Hyderabad’s Tax Story 2025: The Good, Bad & Ugly
(By Gupta, Chartered Accountant & Tax Columnist since 2018)
Ground Report from Hyderabad
At 11:30 PM last Tuesday, 17 CAs were still working in the Office. Why? The department’s new “Verify First, Refund Later” policy was implemented after Hyderabad became India’s 3rd highest GST fraud city.
The Numbers That Matter
| Year | Telangana Taxes (₹Cr) | Hyderabad’s Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 43,503 (till Feb) | ~24,000 |
| 2023-24 | 43,573 | ~23,965 |
| 2022-23 | 36,526 | ~20,089 |
Source: RBI State Finances Report 2025 (estimated at 55% share)
Shocking Fact: Hyderabad’s daily tax collection = ₹65 crore (enough to build 1 km of Metro every 2 days!)
Refund Delays? Blame These 3 People
-
The Scammer: Created 1,200 fake ITRs using stolen PANs
-
The Insider: Junior clerk who approved ₹8Cr fake refunds
-
The Whistleblower: Gachibowli CA who noticed 42 identical claims
Now, every refund above ₹50,000 gets 3-level verification, says an officer at Begumpet IT office (condition of anonymity).
5 Things No CA Will Tell You (But I Will)
-
IT Employees: TCS/Infy folks getting notices for not reporting RSU sales
-
Landlords: 60+ properties in Manikonda under scanner for cash rents
-
Food Delivery Partners: Zomato now shares monthly earnings directly with ITD
-
Startups: Angel tax exemptions require a 27B form filed before March 31
-
Retirees: Pensioners getting notices for interest income from 2019
How to Get Refunds Faster in 2025
Do This Now:
-
Link Aadhaar-PAN before filing
-
Upload Form 26AS and AIS together
-
Respond to notices within 7 days
Never Do This:
-
Claim HRA without rent receipts
-
Show 80C investments without bank statements
-
File through unregistered tax preparers
Exclusive: Hyderabad’s Tax Crime Map
-
IT Refund Scams: Madhapur (32 cases)
-
GST Fake Invoices: Balanagar (₹18Cr detected)
-
Property Undervaluation: Kokapet & Narsingi
Source: Commissionerate of Investigations data
Top Things Hyderabadis Are Asking (With Real Answers)
Q1: My refund shows ‘processed’, but no money?
→ Bank delays happen. Wait 10 days, then raise a grievance.
Q2: Will scrutiny affect small taxpayers?
→ Only if you claim unusual deductions (like ₹5L medical bills with ₹8L salary).
Q4: Can I check my refund status offline?
→ Yes! SMS “ITRRefund [PAN] [AY]” to 567678.
Q5: Why no city-wise tax data?
→ Govt. policy. But our sources say Hyderabad contributes ~55% of Telangana’s kitty.
Disclaimer
This report contains:
-
Estimates based on RBI disclosures and ground sources
-
Anecdotal information from verified professionals
-
General guidance only (consult your CA for specific advice)
