The Income Tax Department in Hyderabad is warning taxpayers who have received suspicious refunds. They are encouraging these taxpayers to file updated returns and pay the necessary taxes according to the Income Tax Act. Mitali Madhu Smita, the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, spoke to the media about this issue. She urged those who have wrongfully claimed refunds to file updated returns for the years 2021-22 and 2022-23 and pay the appropriate taxes. For the year 2023-24, taxpayers can revise their returns if they have already filed the original return.
Mitali Madhu emphasized that misreporting income and claiming wrongful deductions can have serious consequences. These consequences include high interest rates, penalties up to 200 percent of taxes, and potential imprisonment. She urged taxpayers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to review their deduction claims and promptly file updated or revised returns if their claims are unsubstantiated.
Mitali Madhu also mentioned that the Income Tax department trusts taxpayers and does not require proof of deductions or exemptions during return filing. The returns are processed efficiently, and refunds are automatically deposited into the taxpayers’ bank accounts. However, the department does scrutinize the accuracy of returns and has found that many salaried taxpayers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have made incorrect claims and received refunds based on those claims.
Shishir Agarwal, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, noted that many taxpayers working for companies outside of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have PAN cards registered in these states. It has been observed that these taxpayers have claimed refunds ranging from 75 percent to 90 percent of the TDS deducted by their employers.
The Income Tax Department wants to reassure taxpayers that they trust them and have a streamlined process for return filing and refund disbursement. Taxpayers can seek assistance or clarification by visiting AayakarSevaKendras in local Income Tax Offices, checking the department’s website, or contacting the helpline numbers 18001030025/18004190025.
