ITR filing 2026: Think twice before claiming fake tax deductions — You could land in prison, face penalties
Taxpayers who falsely claim deductions in ITR face penalties, prosecution, or imprisonment under the Income-tax Act.
Section 271AAD imposes a penalty equal to 100% of the value of false or omitted entries in books of account.
Section 270A distinguishes under-reporting (lower declared income) from misreporting (deliberate concealment or fraud).
The income tax department uses AIS and Form 26AS to cross-verify claims made in tax returns.
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Wikipedia: Shobhana Bhartia