Calm clarity. Correct compliance. No panic.
At NMRG & Co, Chartered Accountants, we have recently been receiving multiple queries from taxpayers regarding SMS messages stating that ITR processing has been put on hold due to refund claims under the Risk Management Framework for AY 2025–26.
Even if you have not received such a message, this development serves as an important reminder to review and validate the claims made in your Income Tax Return, especially where refunds, exemptions, or deductions are involved.
📌 Our simple advisory:
If your ITR contains significant refund claims or adjustments, it is always advisable to get the return verified by a Chartered Accountant to ensure the claims are technically correct, adequately supported, and aligned with system checks.
The SMS Taxpayers Are Receiving (Illustrative)
“
ATTENTION AXXXXXX KXXXXXXXX
PAN ABCDEXXXXF
It was noticed that a claim of refund has been made in the Income-Tax Return for PAN: ABCDEXXXXF, for AY: 2025-26 filed by you.
Processing of the said return was held as it was identified under 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 of revised return of income for A.Y. 2025-26 will expire on 31/12/2025, you are requested to avail the opportunity to file revised return within the due date. An updated return may be alternatively filed from 01.01.2026, however with additional tax liabilities.
In case a revised return has already been filed on the referred issue, kindly ignore this message.
Warm regards
Income Tax Department”
What Does “ITR Processing Put on Hold” Mean?
From a technical and procedural standpoint, this means:
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✔️ Your return has not been rejected
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✔️ Your refund has not been cancelled
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⏸️ Automatic processing has been temporarily paused
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🔍 The system has identified risk indicators that require validation
This is a system-driven alert, not a scrutiny notice and not issued by an Assessing Officer.
Why You May Receive an SMS but No Email
Although the SMS states that an email has been sent, in practice:
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Emails may land in Spam / Promotions
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The registered email ID may be outdated
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There may be system-level delays
🔐 Professional tip from NMRG & Co:
Always log in to the Income Tax Portal → e-Proceedings / e-Communication to check official communications instead of relying only on SMS or email alerts.
Why Refund Claims Are Being Flagged: Practical Insights
Based on recent filings and system behavior, refund claims are commonly flagged for the following reasons:
1. Deductions Claimed in ITR but Not Reflected in Form 16
Deductions under Chapter VI-A (80C, 80D, 80E, 80G, 80GGC, etc.) claimed in the ITR but not considered by the employer often trigger a mismatch.
2. Reworked or Excess HRA Claims
Claiming a higher HRA exemption in the ITR than what appears in Form 16, without robust rent documentation, is one of the most frequent triggers.
3. Tax Regime Change Resulting in Refund
Switching between the Old and New Tax Regime (Section 115BAC) primarily to generate or increase a refund is closely monitored, especially for material amounts.
4. High or Unusual Claims under Section 80GGC
Large political donations claimed under Section 80GGC continue to attract system-level scrutiny.
5. Refund Amount Disproportionately High Compared to TDS
Where the refund claimed forms a large percentage of total TDS deducted, the return is tagged as high-risk.
6. Mismatch with AIS or Form 26AS
Any inconsistency between income reported in the ITR and data available in AIS / Form 26AS can immediately stall refund processing.
7. Multiple Salary Exemptions Appearing Aggressive
Claiming several exemptions under the salary head that appear disproportionate to income levels often raises system flags.
8. HRA Above ₹6 Lakhs Without TDS on Rent
If:
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HRA claimed exceeds ₹6 lakh, and
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TDS under Section 194-IB is not deducted on rent,
the claim is frequently questioned.
9. Other System Risk Parameters
The department also relies on historical filing behavior, pattern analysis, and data analytics, which are not always visible to taxpayers.
What Should You Do Now? – NMRG & Co’s Recommended Approach
Step 1: Check the Income Tax Portal
Verify:
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ITR status for AY 2025–26
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Any communication under e-Proceedings
Step 2: Get Your ITR Reviewed Professionally
Even if you have not received any message, a professional review helps validate:
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Deductions vs Form 16
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HRA computation
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Tax regime selection
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AIS / 26AS reconciliation
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Refund computation logic
👉 Many refund holds can be avoided before they arise through timely verification.
Step 3: File a Revised Return If Required
If any error, inconsistency, or aggressive claim is identified, file a Revised Return under Section 139(5) on or before 31 December 2025.
⚠️ Important Dates to Keep in Mind
| Particulars | Date |
|---|---|
| Last date to file Revised Return (AY 2025–26) | 31 December 2025 |
| Updated Return available from | 1 January 2026 |
| Impact of Updated Return | Additional tax and penalty |
From a cost and compliance perspective, early correction is always better.
Already Filed a Revised Return?
If you have already filed a Revised Return correcting the issue, the system will reprocess your return once validations are complete. No further action is required unless a specific notice is issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this message a notice or scrutiny?
No. It is a risk alert, not a scrutiny notice.
Will my refund be cancelled?
No. It is temporarily on hold, pending validation.
Can the refund be issued without revising the return?
Yes—if all claims are correct and supported.
Should I revise immediately?
If there is any uncertainty, revision before 31-12-2025 is advisable.
NMRG & Co – Final Perspective
An “ITR on hold due to refund claim” message is not a cause for alarm, but it is a signal to review your return carefully.
✔️ Thoughtful verification
✔️ Technically sound claims
✔️ Timely corrective action where needed
These steps ensure smoother processing, faster refunds, and lower future scrutiny.