Income Tax Department Warns of Fake Email Claiming Tax Demand for AY 2025–26

A fraudulent email posing as a notice from the Income Tax Department (ITD) is circulating online, prompting authorities to issue a public warning to taxpayers.

The message claims that the recipient has a tax demand for Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26 and asks them to click on a link to view an alleged “Assessment Order.” However, the government has clarified that both the email and the document referenced in it are fake.

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) issued a fact-check on social media platform X, stating that the Income Tax Department has not sent any such communication. Authorities have urged taxpayers to avoid clicking on suspicious links and not to share personal or financial information in response to such emails.

How Does theTax Phishing Scam Work?

Cyber fraudsters increasingly use phishing techniques to impersonate official government communication and create a sense of urgency among taxpayers.

In many cases, these emails are designed to appear legitimate by using government logos, formal language, and official-looking formats. They may claim that there is an error in tax calculations, a pending refund, or a demand for payment.

The email typically contains a link that redirects users to a fake website designed to resemble the official Income Tax e-filing portal. If recipients enter banking credentials, passwords, or OTPs, the fraudsters may use that information to gain unauthorised access to financial accounts.

The Income Tax Department has repeatedly emphasised that it never asks taxpayers to share passwords, OTPs, or bank details via email, SMS, or phone calls.

How Taxpayers Can Verify Legitimate Notices

Taxpayers should verify any tax-related communication directly through the official Income Tax e-Filing Portal rather than relying on links provided in emails.

Legitimate notices issued by the department appear only after a taxpayer logs into their account on the portal. Each official notice is accompanied by a Document Identification Number (DIN), which can be used to verify its authenticity.

Authorities also note that official communications come only from verified domains ending with @incometax.gov.in. Emails from other domains or containing suspicious links should be treated as fraudulent.

Conclusion

With tax-related scams becoming more sophisticated, authorities are urging taxpayers to remain cautious and rely only on official digital channels. Suspicious emails can be reported to the Income Tax Department by forwarding them to webmanager@incometax.gov.in. 

By verifying notices through the secure portal and avoiding unsolicited links, people can effectively safeguard themselves against phishing attempts. 

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