
To ensure more financial openness and reduce unreported cash transactions, the government has tightened tax laws.
Knowing these regulatory restrictions is essential if you deal with cash on a regular basis in order to prevent heavy fines. Let's examine the regulations and their effects on you.
What Is The Law's Position On Big Cash Deals?
Any cash transaction that is over ₹2 lakh in a single day is prohibited by Section 269ST of the Income Tax Act. If a person or organization receives more money than this, the full amount may be seized, and the same amount may be fined.
Furthermore, it is not permitted to divide payments to get around the ₹2 lakh cap. The law treats partial payments as a single transaction as long as they are related to the same agreement or deal.
How and when does the penalty apply?
1. Receiving More Than ₹2 Lakh in a Day
If you receive cash payments exceeding ₹2 lakh from a single person or entity in one day, you will be liable for 100% penalty.
Example:
Suppose you receive ₹1.5 lakh in the morning and another ₹1 lakh in the evening from the same person.
The total transaction amounts to ₹2.5 lakh, exceeding the permissible limit.
You will be penalized ₹2.5 lakh, equal to the amount received.
2. Payments in Installments Still Count as One Transaction
Even if the cash payment is spread across multiple days, it is considered a single transaction if it relates to the same deal.
Example:
You sell a property for ₹3 lakh and receive ₹1 lakh per day in cash over three days.
Even though each installment is under the ₹2 lakh limit, it is part of a single transaction.
The entire amount violates the law, leading to a ₹3 lakh penalty.
3. Cash Payments for Weddings and Events
Even in weddings, parties, or business events, cash expenses exceeding ₹2 lakh are subject to penalty.
Example:
You pay ₹1.5 lakh in cash for catering and another ₹1 lakh for decorations.
The total cash payment is ₹2.5 lakh, breaching the legal limit.
A ₹2.5 lakh penalty may be imposed.
How to avoid penalties?
For high-value transactions, use wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital payment channels like RTGS, NEFT, bank transfers, or UPI.
Even if you pay in installments, stay away from cash transactions above ₹2 lakh.
To guarantee adherence to tax regulations, keep track of all transactions.
When necessary, notify the tax authorities of significant transactions.
The last piece of advice is to stay safe online!
Using wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital payment methods is the safest approach to avoid legal issues and penalties due to rigorous anti-cash transaction legislation. Make sure that all of your transactions adhere to the rules set forth by the government if you regularly handle substantial sums of money. Always choose safe and transparent payment methods because breaking these guidelines might lead to significant financial losses.