The Income Tax Department has launched a “NUDGE” campaign for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 to identify discrepancies in tax filings.
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Specifically, thousands of taxpayers are receiving SMS and emails regarding significant gaps between their declared income and financial data available with the department.
If you have received this message, it is essential to review your records immediately to avoid potential penalties before the upcoming deadline.
What is the NUDGE Campaign?
The Income Tax Department is using advanced data analytics to cross-verify ITR filings with third-party information. In fact, this initiative, officially titled the “Non-intrusive Usage of Data to Guide and Enable (NUDGE)” campaign, targets ineligible deduction or exemption claims.
Specifically, the department has flagged cases involving “bogus” donations to unrecognised political parties and mismatches in TDS or Annual Information Statement (AIS) data.
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Why Did You Receive This Alert?
The department sends these advisory messages to facilitate voluntary compliance. Consequently, if your Form 16 details differ from your AIS or if high-value transactions were not reported, a “nudge” is triggered.
However, the department clarifies that this outreach is advisory. Therefore, taxpayers with genuine claims do not need to worry but should verify their details on the Compliance Portal nonetheless.
ITR Mismatch & Deadlines – Key Figures
| Parameter | Details |
| Campaign Name | NUDGE (AY 2025-26) |
| Last Date to Revise ITR | December 31, 2025 |
| Targeted Discrepancies | 80G/80GGC Donations, TDS-AIS Mismatch |
| Revised Returns Filed | Over 15 Lakh (As of Dec 24, 2025) |
| Updated ITR (ITR-U) | Option available from Jan 1, 2026 (with extra tax) |
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Steps to Resolve the Mismatch
To address the alert, log in to the e-filing portal and navigate to the ‘Compliance Portal’ under the ‘Pending Actions’ tab. Here, you can view the specific information causing the mismatch. If the department’s data is incorrect, you can provide feedback online. In contrast, if you find an error in your original filing, you must file a revised ITR on or before December 31, 2025.
Conclusion and Disclaimer
Ignoring these messages could lead to delayed refunds or detailed investigations. Therefore, it is prudent to review your AIS and respond promptly. Even though the tone of these messages may seem firm, they are intended to help taxpayers avoid long-term legal hurdles…
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute professional tax advice. Please consult a qualified Chartered Accountant for specific issues related to your tax filings and notices.
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