The Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes, Ravi Agrawal, has shared an inspiring New Year message with officers and officials of the Income Tax Department, outlining the road ahead as the Department prepares for a historic transition to the Income-tax Act, 2025, effective from 1 April 2026. Below we will see the details of CBDT Chairman’s New Year Message 2026.
In his message, the Chairman extended warm New Year wishes to all officers and their families, emphasising that a new year brings renewed energy, reflection and an opportunity to strengthen public service. He acknowledged the dedication and commitment shown by departmental officers across the country, stating that the true strength of the organisation lies in the sincerity with which its people serve every day.
Transition to the Income-tax Act, 2025
A major focus of the message was the upcoming implementation of the Income-tax Act, 2025. The Chairman highlighted that this transition will require preparedness, deep understanding of the new law and confidence in implementation. New rules, procedures and forms are currently under formulation and training as well as capacity-building initiatives have already begun. Officers were encouraged to actively participate in training programmes and develop familiarity with the intent and structure of the new law so that taxpayers can be guided clearly and effectively.
Acknowledging Past Challenges
Reflecting on the previous year, the Chairman noted that the Department faced demanding challenges related to OGE matters, CPGRAMS grievances, rectifications and pending appeals. Despite tight timelines and high expectations, officers demonstrated resilience and professionalism. He expressed appreciation for the sincere efforts of colleagues whose work often goes unnoticed but remains critical to the system.
Evolving Role of the Income Tax Department
The message underscored the changing nature of tax administration. Beyond enforcement and collection, the Department’s role is increasingly centred on facilitation, trust and service delivery. Technology will play a central role in this evolution, with greater reliance on data-driven systems, automated processes and digital platforms. Continuous learning was highlighted as essential, particularly for younger officers who will lead the Department in the years to come.
Values, PRUDENT and SAKSHAM NUDGE
While systems and technology evolve, the Chairman stressed that core values remain constant. Officers were encouraged to uphold the principles of PRUDENT and strengthen behavioural administration through the SAKSHAM NUDGE framework, which uses data-based communication to promote voluntary compliance. These values, he noted, are reflected in everyday decisions and interactions with taxpayers.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Concluding his message, the Chairman reminded officers that while the Department has diverse roles, it moves forward as a single collective, with every contribution supporting the nation’s financial framework. He called upon officers to work with diligence, clarity and purpose in 2026 supporting one another as the new tax framework is implemented.
He ended by wishing all officers and their families good health, peace and a year of meaningful work ahead.
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