If you’ve filed your Income Tax Return (ITR) for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 and are now eagerly awaiting your refund, this news is very important for you. The Income Tax Department recently sent an important alert to millions of taxpayers. The department has informed them that due to some errors or discrepancies in the ‘Risk Management Process’, many refunds have been put on hold.
There’s no need to panic, as the department is giving you a golden opportunity to correct your mistakes. If you miss the December 31, 2025, deadline, not only could your refund be blocked, but you could also face a hefty penalty. Learn in detail about this message and how you can safely get your money back in this article.
Income Tax Department’s Risk Management Alert
These days, the Income Tax Department’s system has become very high-tech and data-driven. When you file your return, the department’s automated systems match the information you provide with your bank transactions, AIS (Annual Information Statement), and Form 26AS. If even the slightest discrepancy is found, the system flags it as a “risk,” and your refund is withheld.
The department has clarified that taxpayers whose data has been found to have discrepancies have been sent detailed information to their registered email addresses. This does not mean that your refund has been rejected; rather, the department is allowing you to file a revised return to correct your mistake.
Deadline for Receiving an ITR Refund
Taking timely action is the most prudent path to your financial security. If you receive a message or email from the department, first log in to your e-filing portal and check the objections raised. If you haven’t yet filed your revised return, it’s mandatory to do so by December 31, 2025.
Remember that any action taken after January 1, 2026, could result in additional taxes and penalties. If you’ve already filed your revised return and still receive this message, you can ignore it. However, always remember to use only the official website for any updates.
Digital Robbery
Cybercriminals are now weaving a web of fraud using the name of the Income Tax Department. They send fake SMS or emails that appear to be genuine. These often say, “Congratulations! Your refund of ₹35,000 has been approved. Click this link immediately to verify your bank details.”
As soon as you click on the suspicious link, you’re directed to a fake website that looks exactly like the Income Tax portal. Your personal information, such as your Aadhaar number, PAN, and net banking password, has been stolen. Soon after, a large sum of money is withdrawn from your bank account. Senior citizens are the most vulnerable to such ‘refund scams.’
Strong Ways to Avoid Cyber Fraud
The Income Tax Department has issued a clear warning that it never asks for confidential information from taxpayers over phone calls, WhatsApp, or personal messages. To stay safe, conduct any income tax-related work only by visiting www.incometax.gov.in. Do not trust any links received in unknown emails or SMS.
Always check the email sender’s domain name and ensure it is from an official government email address. The department will never ask for your OTP, PIN, or bank password. If someone does, they are definitely a scammer. Always follow the principle of “Think Twice, Act Wise” and think twice before opening any link.