IT department warns against fake Income Tax messages: Here is what you should not do

The government's decision to emphasise all the tax-related procedures through online mode has no doubt benefitted taxpayers. But, there are many registered users who are not conversant with the online system and sometimes become vulnerable to fraudsters. The Income Tax department keeps on issuing instructions as well as suggestions to taxpayers to not fall in the trap. In one such message, the department has cautioned the taxpayers to not respond to fake refund messages and mail asking for details like debit card and CVV numbers.

"Beware of fake refund messages claiming to be from the Income Tax Deptt. Please do not click on any link asking for bank details, Debit card/ CVV numbers. Don't fall prey to phishing!" the Income Tax department tweeted from its official handle on Thursday evening. 

It further cautioned the taxpayers to beware of fake refund messages claiming to be from the IT department, saying "We will never ask for your debit card details or CVV number to process your refund." The message in very clear terms has asked people never take up such calls and never click at the messages which seek details related to their debit card.

In further tax reforms, the government is gearing up to provide Income tax return (ITR) forms which will be pre-filled on the information available with the tax department, making ITR filing easier for people.

Notably, taxpayers would soon be able to get PAN cards in just four hours to make the tax return filing process easier. The department will reportedly issue electronic Permanent Account Number (e-PAN), which will bring the time required for getting the tax identification number down to just four hours. This information was given by CBDT chairman Sushil Chandra a few days ago.