Income Tax Department Cautions Against Fake Notices Received by Email

The Income Tax Department has issued a warning to the taxpayers against the fake income tax notices being sent via email for the assessment year 2025-26. In such an email, the fraudsters allegedly ask the recipient to click on a link to view an “Assessment Order“ or make a payment.

The department has explained that both the email and the attached assessment order are fake and not officially issued by the department. Just clicking on a suspicious link can expose you to scams or identity theft.

The phishing emails are designed to trick the taxpayers into exposing their personal details or downloading files, which can compromise devices and data.

The Income Tax Department has advised taxpayers to stay away from such links and to check the genuineness of the communication only through the official income tax e-filing portal. Further, the department said that the official emails from the department are sent from @incometax.gov.in.

The Press Information Bureau has also warned the taxpayers against fake emails asking taxpayers to download e-PAN cards.

What Should Taxpayers Do?

The authorities have advised the following precautions:

• Do not click on suspicious links attached to the emails.
• Avoid opening such an email.
• Do not open attachments.
• In case you have opened the link, do not submit your personal information.
• Make sure your device is protected with an updated antivirus.

The Income Tax Department has timely warned the taxpayers about the phishing attempts. The department said it never asks the taxpayers to share passwords, OTPs, or bank details through email, SMS, or phone calls.

Taxpayers are advised to report the phishing emails to [email protected].