The Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) have officially debunked a viral claim that all Indian citizens must secure an Income-tax Clearance Certificate (ITCC) before traveling internationally. This clarification comes after a social media post by Sarthak Ahuja suggested that such a requirement was mandatory. The government emphasized that the ITCC is only necessary for individuals involved in serious financial irregularities or those with outstanding tax arrears exceeding ₹10 lakh (approximately $12,000 USD). For the average traveler, no certificate is needed. Ahuja defended his content, arguing that his message was misunderstood and that the authorities focused on a misleading excerpt from his video. However, many of his followers criticized him for creating panic with his initial claim, highlighting the importance of clear communication in financial matters.