Restriction on cash transactions

In an attempt to curb black money and run the government’s welfare programs smoothly, FM Arun Jaitley in his budget speech announced some restrictions on cash transactions up to a certain limit.

As the new financial year is about to begin, there are various things that you need to take care of while dealing in cash.

Here is the brief on amendments relating to cash transactions which will take effect from 1st April 2017.

·       Restrictions on cash transactions above Rs. 3,00,000/-

From 1st April onward any transaction (including transactions for capital assets) above Rs. 3,00,000/- shall be strictly done only through banking channels.

The penalty for transaction above Rs. 3,00,000/- is equivalent to amount of transaction. 

For Eg. - If you sell your car for Rs. 5,00,000/- and take the whole amount in cash. Penalty of Rs. 5,00,000 will be levied. 

Note that penalty is imposed on receiver of cash. 

·       Restriction on cash donations to charitable trusts.

Deduction at the rate of 50% is granted in case donation is made to a registered charitable or religious trust.

From 1st April, any donation above Rs. 2,000/- in cash will not be eligible for tax deduction under Sec 80G of the income tax act. Earlier this limit was of Rs. 20,000/-

Hence, if you want to make any donations and take income tax benefit of the same you have to ensure that you make such donations through banking channels

·       Restriction on cash expenses above Rs. 10,000/-

Any expense of above Rs. 10,000/- done in cash will be disallowed. Earlier, this limit was of Rs. 20,000/-.

·       Restriction on Capital Expenditure done in cash

From 1st April onwards, Cash payments of above Rs. 10,000/- done for purchase of capital asset will be disallowed. I.e. they cannot be added in the cost of asset for Income Tax purposes hence, depreciation cannot be claimed on same.

You will have to ensure that payment for purchase of any capital asset of more than Rs. 10,000/- shall be done only through banking channels.

·       Cash Books during assessment-

Further, considering the fact that government wants to discourage cash transactions it is likely that cash transactions will be looked upon in detail.

Hence, one is expected to maintain proper cash books.