New Delhi, Jan. 29 -- Several taxpayers who reported making donations to political parties and claimed deductions under Section 80GGC have started receiving messages from the Income Tax department urging them to verify their claims.

"This appears to be a soft nudge from the tax department, likely targeting taxpayers who may have claimed deductions for fake donations or made errors in their filings," said Nitesh Buddhadev, a chartered accountant and founder of Nimit Consultancy. "The message provides an opportunity to rectify any mistakes before stricter action is taken."

Donations to political parties are decidedly prone to misuse. Unlike donations to charitable trusts under Section 80G, in which the trust is required to file Form 10BD ...