Are you also getting such messages from Income Tax? Be careful or your refund will be stuck
Are you receiving messages from the Income Tax Department that say your refund is stuck? If so, there's no need to panic, but carelessness can be costly. Receiving such messages could mean your refund is on hold, and if timely action is not taken, your money could be stuck.
Recently, many taxpayers received messages regarding their filed income tax returns stating that a refund was claimed for AY 2025-26, but the refund has not yet been processed. This is because the return has been held up as part of the risk management process due to some discrepancies.
The Income Tax Department has also stated that details regarding this have been sent to your registered email address. Please note that such a message does not mean that your refund is stuck, but rather that the Income Tax Department is giving you the opportunity to file a revised return.
What to do next and how to secure a refund
If you haven't filed a revised return yet, you must do so by December 31, 2025. If the return is filed after January 1, 2026, it may result in additional tax.
Therefore, the safest course of action is to carefully review the issues raised by the department and submit the revised return on time.
If you've already filed your revised return and still receive such a message, you can ignore it. However, remember not to click on any links in a hurry and always use the official website to ensure your refund is protected.
Beware of cyber fraud in the name of income tax
The Income Tax Department recently issued a warning regarding cyber fraud. Cybercriminals are now attempting to defraud people through emails, SMS, and fake websites, using the name of the Income Tax Department.
Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable to these scams. These messages are often sent under the guise of tax refunds, penalties, or KYC updates.
People hastily open the link or attachment, and their personal information and bank details are instantly transferred to the scammers.
Subsequently, large sums of money are withdrawn from their accounts. Therefore, it's time to understand how this scam works and what to do to avoid it.
What to do to avoid these?
First, remember to only conduct any income tax-related work through the official website, www.incometax.gov.in. Before clicking on any email, SMS, or website, check the domain name and link.
The Income Tax Department never asks for OTPs, passwords, or confidential bank information through email or calls. Therefore, if you receive such a message, ignore it immediately and report it.
Remember, "Think Twice, Act Wise," meaning think twice before clicking on any link or attachment. Also inform your friends and family, especially the elderly, of this information.
Income Tax