active.

The code of conduct means that now no party, candidate or common citizen can indulge in activities influencing elections without permission, especially cash transactions are now strictly monitored. After the implementation of the Code of Conduct, if a person goes somewhere with a large amount of money, he has to reveal the source of that money. If the person cannot tell where the money came from, why he is taking it and for what purpose it will be spent, then that amount is confiscated. In such a situation, let us know what happens to the cash seized by the Election Commission during the Code of Conduct.

What happens to the cash seized during the code of conduct?

When the police or Election Commission team seizes cash, the amount is handed over to the Income Tax Department. If the amount seized is Rs 10 lakh or more, it is deposited directly in the district treasury and its information is immediately given to the nodal officer of Income Tax. However, if you can prove about your money that it is your legitimate earning and it has nothing to do with the elections, then you can get it back. For this you will have to show some documents. Such as bank statement or passbook entry, receipt for withdrawal of money from ATM, withdrawal slip from bank, proof of any kind of payment and identity card. On the basis of these documents, if the money was not meant to influence the elections, then that amount can be returned.

What happens to the seized cash if no one claims it?

If a person does not claim the seized cash or claims it but is unable to provide the correct documents, then the money is deposited in the Government Treasury and after this, legal process can also be conducted on it. In such a situation, police and Election Commission teams have become active in different districts of the state from the first day of nomination in Bihar elections 2025. Many places are being blocked and investigation is being done.

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The era is moving towards digitalization. From shopping to payment, it is starting to be online, but even today many people keep cash in homes and use it for transactions. Now many times reports of raids of Income Tax Department also come to light. In such a situation, it is bound to arise in the mind that how much cash can be kept legally at home. Let us know what the law says about this?

Is there any limit to keep cash?

The first important question is whether there is a limit to holding cash legally in the house? In response to this question, let us tell you that the Income Tax Deputment has not fixed any limit to keep cash in the house. Whether the amount is small or big, keeping cash is not illegal from anywhere. The condition is just such that there should be some valid source of income. If you have proved that the money kept in the house is the amount earned from your salary or business or is part of any legal transaction, then you can keep how big the amount is at home. Problems come when you are unable to prove what is the source of income.

What does the Income Tax Act say?

Sections 68 to 69B of the Income Tax Act mentions the rules related to cash and property-

Section 68: If there is any record in your passbook and cashbook, but you are not able to tell its source, then it will be considered uncured income.

Section 69: If you have a cash or any investment, but you are not able to give account of it, then it will be considered an undisclosed income.

Section 69B: If you have disproportionate assets or cash, but you are not telling its source, then you will be imposed tax and penalty.

If you could not tell the source …

During the investigation or raids, if a huge amount of cash was recovered from your house and you are not able to give the correct account of it, then the entire amount will be considered undisclosed income or undeclared income. in this situation

A huge tax can be levied on you.

The seized amount can be fined up to 78 percent.

If the department suspects tax evasion, a case can also be conducted.

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Income tax return: The time limit for filing income tax was extended by the government for one day to assessment from 15 September to 16 September 2025 for the year 2025-26. The reason behind this was to give relief to technical flaws and taxpayers. But if you have not filed an ITR even then, then there is no need to worry, because you still have a chance.

Now what option has taxpayers?

If the taxpayers have not filed an ITR within the time limit, they can file it by 31 December 2025 with late fees. The Income Tax Department gives extra time under the rules, but penalty is imposed for it.

According to the rule, ITR can be filed by three months before the end of the assessment year or till its completion (which first) ITR can be filed. This year its last date is 31 December 2025.

Rules to file late

Under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act, if someone’s annual income is more than Rs 5 lakh, then he will have to pay a penalty up to a maximum of Rs 5,000 on late returns i.e. billed returns. At the same time, whose income is up to Rs 5 lakh, they will have to pay a maximum of Rs 1,000 late fee. That is, if the ITR has not been filed within a fixed time limit, the late fee can range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 according to the level of income.

Another important thing

Tax refunds can also be delayed by filing ITR from late. Many times it also comes to the Radar (scrutiny) of the Income Tax Department, which increases the risk of additional investigation. Another thing is to note that if your tax is made and you have not filed income tax, then you will have to pay 1 percent interest under Section 234A of the Income Tax Act.

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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.

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The Income Tax Department has extended the last date for filing income tax returns for the financial year 2024-25 to 15 September. Now there is only one week left in the deadline, but the speed of the returns filed till September 7 is much slower than expected. Usually people believe that if their annual income is less than tax free limit then there is no need to fill ITR. The reality is that in some circumstances it is mandatory to file ITR, even if your taxable income is zero. Not doing so can only impose penalty, but notice can also be sent by the Income Tax Department.

On depositing more than one crore in current account

If you have deposited an amount of Rs 1 crore or more in any bank’s current account within 1 year, then it is necessary to file an ITR. This rule applies to both cash and digital transactions. The aim of the government is to monitor such big transactions so that black money can be stopped.

On spending more than 2 lakhs on travel abroad

If you have spent 2 lakh or more on foreign travel throughout the year, then it is mandatory to file returns. It is necessary to file an ITR in both the conditions of tea personal trip or business trip.

Electricity bill is over 1 lakh

If your annual electricity bill comes more than Rs 1, then the Income Tax Department makes it mandatory to file an ITR to track the difference between your expenses and income. This rule covers those who show less earnings but spend more.

ITR is also necessary on cutting TDS

If your income is cut on your income 25 thousand rupees or more TDS, then you will have to file ITR. At the same time, this limit has been kept at 50 thousand for senior citizens. Its aim is to ensure that the tax on which the tax is deducted, they give the correct details of their income.

Foreign property or bank account people

If you have any property in another country or you have a signing authority in a bank account of a foreign, then you have to fill ITR in any case. While filing ITR, you have to give complete information about your foreign income and assets. These rules of the Income Tax Department have been made to monitor those whose declared income is low. But their expenses and transactions are large.

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