In a press statement Income Tax department cautioned account holders against depositing others money into their bank account and helping conversion of black money. It is reminded that there is no such immunity of depositing upto Rs 2.5 Lac and though within this threshold limit , it may be investigated if found suspicious.
"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."
Click here for the Press Release
Click here for the Press Release