On May 22, 2026, the Income Tax Department conducted an outreach program in Visakhapatnam, focusing on the filing of Statement of Financial Transactions (SFT). This initiative targeted branch managers from District Cooperative Central Banks (DCCBs) across Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, and Anakapalli districts, highlighting their essential role in delivering rural credit and promoting financial inclusion for small traders and entrepreneurs. During the session, officials underscored the significance of accurate SFT filing in Form 61A, which aids in identifying high-risk cash transactions and enhances data-driven tax administration. Participants were informed about the reporting requirements for cash deposits and withdrawals, along with common errors to avoid, such as non-aggregation of accounts and incorrect date formats. The importance of timely filing was stressed, with a deadline of May 31, 2026, to prevent penalties under Section 271FA, which imposes a fine of ₹500 per day for delays. The outreach aimed to foster a better understanding of compliance obligations, digital filing procedures, and the updated mechanisms under the Income Tax Act, 2025, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement.