<h1>CBDT Issues Rs. 5,204 Crore in Tax Refunds to Support 8.2 Lakh Small Businesses Amid COVID-19 Challenges.</h1> The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) announced that income tax refunds totaling Rs. 5,204 crore have been issued to approximately 8.2 lakh small businesses, including proprietors, firms, corporates, and trusts, since April 8, 2020. This measure aims to support MSMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic by preventing pay cuts and layoffs. Additionally, nearly 14 lakh refunds of up to Rs. 5 lakh each have been processed. The CBDT plans to release further refunds worth Rs. 7,760 crore soon. Taxpayers in about 1.74 lakh cases are urged to provide reconciliation responses online to expedite their refunds.