Gujarat Tea Stall Labourer Shocked After Being Presented With Rs. 115 Crore Income Tax Notice

As the month of March ushers in the end of a financial year in India, millions of employees there are in their usual routine to prepare for the income tax filing. In the midst of this procedure, a weird and shocking development has emerged out of Gujarat. A tea stall labourer had allegedly been given an income tax notice demanding no less than a whopping Rs. 115 crore.

The labourer, who has been working at a hotel in Gir Somnath district for the last 25 years, receives a meagre monthly pay of Rs. 10,000. The tax notice recently received by him came as a huge shock, particularly as he has barely Rs. 475 in his bank account. What is surprising is that this is not the first time he has received such a notice. The Income Tax Department had reportedly sent him similar notices three times in the past.

Though this is said to be a clerical mistake or alleged misuse of identity, the sheer size of the amount has triggered huge debate. The officials are said to sort out the case soon. Nevertheless, the case brought to picture caution and precision while delivering tax-related notices.

The episode has also attracted the notice of people on social media, who have responded with humour and alarm. Most are playfully wondering what would become of high-income professionals if someone earning a Rs. 10,000 salary per month is expected to pay Rs. 115 crore in taxes.

This unusual case again highlights the need for the protection of individuals’ financial data and proper verification by government offices prior to publishing official notices.