CBDT Clarifies: Taxpayers’ Emails and Laptops to Be Checked Only During Search Operations

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has assured taxpayers that their emails and laptops will be examined only during formal search operations, not in routine assessments. CBDT Chairman Nitin Gupta, in an interview, said that this measure aligns with the government’s efforts to improve transparency and reduce unnecessary intrusion.

 

Gupta explained that from the 2025–26 assessment year onwards, tax compliance and return filing will become more streamlined, aided by the department’s internal intelligence systems. The focus will be on credible information, ensuring that no taxpayer is subjected to unwarranted scrutiny.

 

Currently, India has around 6.5 crore registered taxpayers, of which 5.7 crore file returns annually. The CBDT is working towards enhancing taxpayer services by introducing AI-driven risk assessment tools to detect high-risk cases and eliminate frivolous notices.

 

The chairman also noted that 65% of tax returns are now processed within 24 hours of filing. Notices, when necessary, will be issued through the government’s secure digital communication channels.

 

Addressing questions on the recent extension of the ITR filing deadline to September 15 for certain taxpayers, Gupta said that this decision was taken after reviewing system load and ensuring smooth processing for all filers.

 

With an increasing emphasis on digital infrastructure, data analytics, and AI integration, the Income Tax Department aims to make the compliance process simpler, faster, and more taxpayer-friendly, while still maintaining strong enforcement against tax evasion.