Is emailing the SAT requesting an annual return legal? This way, you can avoid fines.

In recent days, several taxpayers in Mexico have received emails purportedly from the Tax Administration Service ( SAT ), requesting the filing of annual tax returns for fiscal years 2020 or prior years. This has sparked concern on social media about whether this is real or a scam. We'll tell you all the details at La Verdad Noticias.

First, it's important to clarify that it is legal for the SAT to request tax information from up to five years ago , according to Article 67 of the Federal Tax Code. This means that if you haven't filed your annual return since 2020 , the SAT could send you a request.

These emails may be part of tax control processes, deferred audits, or simply file updates , which is normal within the legal framework.

According to the SAT itself, its automated system detects individuals or legal entities that have not complied with this obligation. When this occurs, electronic notifications or reminder emails are issued to encourage compliance.

Not all taxpayers are required to file this return. According to Article 150 of the Income Tax Law , the following are required:

• They had annual income greater than $400,000 pesos .
• They worked with more than one employer in the same year.
• They receive income from fees, leasing, business activity or similar to salaries .

If you fall into any of these situations and haven't filed your annual return, the email you received may be legitimate .

Although the SAT may contact you by email, you should always verify that it's an official domain . To do so, follow these recommendations:

• Don't click on links if you're not sure where they came from.
• Do not share personal or banking information.
• If you downloaded a file or clicked on a suspicious link, scan your device with an antivirus.
• You can verify the sender's address on the SAT security portal: https://www.sat.gob.mx/personas

In addition to the annual return, the SAT reminds legal entities required to submit financial statements to do so no later than May 15, 2025 , corresponding to the 2024 fiscal year.

This procedure is carried out through the SIPRED system on the official website. Failure to comply with this process could result in fines of up to $170,000 pesos , especially for companies with revenues exceeding $1.855 billion pesos or those with shares listed on the stock market.

In short, the SAT has the legal authority to send you emails requesting back taxes. But always verify that the sender is authentic . If in doubt, it's best to go directly to the official SAT portal and check your tax inbox. And if you're unsure of your tax situation, consult a trusted accountant. Avoiding mistakes today can save you fines and headaches tomorrow.