A Salaried Employee Chasing IT Refunds Shady Tax Advisors?

Introduction

Let’s be honest—filing taxes isn’t fun. For many, it’s stressful, time-consuming, and just downright confusing. So, when someone shows up promising a big IT refund without much effort, it’s tempting to say, “Why not?”

But if you’re a salaried employee taxpayer relying on a shady tax advisor to get the maximum possible refund, it’s time to hit pause. Because the Income Tax Department is watching—and they’re cracking down hard.

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What’s Happening?

The Income Tax Department has launched a nationwide verification campaign. This drive specifically targets salaried individuals who may have filed questionable tax returns and the so-called “tax experts” helping them game the system.

If you’ve been enticed by someone who promised a large refund in exchange for a small cut, this campaign has you in its sights.

How These Shady Tax Advisors Operate

Let’s break it down. These shady consultants don’t work like traditional tax professionals. They usually pop up during the filing season, often setting up makeshift stalls right outside your office building or in company lobbies.

Here’s how they lure you in:

• They promise the highest possible refund.

• They say you won’t need to lift a finger.

• They’ll only charge a fee if you get the refund—a percentage of what you receive.

• It sounds like a win-win, right? You get more money back, and they get paid only if they deliver.

But there’s a catch—and it’s a big one.

The Fraud Behind the Scenes

What these advisors are actually doing is filing fraudulent returns. Here’s how:

• They claim fake deductions under various sections like 80G (donations), 80C (investments), and more.

• They use receipts from fake or unregistered NGOs, sometimes even organizations that don’t exist.

• They inflate expenses or make up investment proofs entirely.

And yes, at first, it might work. You’ll see that IT refund hit your account and think, “Wow, this guy is good!”

But just because it worked once, doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.

Why This Is a Big Deal

During the initial refund process, the Income Tax Department often performs what’s called a summary assessment. That means they do a surface-level check—just enough to greenlight the refund if nothing immediately looks suspicious.

But don’t get too comfortable.

Now, due to a rising number of fraudulent claims, the department is doubling down. With more people talking and these shady advisors spreading like wildfire (thanks to word of mouth), the Income Tax Department has had no choice but to act.

And that’s exactly what they’re doing with this verification campaign.

What the Verification Campaign Means for You

If you’ve submitted fake deductions—even unknowingly—you could now be under the radar. This campaign is using advanced analytics and AI tools to:

• Cross-verify donation receipts.

• Validate tax-saving investments.

• Match your claims with Form 26AS and AIS (Annual Information Statement).

• Detect patterns that suggest mass fraud by tax consultants.

So, even if your return got processed and your refund was issued, that doesn’t mean the story is over.

The Risk: More Than Just Paying Back

Let’s say the Income Tax Department finds irregularities in your return. Here’s what could happen:

1. Your refund will be reversed.

2. You’ll be asked to pay the actual tax that you tried to dodge.

3. On top of that, you’ll be slapped with interest and penalties that could double or triple what you saved.

In many cases, people end up paying more than the original tax liability, all because they tried to save a few extra bucks through dishonest means.

And that shady tax advisor who helped you? They’re either untraceable or already under investigation.

Think You’re Safe Because It Was the Advisor’s Idea? Think Again

Here’s the harsh truth: You’re responsible for your tax return. No matter who filed it, your PAN, your name, your signature—it all belongs to you.

Claiming ignorance won’t save you when the taxman comes knocking. If the return is fraudulent, you’re liable, period.

That’s why every salaried employee taxpayer needs to be cautious.

What You Should Do Right Now

If any of the following are true for your previous returns, it’s time to take action:

• You don’t have valid donation receipts.

• You can’t produce proof for deductions claimed.

• You relied on a consultant who didn’t ask for any documentation.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Review Your Filed Returns

Go through your ITRs from the past few years. Look for questionable claims or deductions you can’t back up.

2. Gather Supporting Documents

For every deduction you’ve claimed, make sure you have a valid proof—whether it’s an LIC policy, ELSS mutual fund receipt, or donation certificate from a registered NGO.

3. File an Updated Return (ITR-U)

Thanks to the Income Tax portal, you can now file an updated return voluntarily under section 139(8A). This allows you to correct your mistakes and pay any due tax before the authorities come knocking.

4. Consult a Trustworthy Tax Professional

Don’t cut corners. Hire a registered tax practitioner or CA. Pay them for honest work, not for creative schemes.

A Word of Caution for the Future

We get it—no one likes paying taxes. But remember, trying to game the system comes with heavy consequences.

That so-called “small hack” to get a bigger IT refund? It might just come back to haunt you with notices, penalties, interest, or even prosecution.

The smarter move is to plan your taxes honestly and efficiently using valid exemptions and deductions.

Conclusion

If you’re a salaried employee taxpayer, don’t fall into the trap of “too good to be true” refund schemes. The Income Tax Department is stepping up its efforts to clean up the system, and your best defense is full transparency and compliance.

It’s better to pay a bit more now than to pay a lot more later—plus deal with the stress and hassle of legal trouble.