Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 15: The Income Tax Department faced embarrassment after several taxpayers received emails containing inaccurate information about their significant financial transactions under its advance tax e-campaign for Assessment Year 2026–27 (Financial Year 2025–26).

Following complaints from taxpayers, the department issued an official clarification on Saturday, acknowledging the error and expressing regret for the inconvenience caused.

In a statement, the tax authority said it is working with its service provider to identify and resolve the issue and urged taxpayers to ignore the earlier email communications until the matter is fully corrected.

Officials clarified that the e-campaign messages were sent only as facilitative reminders to help taxpayers review their financial details and ensure proper advance tax compliance. They emphasised that the communication should not be treated as a notice or enforcement action.

Taxpayers were advised to independently verify their transaction details through the e-Campaign tab available on the Compliance Portal accessible via the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.

Meanwhile, tax experts raised concerns about the reliability of automated tax communications in an increasingly digital tax administration system.

Rajat Mohan, senior partner at AMRG & Associates, said such errors should ideally be minimal in an era driven by advanced digital systems, data analytics and real-time compliance monitoring.

He noted that incorrect alerts about significant transactions could cause unnecessary anxiety among taxpayers and professionals who rely on such communications to ensure accurate advance tax compliance.

While welcoming the department’s prompt clarification and advisory to ignore the earlier emails, experts said the incident highlights the need for stronger technological validation and oversight before issuing mass communications.