Fake News Alert: No Extension For ITR Filing Deadline To August 31, Warns Income Tax Department

The Income Tax Department recently issued a critical warning to taxpayers regarding the spread of misinformation about the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR). As per the department's official statement, a fake news clipping is circulating on social media, falsely claiming that the deadline for e-filing ITRs for the fiscal year 2023-24 has been extended to August 31, 2024. The department has firmly stated that this information is incorrect and misleading. The actual deadline remains July 31, 2024.

The fake news clipping purportedly from Sandesh news has been widely shared, causing confusion among taxpayers. In response, the Income Tax Department took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to address the issue directly. "It has come to our knowledge that a clipping of Sandesh news is circulating on social media regarding the extension of the date of e-filing of ITR. This is FAKE news. Taxpayers are advised to follow updates from the official website/portal of IncomeTaxIndia," the department stated.

The department emphasized the importance of adhering to the original deadline, urging taxpayers to disregard the fake news and complete their e-filing by July 31, 2024. Missing this deadline could result in penalties and late fees, making it crucial for taxpayers to file their returns on time.

Despite the misinformation, the number of ITR filings has seen an increase this year. According to the Income Tax Department's website, over 4 crore ITRs had been filed by July 22, 2024. This marks an 8% increase compared to the same period last year. The department also noted a substantial daily filing rate, with over 15 lakh ITRs filed on July 16, 2024 alone. These numbers are expected to climb even higher as the July 31 deadline approaches.

The filing milestones for Assessment Year (AY) 2024-25 have been reached earlier than in previous years. The 1 crore ITR filing milestone was achieved on June 23, 2024, followed by the 2 crore and 3 crore milestones on July 7 and July 16, respectively. These achievements highlight the efficiency and proactive approach of taxpayers this year.

In addition to addressing the fake news about the deadline extension, the Income Tax Department has also issued a warning about a new scam targeting individuals awaiting tax refunds. Scammers are reportedly sending fraudulent SMS and emails under the guise of tax refunds to deceive people and drain their bank accounts. The department advises taxpayers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious messages to the authorities.

Taxpayers facing any technical issues or needing assistance with their e-filing can reach out to the Income Tax Department's toll-free helpdesk numbers: 1800 103 0025 or 1800 419 0025. Alternatively, they can email their queries to [email protected].

In light of these warnings, the Income Tax Department encourages all taxpayers to stay informed through official channels and disregard any unverified information circulating on social media. Ensuring that you file your ITR by the correct deadline and remain cautious of potential scams will help you avoid unnecessary complications and financial losses.

As the filing deadline approaches, the Income Tax Department continues to monitor and address any issues that may arise, aiming to facilitate a smooth and efficient e-filing experience for all taxpayers. Stay updated by regularly checking the official Income Tax India website and following their verified social media accounts for accurate and timely information.