Cash Payments Limited to Only Rs. 2 lakh in a Single Day

You can use cash for transactions up to Rs. 2 lakh in a day. If you receive more than Rs. 2 lakh in cash from one person on the same day, it goes against the rules. This limit is applicable to all kinds of cash dealings, such as gifts, loans, business payments, or any other type of cash you receive, as per section 269ST of the Income Tax Act.

Example: If you give or take Rs. 3 lakh in cash from someone, the Income Tax Department can take that money away. After that, you might get a notice from them asking you to explain where the money came from and why it was in cash.

Transactions That Income Tax Department Examine

The income tax department monitors multiple types of cash transactions, such as:

• Gifts: Received a gift in cash of more than Rs. 50,000.
• Bank Deposit: If you deposited more than Rs. 10 lakh in cash in a year.
• Property Deal: Bought or sold property worth Rs. 30 lakh or more.
• Credit Card Bill Payment: Paid a credit card bill with more than Rs. 1 lakh in cash.
• Business Payment: Received more than Rs. 2 lakh in cash from a client.

However, in case someone breaks Section 269ST of the Income Tax Act, they can be fined the same amount as the cash they received. For example, if you take Rs. 2.5 lakh in cash, you may have to pay a Rs. 2.5 lakh fine. This rule applies to everyone no matter if you are a salaried person, a business owner, or a professional. Tax experts warn that even simple cash dealings can attract attention from the Income Tax Department if they go over the limit.

What is the Importance of Digital Payments?

The government is consistently moving towards a Digital India and promoting a cashless economy. This helps reduce tax evasion and makes it easier to track the flow of money. When most transactions happen online or through banks, it becomes simple to monitor black money and maintain transparency. Digital payments also make it easier for people and businesses to keep records and file their income tax returns smoothly in the future.

Know How to Avoid an Income Tax Notice?

To avoid getting an income tax notice, it’s important to follow some simple rules:

• Always make big payments online or through your bank instead of using cash.
• Keep proper records of all your payments, such as bills and receipts.
• If cash must be given, then try to stay within the allowed limit to stay safe from any trouble.
• If you are giving or receiving a gift or loan, make sure the details are written down.

Rules for Businesses and Banks

Businesses also need to be careful while managing their accounts. If a shopkeeper or trader accepts more than Rs. 2 lakh in cash from a customer, it breaks the income tax rules. Similarly, banks and NBFCs are required to report any large cash transactions to the authorities.