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Putting a friend's black money into your account? Govt warns of strict action under Income Tax Act

Beware - converting someone's black money could land you into trouble.

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Ever since PM Modi announced the decision to demonetize Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, individuals have been trying to come with new ways to fool the system. The government has has however announced than anyone who inadvertently helps anyone launder black money could be in trouble. The government put out a statement that those individuals could be prosecuted under the Income Tax Act.  

They cautioned Jan Dhan account holders, housewives and artisans that they will be prosecuted under the I-T Act for allowing misuse of their bank accounts through deposit of black money in Rs 500/1,000 notes during the 50-day window till December 30. The directive comes against the backdrop of reports that some are using other persons' bank accounts to convert their black money into new denomination notes. In some cases, even rewards are being given to account holders for allowing such misuse.

The government had earlier said deposits up to Rs 2.50 lakh in bank accounts would not come under tax scrutiny as it is within the tax exemption limit. In the case of Jan Dhan account, the holder can deposit up to Rs 50,000.
However, the income tax department has noted that people are under impression that no action will be taken for deposits up to Rs 2.50 lakh during November 9-December 30.

 Here's the full statement

Person(s) who allows His Or Her Bank Account to be misused for this purpose can be Prosecuted for Abetment under Income Tax Act; Government appeals to people NOT to come in the Lure of Black Money Converters and be a Partner in this Crime of Converting Black Money into White through this method and help join the Government in eradicating it. 


It was announced by the Government earlier that small deposits made in the banks by artisans, workers, housewives, etc. would not be questioned by the Income Tax Department in view of the fact that present exemption limit for income tax is Rs. 2.5 lakh. There are some reports received that some people are using other persons’ bank accounts to convert their black money into new denomination notes for which reward is also being given to the account holders who agree to allow their accounts to be used. This activity is reported in case of Jandhan Accounts also.

It is hereby clarified that such tax evasion activities can be made subject to income tax and penalty if it is established that the amount deposited in the account was not of the account holder but of somebody else. Also the person who allows his or her account to be misused for this purpose can be prosecuted for abetment under Income Tax Act.

However, the genuine persons having their own household savings in cash and depositing the same in the bank would not be questioned. The people are requested NOT to come in the lure of black money converters and be a partner in this crime of converting black money into white through this method. Unless all citizens of the country help the Government in curbing black money, this mission of black money will not succeed. Also the people who are against the black money should give information of such illegal activities going on to the Income Tax department so that immediate action can be taken and such illegal transfer of cash can be stopped and seized. Black money is a crime against humanity. We urge every conscientious citizen to help join the Government in eradicating it.

Taking the nation by surprise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8 announced demonetisation of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes, making these notes invalid in a major assault on black money, fake currency and corruption. In his first televised address to the nation, Modi said people holding notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 can deposit the same in their bank and post office accounts from November 10 till December 30.

In his 40-minute address, first in Hindi and later in English, the Prime Minister said the notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 "will not be legal tender from midnight tonight" and these will be "just worthless piece of paper." However, he said that all notes in lower denomination of Rs 100, Rs 50, Rs 20, Rs 10, Rs 5, Rs 2 and Re 1 and all coins will continue to be valid. He also announced that new notes of Rs 2000 and Rs 500 will be introduced.

 

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