Set off and withholding of tax refunds permitted to protect revenue, with written reasons and senior approval required. The Finance Act, 2023 replaces section 245 to permit specified tax officers to set off any whole or part of a refund against sums payable by the same person, after giving written intimation, and to withhold refunds during pending assessment or reassessment where payment may adversely affect revenue, subject to reasons in writing and prior approval of the Principal Commissioner or Commissioner.