Crackdown on Bogus Tax Refund Rackets Targets Over 150 Locations Across India
In a major nationwide operation, the Income Tax Department has launched a large-scale verification drive targeting individuals and professional intermediaries involved in filing fraudulent Income Tax Returns (ITRs). The move comes after detecting widespread misuse of deduction and exemption clauses under the Income-tax Act, 1961.
According to the Ministry of Finance, a deep data analysis has revealed rampant exploitation of various tax provisions including Section 10(13A), 80GGC, 80E, 80D, 80EE, 80EEB, 80G, 80GGA, and 80DDB. These sections are intended to benefit genuine taxpayers, but have now become tools for orchestrated tax evasion.
Organised Rackets and Professional Intermediaries Under Lens
The investigation has revealed that several ITR preparers and agents have been filing returns with fake deductions, often submitting false TDS returns to claim inflated refunds. These agents create temporary email IDs for bulk ITR filings, which are later abandoned—leaving taxpayers clueless about notices Income Tax Department Uncovers ₹1,045 Crore Fraud in False Deduction .
Even employees of multinational corporations, PSUs, academic institutions, and entrepreneurs were found to be part of these bogus schemes. Taxpayers were promised high refunds in exchange for a small commission.
AI-Powered Detection and Raids Across Six States
Leveraging AI tools, third-party data, and intelligence reports, the Income Tax Department conducted search and seizure operations across Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh, uncovering critical evidence of fraud.
Voluntary Compliance Urged, But Many Still Defaulting
Despite consistent efforts to educate the public—through SMS campaigns, email nudges, and physical outreach—a large section of taxpayers remains non-compliant. However, over 40,000 taxpayers have come forward in the last four months, voluntarily withdrawing false claims worth ₹1,045 crore.
Stern Action Ahead: Penalties and Prosecution
The Department has now intensified its action, inspecting over 150 premises nationwide to collect digital and physical evidence. Taxpayers are strongly advised to avoid engaging with unauthorized agents and file returns with accurate income and contact details.
> “Trust Taxpayers First” remains the guiding principle, but fraudulent claims will now attract penalties and criminal prosecution.
Key Takeaways for Taxpayers
Avoid filing ITRs through unauthorized intermediaries
Cross-verify all deductions before submission
Always provide valid contact information to receive official communication
Voluntarily revise returns if any discrepancy is found
