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Hey there, fellow taxpayer!
If you have just gotten that unexpected SMS from the Income Tax Department mentioning your refund claim for Assessment Year 2025-26 is flagged and processing is on hold, you are not alone.
Thousands of us have seen similar messages popping up on our phones lately, and it is natural to feel worried.
However, take a deep breath; this is usually just the department’s automated system doing its job to catch potential mismatches.
At THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we have been helping people navigate these tax hurdles for years, and today we are breaking it all down for you.
Let us figure out what is going on and what you should do next.
Understanding The SMS You Received
The message typically looks something like this (based on what many taxpayers are sharing):
“It was noticed that a claim of refund has been made in the Income-Tax Return for PAN: [Your PAN], for AY: 2025-26 filed by you. Processing of the said return was held as it was identified under the risk management process on account of certain discrepancies in the claim of refund. An email with details has also been sent to your registered email address. As the time limit for filing the revised return of income for A.Y. 2025-26 will expire on 31/12/2025, you are requested to avail the opportunity to file the revised return within the due date. In case a revised return has already been filed. kindly ignore this message.”
This comes from sender IDs like CP-CMPCI-G or similar, and it is an official communication from the Income Tax Department.
It is not a scam (though always double-check the sender and avoid clicking suspicious links), but part of their Risk Management Framework, a computerized system that scans returns for anything that looks off, especially high refund claims.
The good news?
For most genuine cases, this does not mean your refund is denied forever.
The CBDT has even said that legitimate refunds should start flowing by late December 2025 as they wrap up checks.
Why Is Your Refund Processing On Hold?
The Income Tax Department’s Risk Management System is like a smart filter that flags returns for extra review.
It is designed to spot wrongful or inflated refund claims while letting clean ones through quickly.
Common triggers this year for AY 2025-26 include:
- High refund amounts relative to your TDS (Tax Deducted at Source).
- Significant deductions claimed under Chapter VI-A (like 80C, 80D, 80G) that do not match employer reports in Form 16.
- Switching to the old tax regime just to boost refunds.
- Large or unusual donations (e.g., under $80 G or political contributions).
- Mismatches between your ITR and data in Annual Information Statement (AIS), Form 26AS, or other reports.
- Aggressive claims that seem out of pattern with previous years.
Many people report getting the SMS even if their return looks fine – sometimes it is just the system being cautious with larger refunds.
Here is a quick table of common reasons why returns get flagged:
| Reason? | Means? | How? |
|---|---|---|
| High Refund vs. TDS Deducted | Refund is a big chunk of total tax paid | Very Common |
| Chapter VI-A Deductions Mismatch | Claims not reflected in Form 16/AIS | Common |
| Tax Regime Switch for Refund Boost | Old regime chosen mainly for higher refund | Increasing |
| Unusual Donations | High 80G/80GGC claims | Common |
| AIS/26AS Discrepancies | Unreported income or mismatched credits | Very Common |
If none of these ring a bell, your case might clear automatically once the department verifies.
What Should You Do Right Away?
Do not rush to revise unless you are sure there is an error; revising unnecessarily could add tax liability if you reduce claims.
Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Check Your Registered Email And Portal First: The SMS mentions an email with details, but many folks say they only got the SMS. Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal (incometax.gov.in):
- Go to e-Proceedings or Compliance Portal.
- Check for any messages, feedback needed on AIS, or pending actions. This is more reliable than email.
- Review Your AIS And Form 26AS: Download your AIS (Annual Information Statement) and compare it with your filed ITR. Look for unreported interest, dividends, or TDS credits.
- Respond If Needed: If there is a genuine discrepancy, provide feedback on the Compliance Portal or revise your return.
- File A Revised Return If There Is An Error: Deadline: 31 December 2025. After that, you can only file an Updated Return (ITR-U) from 1 January 2026, which comes with extra tax (25-50% additional liability). Revise only if you spot a mistake – it could speed up your refund.
- Wait, If Everything Looks Correct: Many legitimate cases are resolving with refunds expected by the end of December 2025. Monitor your refund status on the portal.
- Track Your Refund Status: On the e-Filing portal: Services > Refund Status.
Table of Key Deadlines for AY 2025-26:
| Action | Deadline | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| File Revised Return | 31 December 2025 | Only Updated Return option (with extra tax) |
| File Belated Return (if not filed) | 31 December 2025 | Late fees + interest |
| Updated Return (ITR-U) Starts | 1 January 2026 | Additional 25-50% tax on dues |
Real Experiences From Taxpayers This Season
From what we are seeing on forums and social media, tons of people got this SMS in mid-to-late December 2025.
Some had already received refunds months ago and still got it (system glitch?).
Others found small mismatches and revised quickly.
Experts Say: Monitor email/portal, respond promptly if asked, and avoid revising unquestioningly to prevent extra taxes.
The department clarified these are advisory nudges for voluntary compliance, not enforcement actions.
If your filing is spot-on, just ignore and wait.
Tips To Avoid This Next Year
- Reconcile AIS/26AS before filing.
- Claim only genuine deductions.
- Pre-validate bank account for refunds.
- File early for faster processing.
At THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we have seen this process play out smoothly for most honest filers.
Hang in there, your refund should come through soon if everything checks out.
In wrapping up, this SMS is more of a heads-up than a red flag for most people.
Act calmly, check your details, and meet that 31 December deadline if needed.
Tax season can be stressful, but getting it right means peace of mind.
If you have questions about your specific case or need help with revisions, feel free to drop a comment below.
Moreover, hey, check out our other articles on tax saving tips, new regime benefits, and more right here on the THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA.
Note: This is general guidance based on current rules as of December 2025. Always consult a professional for personalized advice.
FAQ’s
Is this SMS from the Income Tax Department genuine or a scam?
Yes, it is genuine if it comes from sender IDs like CP-CMPCI-G, BZ-ITDEPT, or similar official ones. The department is sending these out in bulk. However, never click any links in the SMS. Always log in to the official e-filing portal directly to check. Scammers are active this season, so stay safe.
Why did I get this SMS when I already received my refund months ago?
This has happened to quite a few people. It could be a system glitch or a delayed batch message. If your refund is already credited and your portal shows “Refund Issued,” you can safely ignore it. The message itself says to ignore if you have already revised.
The SMS says an email with details was sent, but I have not received any email. What should I do?
You are not alone; many taxpayers are reporting the same. Emails sometimes land in spam/promotions, or there might be a delay. The best thing is to skip waiting for the email and directly check the Income Tax e-Filing portal under “Pending Actions” or “Compliance Portal” for any notices or feedback required on AIS discrepancies.
Does this mean my refund is cancelled or rejected?
No, not at all. It just means processing is paused for verification under the Risk Management Process. For genuine returns, the hold is temporary. The CBDT has indicated that most legitimate refunds will be processed by late December 2025.
Should I immediately file a revised return?
Only if you know there is a genuine mistake. Revising without need could reduce your refund or even create extra tax liability. First, compare your filed ITR with Form 26AS and AIS. If everything matches, just wait.
What is the last date to file a revised return without extra penalties?
31 December 2025. After that, you can only file an Updated Return (ITR-U) starting 1 January 2026, which attracts an additional tax of 25% or 50% on any dues.
Will I get interest on my delayed refund because of this hold?
Yes, if the delay is beyond the normal processing time and it is the department’s fault, you are entitled to 0.5% per month interest under Section 244A from April 2025 onwards.
My refund amount is small, but why did it still get flagged?
The system does not only flag big refunds. Even smaller ones can get picked if there is any mismatch in TDS credits, deductions, or AIS data. It is automated and sometimes overly cautious.
Can I respond to the SMS or call the sender’s number?
No, do not reply to the SMS or call back. These are one-way informational messages. All actions must be taken through the official e-Filing portal.
How do I check if there is a specific discrepancy mentioned for my PAN?
Log in to incometax.gov.in → Go to “Compliance Portal” or “e-Proceedings” → Check for any open issues under Section 245 or AIS feedback. That is where the actual details (if any) will show up.
I switched to the old regime this year to get a higher refund. Was that the trigger?
Possibly. Many people who opted for the old regime, mainly for bigger rebates or deductions, are seeing these messages. If your claims are genuine and backed by documents, it should be clear.
What happens if I do nothing and the deadline passes?
If your original return is correct, nothing bad, processing will resume after verification. But if there is a real discrepancy and you miss revising, you might lose the chance to correct it easily and could face notices later.
Is this affecting everyone who filed for AY 2025-26?
No, only those whose returns were selected under the Risk Management Framework, mostly due to high refund claims or data mismatches. Thousands have received it, but millions have not.
Can a CA or tax consultant help speed this up?
They can help review your return, spot issues, and file revisions if needed. However, they cannot “speed up” the department’s verification process; it is system-driven.
When can I expect my refund now?
Based on current trends and department updates, most pending genuine refunds from this batch should start getting issued by the last week of December 2025 or early January 2026.
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