Not get lured by black money converters and be a crime partner. CBDT warns people allowing their bank accounts to convert old notes

Not get lured by black money converters and be a crime partner. CBDT warns people allowing their bank accounts to convert black money into new notes

Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Direct Taxes

New Delhi, 18th November, 2016.

PRESS RELEASE

Sub: Demonetisation of Old High Denomination Currency & Cash Deposits in Bank Accounts

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. Reports are being received of instances where 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 has been reported in case of Jan-Dhan 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, genuine persons depositing their own household savings in cash into their bank accounts would not be questioned.

The people are requested not to get lured by 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.

(Meenakshi J. Goswami)
Commissioner of Income Tax
(Media and Technical Policy)
Official Spokesperson, CBDT.