The Income Tax Department is sending alerts to people who may have foreign bank accounts, investments or property that are not shown in their Income Tax Return. If you get this message, you must check and revise your ITR before 31 December 2025 to avoid big tax and penalties under the Black Money Act.

Many taxpayers are waiting for refunds, especially where the refund is large. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is closely checking high-value and flagged returns to stop fake claims and tax cheating. This guide explains the main reasons for delays, which cases get compulsory scrutiny, and simple steps you can take now to clear your refund faster.

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 Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the deadlines for filing Income Tax Returns and audit reports for the Assessment Year 2025–26. This move offers relief to taxpayers and professionals by giving them more time to complete their filings.

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that tax refunds cannot be denied just because TDS is missing from Form 26AS. If a taxpayer provides valid Form 16A certificates, the Income Tax Department must verify the claim with the deductor instead of rejecting it outright. This protects honest taxpayers from delays caused by clerical errors.

The Gujarat High Court has directed the CBDT to extend the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline for tax audit cases from October 31 to November 30, 2025. This move provides much-needed relief to taxpayers and professionals, allowing more time for accurate filing and reducing stress.

In a major relief for taxpayers and professionals, the Gujarat High Court has directed CBDT to extend the ITR filing deadline for audit-case assessees to 30th November 2025, aligning it with the tax audit timeline.Gujarat High Court Directs CBDT to Extend ITR Filing Deadline

October is a crucial month for tax professionals and businesses in India, with multiple compliance deadlines across GST, TDS/TCS, ROC filings, income tax returns, and employee contributions. This blog provides a clear and actionable checklist to help you stay compliant, avoid penalties, and manage your filings efficiently.

CBDT has extended the deadline for filing Tax Audit Reports for AY 2025–26 to 31st October 2025. This move provides relief to professionals and businesses facing compliance pressure. Stakeholders are advised to file promptly and stay informed via official channels.