If you pay income tax every year, then this information is very important for you. To prevent tax evasion, the government has prepared to implement a new law from 1 April 2026, under which income tax authorities will be allowed to reach the digital data of taxpayers.
What are the new rules?
According to the new Income Tax Rules to be implemented from 1 April 2026, if a taxpayer is suspected to have tax evasion or undisclosed property, then the Income Tax Officer:
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Email account
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Social media profiles
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Bank accounts
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Online investment and trading accounts
Will be able to investigate They will get this right under section 132 of the Income Tax Act 1961, which allows search and seizure in suspicious cases.
What will change?
Till now the Income Tax Officers could only demand freeze or some digital devices (such as laptops, hard drives), but for this they had to undergo legal procedures.
Since 2026, officer without additional legal obstruction:
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Taxpayers will be able to reach direct access to digital platforms like computers, mobiles, e-mails, social media.
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If needed, they will be able to bypass passwords and unlock files and data.
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They will also have the power of search and seizure of digital data.
Will this rule apply to all taxpayers?
No.
This rule will only apply in cases where tax evasion, undeclared income, secret property, cash or precious goods will be suspected.
It will not have any effect on general taxpayers.
However, from the point of view of data privacy and transparency it is necessary that all taxpayers be conscious and honest about their digital activities.
Which officers will get this right?
This digital access will be given only to some selected officers of the Income Tax Department.
These officers:
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Email
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Social media accounts
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Information related to banking and investment
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Online financeing platforms
You will be able to investigate, but only in case of valid investigation.
The post New Income Tax Rules 2026: Income tax officials will now be able to investigate on suspicion of tax evasion, e-mail, social media and digital account first appeared on News India Live | Breaking India News, The Indian Headline, India Express News, Fast India News.
