IT dept to take action vs racketeers filing fake ITRs for refunds

The Income-Tax Department has found organised rackets operated by intermediaries and individuals across the country filing income-tax returns (ITRs), known as return preparers, on behalf of their clients — including employees of multinational companies, public sector firm, government bodies, academic institutions, and entrepreneurs — to fraudulently claim exemptions and refunds, the finance ministry said.

- Rajeev Jayaswal

The department is now poised to take stern action against continued fraudulent claims, including penalties and prosecution wherever applicable, it said in a statement on Monday. “The ongoing verification exercise across 150 premises is expected to yield crucial evidence, including digital records, that will aid in dismantling the networks behind these schemes and ensure accountability under the law,” it said. Further investigations are currently underway, it added.