The Income-Tax Department is closely reviewing high-value refund claims flagged for potential discrepancies. While smaller refunds are already being processed, CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal has assured taxpayers that legitimate high-value payouts will be cleared by December 2025. Refund claims worth ₹2.42 lakh crore have been filed till November 10, showing an 18% drop from last year. The department has also increased appeal disposals by 40% and remains confident of meeting its ₹25.20 lakh crore direct tax collection target for FY26, supported by 6.99% growth. Leveraging AI-powered tools, the CBDT is enhancing compliance, monitoring taxpayer behavior, and identifying potential evasion

The government is set to introduce simplified income tax return forms under the Income Tax Act, 2025 by January 2026, replacing the long-standing Income Tax Act, 1961. These new forms aim to make tax filing easier, reduce compliance burdens, and improve transparency. Refunds are being processed, with larger claims expected by December 2025. The CBDT is confident of meeting its ambitious ₹25.20 lakh crore direct tax collection target for FY26, supported by strong growth. Taxpayers should prepare for the new system, which takes effect from April 1, 2026.

The CBDT has issued Notification No. 4/2025 under Section 35(1)(iia) of the Income Tax Act, granting approval to a company for scientific research and development. Contributions made to the approved entity qualify for a 100% tax deduction, encouraging businesses to support innovation while reducing their tax burden. This move strengthens India’s R&D ecosystem and promotes industry-science collaboration.

The CBDT has empowered the CPC Bengaluru with concurrent jurisdiction under Section 154 to rectify obvious errors in ITRs like missed TDS/TCS credits, relief miscalculations, and interest under Section 244A—leading to faster refunds, reduced compliance burden, and greater transparency. Effective from October 27, 2025 (Notification No. 155/2025), this centralized approach streamlines rectifications and allows demand notices under Section 156 where needed.

The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) has uncovered a massive 645 crore fake Input Tax Credit scam. Mastermind Mukesh Sharma created 229 dummy companies to issue fraudulent invoices without actual supply. His arrest under the CGST Act highlights the growing crackdown on GST fraud and its implications for honest businesses.

The Union Budget 2025 has raised the Section 87A rebate, exempting income up to ₹12.75 lakh from tax. However, Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) on equity shares and mutual funds remain taxable at a flat 15%. While salaried taxpayers enjoy zero tax relief, investors and traders must pay STCG separately without rebate benefits.

The GST portal has opened GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C for FY 2024-25 with a filing deadline of December 31, 2025. This guide explains the key changes in both forms, filing thresholds, auto-population details, and practical tips to file on time and avoid penalties—written in clear, simple language.

The creator economy is booming, but taxes are unavoidable. This blog explains how income from Facebook and Instagram Reels is treated under Indian tax laws, covering ITR filing, deductions, TDS rules, and GST registration.

Buying property in your wife’s name can trigger an Income Tax Notice. This guide explains the spouse exemption under the Benami Act, how Section 64 clubbing works, and the exact documents and steps to respond. Act fast, stay transparent, and keep your paperwork ready.

The Madras High Court has ruled that hostels should be classified as residential properties, not commercial ones, for property tax and utility charges. This decision reduces costs for hostel operators, sets a legal precedent, and raises new questions about GST treatment of hostel rentals.

India’s tax system is being reshaped by AI and Big Data. Through Project Insight, the Income Tax Department now tracks bank data, investments, and lifestyle transactions in real time, flagging anomalies and ensuring compliance.

EPFO has stopped UAN activation on its Member Sewa portal. The process is now available only through the UMANG App using Aadhaar-based Face Authentication. This ensures better security, fraud prevention, and smoother services.