What does the Income Tax Department's 'risk management process' alert mean for my ITR refund?

It means your ITR refund claim has been flagged for additional checks due to potential discrepancies, and processing is on hold.

I received an SMS about ITR discrepancies. Do I need to file a revised return?

Yes, if you identify any errors or if the department confirms discrepancies, you should file a revised return by December 31.

Will I receive an email with details about my Income Tax ITR alert?

The department intends to send detailed emails, but many taxpayers have not yet received them. Check your inbox and spam folders.

Home / Business and Economy / Confusing SMS Triggers ITR Refund Worries

Confusing SMS Triggers ITR Refund Worries

23 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Taxpayers received unclear SMS about ITR refund processing on hold.
Alert cited 'risk management process' and 'discrepancies' causing concern.
Deadline to file revised return is December 31.

Confusing SMS Triggers ITR Refund Worries

The Income Tax Department has issued an alert causing confusion and concern among taxpayers nationwide. Recent SMS messages indicate that ITR refund claims have been flagged under a "risk management process" due to "certain discrepancies," leading to processing being temporarily halted.

Many taxpayers, including compliant ones, have reported receiving these messages, often late at night, without corresponding detailed emails. These alerts specifically mention a deadline of December 31 for filing a revised return. Experts suggest these alerts are internal prompts for additional checks on claims like donations or foreign assets, not formal scrutiny notices.

While the department intends to send specific details via email soon, many have not yet received them. Taxpayers are advised to review their ITR, ensure all claims are documented, and file a revised return if necessary before December 31. Genuine taxpayers with correct filings and supporting documents have been assured there is no cause for panic.