Income Tax (I-T) Department officials have issued a stern warning against filing income tax returns with false claims for exemptions and deductions, cautioning that such actions could lead to severe penalties and imprisonment.

During an ‘Outreach Awareness Programme’ organized in collaboration with the South Central Railway (SCR) on July 2, officials emphasized the consequences of misleading filings. Narendra A. Patil, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Vijayawada, highlighted the risks associated with relying on middlemen or chartered accountants who may submit inaccurate details.

“The I-T Act imposes strict penalties. Employees must exercise caution and take personal responsibility for their tax filings,” remarked Patil, urging employees to familiarize themselves with tax laws to avoid potential legal repercussions.

Joint Commissioner of Income Tax, N. Abhinaya, underscored the theme of compliance during the programme, stressing that erroneous claims could result in penalties up to 200% of the tax amount and imprisonment. She noted instances in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana where individuals had inaccurately reported deductions, leading to significant financial penalties and legal actions against consultants involved in malpractice.

The programme aimed to empower employees with knowledge on tax compliance, reinforcing the importance of accurate reporting to maintain integrity within the taxation system.