A recent court judgment has made it clear that holding more than one PAN card is no longer just a minor issue with a 10,000 fine. In a high-profile case, two individuals were sentenced to seven years in jail for possessing duplicate PANs, one of which was forged. The ruling shows that when a second PAN is linked to fraud or forgery, it becomes a criminal offense under the IPC. Taxpayers with duplicate PANs must act quickly and surrender the extra card to avoid severe legal consequences.

The 2025 Amendment Scheme has modernised the Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) by making it digital-first and easier to use. Taxpayers can now deposit capital gains online through Net Banking, UPI, RTGS, or NEFT, with the deposit date clearly defined. Electronic statements replace passbooks, more banks are authorised to manage CGAS accounts, and simpler ITR forms are on the way. With broader exemptions like Section 54GA included, the scheme reduces stress and makes compliance smoother for property sellers, NRIs, and businesses.

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 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 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.

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.

The Supreme Court of India has upheld that Chartered Accountants cannot be prosecuted for money laundering simply for issuing Form 15CB, as it is a statutory duty under the Income Tax Act. This ruling protects professionals from being unfairly targeted and clarifies the limited role of CAs in compliance matters.