Received Income Tax SMS or Email Notice? Income Tax Department Clarifies Advisory Messages Sent to Taxpayers

The Income Tax Department has clarified that the recent SMS and email communications sent to taxpayers regarding certain financial transactions are advisory in nature and should not be construed as punitive or enforcement-related notices. The department said the messages are intended to help taxpayers voluntarily review and correct their income tax filings, if required.

Income Tax Department Clarifies SMS, Email Alerts Are Advisory, Not Tax Notices

According to the department, these communications are meant to inform taxpayers about transaction-related information that is already available with tax authorities through various reporting entities. The clarification comes amid confusion among taxpayers who received alerts urging them to review their Income Tax Returns (ITRs).

The advisory messages were sent after the tax department intensified its crackdown on intermediaries filing fraudulent claims, particularly those linked to donations made to unrecognised political parties or charitable organisations. Such claims were allegedly used to wrongfully reduce tax liabilities, prompting the department to flag discrepancies.

Received Income Tax Alert? Check AIS and Submit Response on Compliance Portal

In a detailed post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Income Tax Department stated, "The communication is just an advisory sent in only those cases where there is an apparent significant gap between disclosures in the ITR and information as received from the Reporting Entities."

The department emphasised that the objective of these messages is to provide taxpayers with an opportunity to voluntarily correct their filings. Taxpayers are advised to review their Annual Information Statement (AIS) and submit feedback or clarifications through the Compliance Portal available on the Income Tax Department's website.

If discrepancies are found, taxpayers can revise their already filed returns. Those who have not yet filed their returns can submit a belated return, the department added.

Belated ITR Filing Deadline

While the original deadline to file income tax returns ended on 16 September 2025, taxpayers can still file a belated ITR up to 31 December 2025. The facility of filing a belated return allows taxpayers to regularise their tax filings and helps avoid potential penalties or legal complications arising from non-compliance.

The department noted that filing a belated return is an important provision, especially for taxpayers who may have missed the original deadline or need to correct errors in their submissions.

Reiterating its stance, the Income Tax Department urged taxpayers to act responsibly, stating, "Taxpayers are requested to respond promptly via the Compliance Portal if discrepancies exist or ignore the communication if the filing is correct."