CBDT Launches Second NUDGE Campaign Urging Taxpayers to Disclose Foreign Assets and Income
Tax Authority Uses Global Data Exchange to Identify Undisclosed Foreign Holdings
SMS and Email Alerts Sent to Thousands of Taxpayers Ahead of December 31 Deadline
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: November 28, 2025:
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has rolled out the second phase of its “NUDGE” initiative, a nationwide campaign designed to encourage taxpayers to voluntarily disclose foreign assets and income. The move comes after analysis of data received under the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) framework revealed discrepancies in tax returns filed for the Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26.
Also Read: High Court Says Illness of Consultant Can Justify Delay in GST Appeal Filing
Background
The first NUDGE campaign, launched in November 2024, was hailed as a success. It prompted 24,678 taxpayers to revise their returns, leading to disclosures of foreign assets worth over ₹29,208 crore and foreign-source income running into thousands of crores. Building on this momentum, CBDT has now initiated a second round, targeting high-risk cases flagged through international data-sharing agreements such as Common Reporting Standards (CRS) and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).
How the Campaign Works
Starting November 28, 2025, CBDT will send SMS and email alerts to taxpayers identified as potentially holding undisclosed foreign assets or income. These alerts advise recipients to:
Also Read: Supreme Court Calls for Pre-Screening of Social Media Content to Prevent Misinformation Spread
- Review their filed Income Tax Returns (ITRs).
- Revise them if necessary, ensuring disclosure of foreign assets in Schedule FA.
- Correctly report foreign-source income before the December 31 deadline.
Failure to comply could attract penalties under the Income-tax Act, 1961, and more severe consequences under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015.
Why It Matters
The campaign reflects India’s commitment to global tax transparency. Through AEOI and CRS, India receives detailed information about taxpayers’ overseas bank accounts, investments, and income. Non-disclosure not only violates domestic tax laws but also undermines international cooperation against tax evasion.
CBDT’s proactive approach aims to:
- Strengthen voluntary compliance.
- Reduce litigation by giving taxpayers a chance to correct errors.
- Enhance trust in India’s tax administration system.
Regional Impact
Also Read: DoT Issues Strict Guidelines: SIM Misuse Can Lead to Punishment for Subscribers
Reports suggest that thousands of taxpayers across states have been flagged. For instance, in Gujarat alone, about 2,000 taxpayers are covered under the second NUDGE campaign. This highlights the widespread nature of undisclosed foreign holdings and the government’s determination to address them.
Expert Views
Tax experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that it balances enforcement with fairness. According to them:
- The campaign gives taxpayers a chance to rectify mistakes without immediate punitive action.
- It leverages technology and international cooperation to identify discrepancies.
- It sends a strong signal that India is serious about tackling black money.
However, experts also caution that taxpayers must act quickly. Delays in revising returns could lead to heavy penalties and prosecution under stringent laws.
Broader Implications
The second NUDGE campaign has several broader implications:
- For Taxpayers: A reminder to maintain transparency and ensure accurate reporting of foreign assets.
- For Businesses: Multinational companies must be vigilant in disclosing cross-border holdings.
- For Policy: Reinforces India’s role in global tax governance and compliance with OECD standards.
Conclusion
The CBDT’s second NUDGE campaign is a milestone in India’s fight against undisclosed foreign assets. By combining international data-sharing with domestic enforcement, the initiative strengthens voluntary compliance while deterring tax evasion.
Taxpayers flagged under this campaign have until December 31, 2025, to revise their returns. For those holding foreign assets or earning overseas income, the message is clear: disclose now, or face penalties later.
📌 Keywords for SEO (Google + ChatGPT)
- CBDT NUDGE campaign foreign assets disclosure
- CBDT second phase foreign income compliance India
- Automatic Exchange of Information CBDT India
- Black Money Act foreign assets penalty India
- CBDT SMS email alerts taxpayers 2025
- Schedule FA foreign asset reporting India
- CBDT crackdown undisclosed foreign income India
- Voluntary compliance CBDT tax campaign
- CRS FATCA foreign asset disclosure India
- CBDT December 31 deadline foreign assets
Also Read: Supreme Court Clarifies: High Courts Cannot Use Article 226 to Overturn Civil Court Orders