New Delhi, Dec. 18 -- The Income Tax department has clarified that the recent SMS and email communications sent to taxpayers regarding certain transactions are meant to help them voluntarily review and correct their income tax filings, and should not be seen as punitive notices.

The department said the messages are intended to make taxpayers aware of the transaction-related information already available to the tax authorities

The clarification comes days after the department began sending alerts urging taxpayers to update their income tax returns and withdraw any incorrect claims, following a crackdown on intermediaries involved in filing fraudulent claims linked to donations to unrecognised political parties or charitable organisations...