11 things to know for disclosure of black money

Taxation Second Amendment Bill, 2016: 11 things to know for disclosure of black money

The Government announced demonetization of existing currency of Rs 500/1000 as a step forward to curb black money with effect from the 9th November, 2016. However, concerns have been raised that some of the existing provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (‘Act’) could possibly be used for concealing black money. It is, therefore, important to plug these loopholes within Act so as to prevent misuse of the provisions. Thus, the Govt. has introduced Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Bill, 2016 in the Lok Sabha on November 24, 2016 which proposes to make some changes in the Act to ensure that defaulting assessees are subjected to tax at a higher rate with stringent penalty provision.

Disclosure of black money held in banks or cash

Black money deposited in banks or held in cash can be offered for taxation at concessional rate under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna, 2016 (‘PMGKY’). This income would be taxed at 49.9% (i.e., 30% tax, 9.9% surcharge and 10% penalty).

• The persons making declaration under PMGKY will be required to deposit 25% of black money. This amount should be deposited before filing of declaration. This deposit will have lock-in-period of 4 years and they shall bear zero interest.

• Declarants under PMGKY shall be required to pay tax, surcharge and penalty before filing of declaration. Such undisclosed income declared in PMGKY shall not affect finality of completed assessments. In other words, the declarant shall not be entitled to reopen any assessment made under the Act.

• Such declaration scheme shall not be applicable in relation toprosecution for any offence punishable under the Prevention of corruption Act, Benami Act and Prevention of money laundering Act. Such scheme shall not apply for undisclosed foreign income and assets to which Black Money (Undisclosed foreign income and assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 applies.

• Person making declaration under PMGKY are required to file declarationsin the specified format and such income shall not be included in the total income of declaration for any AY under Income-Tax Act.

• Such PMGKY scheme will be applicable for certain period as notified by the Government Disclosure of black money in return of income

• .Disclosure of undisclosed income in return of income would be taxable at 77.25% (i.e., 60% tax, 15% surcharge and 2.25% Cess). Thus, no penalty will be levied under Section 271AAC (newly proposed) if undisclosed income has been disclosed in return of income and tax has been paid on or before end of previous year.

• 8.Such option is available for those taxpayers who are not eligible for PMGKY Scheme or those who wanted to declare black money in the form of gold, bullion or immovable property, etc.

• Further, for such disclosure of black money, no penalty will be levied for under-reporting and misreporting of income under Section 270A.

1. Detection of black money by the AO

• Detection of black money by the AO 10.If any undisclosed income is determined by AO then it would be taxable at 83.25% (i.e., 60% tax, 15% surcharge, 6% penalty* and 2.25% Cess).

•  Further, no penalty will be levied for under-reporting and misreporting of income under Section 270A.

* Penalty is computed on tax amount excluding surcharge and Cess.

THANKS WITH BEST REGARDS
CA PRABHAT AGRAWAL
PRABHAT S. AGRAWAL & CO.

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
RANCHI
MOB. NO. +919798192233