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PENALTIES UNDER THE INCOME-TAX ACT

Introduction
Under the Income-tax Act, penalties are levied for various defaults committed by the
taxpayer. Some of the penalties are mandatory and a few are at the discretion of the tax
authorities. In this part, you can gain knowledge about the provisions relating to various
penalties leviable under the Income-tax Act.
Penalty for default in making payment of Self Assessment Tax
As per section 140A(1) any tax due (after allowing credit for TDS, advance tax, etc.)
along with interest and fee* should be paid before filing the return of income. Tax paid as
per section 140A(1) is called ‘self-assessment tax’.
As per section 140A(3), if a person fails to pay either wholly or partly self-assessment tax
or, interest, or fee* then he will be treated as assessee in default in respect of unpaid
amount. As per section 221(1), if a taxpayer is treated as an assessee in default, then he
shall be held liable to pay penalty of such amount as the Assessing Officer may impose
and in the case of a continuing default, such further amount or amounts as the assessing
officer may, from time to time, direct. However, the total amount of penalty cannot
exceed the amount of tax in arrears.
Before charging penalty under section 221(1), the tax authority shall give the taxpayer a
reasonable opportunity of being heard. No penalty is levied if the taxpayer proves to the
satisfaction of the tax authorities that the default was for good and sufficient reason.
Note: An assessee shall not cease to be liable to any penalty under section 221(1) merely
by reason of the fact that he paid the tax before the levy of such penalty.
* Fee for default in furnishing return of income shall be Rs. 5,000 if return has been
furnished after the due date prescribed under section 139(1). However, it shall be Rs.
1,000 if the total income of an assessee does not exceed Rs. 5 lakh.
Penalty for default in making payment of Tax
As per section 220(1), when a demand notice under section 156 has been issued to the
taxpayer for payment of tax (other than notice for payment of advance tax), then such
amount shall be paid within a period of 30 days of the service of the notice at the place
and to the person mentioned in the notice. In certain cases, the above period of 30 days
can be reduced by the tax authorities with the previous approval of designated authorities.
If the taxpayer makes default in payment of any tax due from him, then apart from other
penal provisions, he is treated as an assessee in default.
As per section 221(1), if a taxpayer is treated as an assessee in default, then he shall be
liable to pay penalty of such an amount as the Assessing Officer may impose. However,
penalty cannot exceed the amount of tax in arrears. Thus, penalty under section 221(1) is
a general penalty and can be levied in all the cases in which the taxpayer is treated as an
assessee in default.

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]

Before charging penalty as discussed above, the tax authorities shall give the taxpayer a
reasonable opportunity of being heard. No penalty is levied if the taxpayer proves to the
satisfaction of the tax authorities that the default was for good and sufficient reason.
Note: An assessee shall not cease to be liable to any penalty under section 221(1) merely
by reason of the fact that he paid the tax before the levy of such penalty.
Late filing fees for delay in filing the TDS/TCS statement
As per section 200(3) every person liable to deduct tax at source is liable to file the
statement in respect of tax deducted by him i.e. TDS return. Further, as per proviso to
section 206C(3) every person liable to collect tax at source has to furnish statement in
respect of tax collected by him i.e. TCS return. Section 234E provides for levy of late
filing fees for the delay in filing TDS/TCS return.
As per section 234E, where a person fails to file the TDS/TCS return on or before the due
date prescribed in this regard, then he shall be liable to pay, by way of fee, a sum of Rs.
200 for every day during which the failure continues. The amount of late fees however
shall not exceed the amount of TDS/TCS. TDS/TCS return cannot be filed (after
prescribed due date) without payment of late filing fees as discussed above.
Fee for default in furnishing return of income
If assessee who is required to furnish return of income under section 139 failed to furnish
return of income within due date as prescribed under section 139(1) then as per section
234F, he will be required to pay fee of Rs. 5,000 if return has been furnished after the
due date prescribed under section 139(1). However, it shall be Rs. 1,000 if the total
income of an assessee does not exceed Rs. 5 lakh.
Penalty for failure to comply with notice issued under section 142(1) or 143(2) or
direction for audit under section 142(2A)
Penalty under section 272A is levied if a taxpayer fails to comply with notice issued to
him under section 142(1) or section 143(2) or fails to comply with a direction issued
under section 142(2A). Before understanding the penalty provisions of section 272A we
shall take a brief overview of provisions of section 142(1), 142(2A) and section 143(2).
Under section 142(1), the Assessing Officer can issue notice asking the taxpayer
to file the return of income if he has not filed the return of income or to produce or
cause to be produced such accounts or documents as he may require or
to furnish in writing and verified in the prescribed manner, information in such form
and on such points or matters (including a statement of all assets and liabilities of the
taxpayer, whether included in the accounts or not) as he may require.
Section 142(2A) deals with special audit. As per section 142(2A), if the conditions
justifying special audit as given in section 142(2A) are satisfied, then the Assessing
Officer can direct the taxpayer to get his accounts audited or re-audited from a chartered
accountant nominated by the Principal Chief Commissioner or Chief Commissioner or
Principal Commissioner or Commissioner.
Section 143(2) deals with the provisions relating to the issuance of notice before
conducting a scrutiny assessment under section 143(3).
If the taxpayer fails to comply with notice issued to him under section 142(1) or section
143(2) or fails to comply with a direction issued under section 142(2A), then as per
section 272A he shall be liable for a penalty of Rs. 10,000 for each failure.

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]

 Penalty for underreporting and misreporting of income
Many times a taxpayer may try to reduce his tax liability by underreporting or
misreporting of income. In such a case, by virtue of Section 270A, the taxpayer will be
held liable for penalty. The rate of penalty shall be fifty per cent of the tax payable on
under-reported income. However, in a case where under-reporting of income results from
misreporting of income, the taxpayer shall be liable for penalty at the rate of two hundred
per cent of the tax payable on such misreported income.
Underreporting of income
A person shall be considered to have under-reported his income in the following cases:
Cases Income assessed under normal Income assessed under
Provisions MAT/AMT Provisions
Return of Income is Income assessed is greater than The deemed total income
filed the income determined in the assessed or reassessed as per
return processed u/s. 143(1)(a) the provisions of sec.
115JB/115JC, is greater than
the deemed total income
determined in the return
processed under sec 143(1)(a)
No Return of Income The income assessed is greater The deemed total income
is filed or return is than the maximum exemption assessed as per the provisions
filed for the first time limit of sec. 115JB/115JC, is
under section 148. greater than the maximum
exemption limit.
Case of Reassessment The income reassessed is The deemed total income
greater than the income reassessed as per the
assessed or reassessed provisions of sec. 115JB
immediately before such /115JC, is greater than the
reassessment deemed total income assessed
or reassessed immediately
before such reassessment.
Loss Assessed The income assessed or The income assessed or
reassessed has the effect of reassessed has the effect of
reducing the loss or converting reducing the loss or
such loss into income. converting such loss into
income.
Misreporting of Income
The following cases will be considered as misreporting of income:
1. Misrepresentation or suppression of facts;
2. Failure to record investments in the books of account;
3. Claim of expenditure not substantiated by any evidence;
4. Recording of any false entry in the books of account;
5. Failure to record any receipt in books of account having a bearing on total
income; and
6. Failure to report any international transaction or any transaction deemed to be an
international transaction or any specified domestic transaction, to which the
provisions of Chapter X apply.

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]

If a closely held company issues its shares at a price higher than its fair market value
(FMV) then it shall be liable to pay tax on difference between the FMV and issue price of
the shares as per section 56(2)(viib)* of the Income-tax Act. Such tax is called as ‘Angel
Tax’ in common parlance. However, the Department for Promotion of Industry and
Internal Trade (DPIIT) has issued a Notification No. 127(E), dated 19-02-2019 whereby
an eligible start-up shall be exempted from levy of Angel tax if it satisfies the conditions
mentioned in such notification.
With a view to ensure compliance to the conditions specified in the notification, the
Finance (No. 2) Act, 2019 reiterates that in case of failure to comply with the conditions
specified in the notification, the consideration received from issue of shares as exceeding
the fair market value of such shares, shall be deemed to be income of the company
chargeable to tax for the previous year in which such failure takes place. Further, it shall
be deemed that the company has misreported the said income and, consequently, a
penalty of an amount equal to 200% of tax payable on the underreported income (i.e.,
difference between issue price and fair market value of shares) shall be levied as per
section 270A.

* Provisions of Section 56(2)(viib) are not applicable from Assessment Year 2025-26.

Computation of under-reported Income

The amount of under-reported income shall be computed as under:
1. Where income is assessed for the first time and return of income was furnished by the
assessee, the difference between the amount of income assessed and the amount of
income determined after processing of return under Section 143(1) shall be considered
as underreported income.
2. Where income is assessed for the first time and no return of income was furnished by
the assessee or return was furnished by the assessee for the first time under section
148, the difference between the amount of income assessed and the basic exemption
limit applicable in case of the assessee shall be considered as underreported income.
3. Where income is not assessed for the first time, the difference between the amount of
income reassessed or recomputed and the amount of income assessed, reassessed or
recomputed in a preceding order shall be considered as underreported income.
4. If an assessment or reassessment has the effect of reducing the loss declared in the
return or converting that loss into income, the amount of under-reported income shall
be the difference between the loss claimed and the income or loss, as the case may be,
assessed or reassessed.
5. Where income assessed as per the provisions of Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) or
Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT), underreported income shall be computed as per the
following formulae:
(A — B) + (C — D) where,
A = the total income assessed as per the provisions other than the provisions contained in
section 115JB or section 115JC (herein called general provisions);

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]

B = the total income that would have been chargeable had the total income assessed as
per the general provisions been reduced by the amount of under-reported income;
C = the total income assessed as per the provisions contained in section 115JB or section
115JC;
D = the total income that would have been chargeable had the total income assessed as
per the provisions contained in section 115JB or section 115JC been reduced by the
amount of under-reported income.
If the amount of under-reported income on any issue is considered both under the
provisions contained in section 115JB or section 115JC and under general provisions,
such amount shall not be reduced from total income assessed while determining the
amount under item D.
Penalty for failure to keep, maintain, or retain books of account, documents, etc., as
required under section 44AA
For the purpose of Income-tax Act, a taxpayer is required to maintain the books of
account as provided in section 44AA. If the taxpayer fails to maintain books of account
as per the provisions of section 44AA, then he shall be liable to pay penalty under section
271A. Penalty under section 271A is Rs. 25,000.
Penalty for failure to keep and maintain information and document etc. in respect of
international transaction or specified domestic transaction
Section 92D provides that every person entering into an international transaction or
specified domestic transaction shall keep and maintain such information and documents
as may be prescribed in this regard under rule 10D. Further a person, being a constituent
entity of an international group, shall also keep and maintain such information and
documents in respect of an international group as may be prescribed. The Income-tax
Authority may require the taxpayer to produce these documents. On such demand by the
Income-tax Authority, the taxpayer has to provide these documents within a period of 30
days or such extended period as may be allowed by the tax authorities. These documents
should be maintained for a period of 8 years from the end of the relevant assessment year.
The provisions relating to penalty for failure to keep and maintain information and
documents in respect of international transaction or specified domestic transaction are
given in section 271AA. Penalty under section 271AA is attracted in the case of any of
the following failures:
1) If a person fails to keep and maintain information and documents in respect of
international transaction or specified domestic transaction as provided in section
92D read with rule 10D.
2) If a person fails to report the international transaction or specified domestic
transaction which he is required to do so.
3) If a person maintains or furnishes an incorrect information or document in respect
of international transaction or specified domestic transaction.
Penalty will be a sum equal to 2% of the value of each international transaction or
specified domestic transaction entered into by the taxpayer.
If any person, being a constituent entity of international group fails to furnish information
and documents in respect of international group [as referred to in Section 92D], it may be
liable to pay penalty of Rs 5,00,000.

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]

Penalty in case of search
To unearth the undisclosed income, tax authorities generally conduct search at the
premises of the taxpayer. Section 132 provides the circumstances in which the tax
authorities can initiate a search. If a search has been initiated and any undisclosed income
is unearthed in the search, then penalty can be levied under section 271AAB.
The quantum of penalty under section 271AAB shall be as follows:
1) Where search has been initiated on or after 1-7-2012 but before the date on which
the Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Bill, 2016 receives the assent of the
president (i.e., 16-12-2016) -
a) 10% of undisclosed income of the specified previous year if assessee
admits the undisclosed income; substantiates the manner in which it was
derived; and on or before the specified date pays the tax, together with
interest thereon and furnishes the return of income for the specified
previous year declaring such undisclosed income
b) 20% of undisclosed income of the specified previous year if assessee does
not admit the undisclosed income, and on or before the specified date
declare such income in the return of income furnished for the specified
previous year and pays the tax, together with interest thereon;
c) 60%of undisclosed income of the specified previous year if it is not
covered by (a) or (b) above
2) Where search has been initiated on or after the date on which the Taxation Laws
(Second Amendment) Bill, 2016 receives the assent of the president (i.e., 16-12-
2016)-
a) 30% of undisclosed income of the specified previous year if assessee
admits the undisclosed income; substantiates the manner in which it was
derived; and on or before the specified date pays the tax, together with
interest thereon and furnishes the return of income for the specified
previous year declaring such undisclosed income
b) 60% of undisclosed income of the specified previous year if it is not
covered by above provisions

Penalty for ‘false entry’ in the books of account

The Finance Act 2020 has introduced a new section 271AAD under the Act to provide
for a levy of penalty on a person, if during any proceedings under the Act, it is found that
in the books of accounts maintained by him there is:
a) A false entry; or
b) Any entry relevant for computation of total income of such person has been omitted
to evade tax liability.
The penalty payable by such person shall be equal to the aggregate amount of false
entries or omitted entry.
It is also provided that any other person, who causes in any manner a person to make or
cause to make a false entry or omits or causes to omit any entry, shall also pay by way of
penalty a sum which is equal to the aggregate amount of such false entries or omitted
entry.

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]

For the purpose of section 271AAD, the false entries to include use or intention touse:
a) Forged or falsified documents such as a false invoice or, in general, a false piece of
documentary evidence;

b) Invoice in respect of supply or receipt of goods or services or both issued by the

person or any other person without actual supply or receipt of such goods or services
or both; or
c) Invoice in respect of supply or receipt of goods or services or both to or from a
person who do not exist.
Consequences of default in submission of statement/certificate prescribed under
section 35/Section 80G
The Finance Act, 2020 has amended section 35 of the Income-tax Act to provide that
deduction available under this section shall be available to the research association,
university, college or other institution or the company only if the assessee delivers a
statement of donations, as prescribed by the board, and also furnishes certificate of the
amount of donation to the donors.
Similar amendment has also been made in Section 80G to provide that entities receiving
donation shall be required to file a statement of the donation received and shall issue a
certificate to donor.
In order to ensure compliance with the provision, the Finance Act, 2020 has inserted a
new section 234G which provides for levy of fee of Rs. 200 per day if taxpayer fails to
submit such statement or certificate within prescribed time. However, the fee shall not
exceed the amount in respect of which the failure has occurred. Such fees shall be paid
before submitting such statement or before furnishing of certificate, as the case may be.
Consequently, a new section 271K has been inserted in the Act which empowers the
Assessing Officer to levy a penalty of Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1 lakh, if assessee fails to furnish
the statement or fails to furnish a certificate.
Faceless Penalty
With an objective to eliminate the human interface in such cases also, an e-penalty
scheme is to be launched on the lines of e-assessment scheme.
Section 274 of the Income-tax Act prescribes procedure for imposing penalty on the
assessee. The Finance Act, 2020 has inserted a new sub-section 2(A) to section 274 to
authorize the Central Government to notify an e-scheme for the purposes of imposing
penalty so as to impart greater efficiency, transparency and accountability by:
a) eliminating the interface between the Assessing Officer and the assessee in the
course of proceedings to the extent it is feasible technologically;
b) optimising utilisation of the resources through economies of scale and functional
specialisation;
c) introducing a mechanism for imposing of penalty with dynamic jurisdiction in
which penalty shall be imposed by one or more tax authorities.
The Central Government vide notification S.O. 117(E), dated 12-1-2021, has notified the
Faceless Penalty Scheme, 2021 effective from 12-01-2021.
Penalty in case of income from undisclosed sources
The Assessing Officer may make addition to the income of an assessee under section 68,
section 69, section 69A, section 69B, section 69C or section 69D if assessee fails to
explain the nature and source of his income.

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]

Section 271AAC of the Income-tax Act empowers AO or Commissioner (Appeals) to
levy penalty at the rate of 10% of the tax payable under section 115BBE if any addition is
made under section 68, section 69, section 69A, section 69B, section 69C, section 69D.
However, no penalty shall be levied if such income is disclosed in the return of income
and tax on such income is paid under Section 115BBE on or before the end of the
relevant previous year.
Failure to get accounts audited or furnish a report of audit as required under
section 44AB
Section 44AB prescribes when the accounts of the taxpayer are to be audited. If a
taxpayer, in spite of the requirement of section 44AB, fails to get his accounts audited,
then he can be held liable for penalty under section 271B. Penalty under section 271B
will be levied for failure to get the accounts audited or failure to furnish a report of audit
as required under section 44AB. Penalty shall be one-half per cent of total sales, turnover
or gross receipts, etc., or Rs. 1,50,000, whichever is less.
Penalty for failure to furnish a report from an accountant as required by section
92E
Section 92E provides that every person entering into an international transaction or
specified domestic transaction shall obtain a report from a chartered accountant in the
prescribed form and shall furnish the same on or before the date prescribed in this regard.
If a taxpayer fails to do so, then he shall be liable to pay penalty under section 271BA.
Penalty under section 271BA for failure to furnish a report from a chartered accountant as
required by section 92E is Rs. 1,00,000.
Penalty for failure to deduct tax at source
If a person fails to deduct tax at source as required by or under the provisions of chapter
XVII-B fails to deduct the tax, then he can be held liable to pay penalty under section
271C.
Further, penalty shall also be levied if a person fails to pay or ensure payment of tax as
required by section 115O(2), first proviso to section 194R(1), proviso to section 194S(1)
or section 194BA(2).
Penalty under section 271C shall be levied of an amount equal to tax not deducted (in
case of TDS), tax not paid (in case of dividend distribution tax) or ensure payment of (in
case of sections 194R, 194S, 194BA).
Penalty for failure to pay tax in respect of winning from lottery or crossword puzzle
The section 194B provides that the person responsible for paying to any person any
income by way of winnings from any lottery or crossword puzzle or card game and other
game of any sort in an amount exceeding [ten thousand rupees], shall, at the time of
payment thereof, deduct income-tax thereon at the rates in force.
Proviso to section 194B provides that in a case where the winnings are wholly in kind or
partly in cash and partly in kind but the part in cash is not sufficient to meet the liability
of deduction of tax in respect of whole of the winnings, the person responsible for
paying shall, before releasing the winnings, ensure that tax has been paid in respect of the
winnings.
If any person fails to pay whole or part of the tax as required under proviso to section
194B than, such person shall be liable to pay penalty under section 271C of an amount
equal to tax not paid.

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]

Penalty for failure to collect tax at source
Similar to the provisions of tax deducted at source, section 206C provides certain items in
respect of which tax is to be collected at source by the person receiving payment in
respect of certain specified items. If the person required to collect tax at source fails to
collect the tax, then he shall be liable to pay penalty under section 271CA. Penalty shall
be levied of an amount equal to tax not collected.
Taking or accepting certain loans or deposits or specified sum in contravention of
provisions of section 269SS
Section 269SS provides that no person shall take or accept loan or deposit or specified
sum exceeding Rs. 20,000 by any mode other than account payee cheque or account
payee demand draft or use of electricity clearing system through a bank account or
through such other electronic modes as may be prescribed.
Specified sum” means any sum of money receivable, whether as advance or otherwise, in
relation to transfer of an immovable property, whether or not the transfer takes place.
Contravention of the provisions of section 269SS will attract penalty under section 271D.
Penalty under section 271D shall be levied of an amount equal to loan or deposit taken or
accepted.
Penalty on receipt of an amount of Rs. 2 lakh or more in cash
Section 269ST provides that no person shall receive an amount of Rs. 2,00,000 or
more,—
(a) in aggregate from a person in a day;
(b) in respect of a single transaction; or
(c) in respect of transactions relating to one event or occasion from a person,
otherwise than by an account payee cheque or account payee bank draft or use of
electronic clearing system through a bank account, or through such other electronic mode
as may be prescribed.
However, the said restriction shall not apply to Government, any banking company, post
office savings bank, co-operative bank or a person notified by the Central Government.
Section 271DA provides for levy of penalty on a person who receives a sum in
contravention of the provisions of section 269ST. The penalty shall be equal to the
amount of such receipt. However, the penalty shall not be levied if the person proves that
there were good and sufficient reasons for such contravention.
Penalty for not providing facility for accepting payment through prescribed
electronic modes of payment
The Finance (No. 2) Act, 2019 has inserted a new Section 269SU in Income-tax Act with
effect from November 1, 2019. The section provides that every person engaged in
business should mandatorily provide the facility for accepting payment through
prescribed electronic mode, if the gross receipts from such business exceeds Rs. 50 crore
during the immediately preceding previous year.

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]

Consequential penal provisions have been inserted in Section 271DB, which provides for
penalty of Rs. 5,000 rupees for every day of default in case the person does not accept
payment through notified digital modes. The section also provides for immunity from
penalty in case person proves that there is a good and sufficient reasons for such default.
Repaying loans or deposits or specified advance in contravention of provisions of
section 269T
Section 269T provides that no person shall repay any loan or deposit or specified
advance exceeding Rs. 20,000 by any mode other than account payee cheque or account
payee demand draft in the name of the person who has made the loan or deposit or paid
the specified advance or by use of electricity clearing system through a bank account or
through such other electronic mode as may be.
“Specified advance” means any sum of money in the nature of advance, by whatever
name called, in relation to transfer of an immovable property, whether or not transfer
takes place.
Contravention of the provisions of section 269T will attract penalty under section 271E.
Penalty under section 271E shall be a sum equal to loan or deposit or specified advance
so repaid.
Failure to furnish statement of financial transaction or reportable account
(previously called as ‘Annual Information Return (AIR)’) as required under section
285BA(1)
Non-furnishing of statement of financial transaction or reportable account will attract
penalty under section 271FA. Penalty shall be levied of Rs. 500 per day of default.
However, section 285BA(5) empower the tax authorities to issue a notice to the person
directing him to file the statement within a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of
service of such notice and in such a case person shall furnish the statement within the
time specified in the notice. If person fails to file the statement within the specified time,
then a penalty of Rs. 1,000 per day shall be levied from the day immediately following
the day on which the time specified in such notice for furnishing the statement expires.
Penalty for furnishing inaccurate statement of financial transaction or reportable
account
Section 271FAA levies penalty penalty for furnishing inaccurate statement of financial
transaction or reportable account.

Upto 30-09-2024:

If a prescribed reporting financial institution referred to in Section 285BA(1) who is

required to furnish statement of financial transaction or reportable account, provides
inaccurate information in the statement, and where:
(a) the inaccuracy is due to a failure to comply with the due diligence requirement as
prescribed under rule 114H of the Income-tax Rules, 1962 or is deliberate on the part
of that person;
(b) the person knows of the inaccuracy at the time of furnishing the statement but does
not inform the prescribed income-tax authority or such other authority or agency;

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]

 (c) the person discovers the inaccuracy after the statement is furnished and fails to
inform and furnish correct information within a period of 10 days as specified under
section 285BA(6),
then, the prescribed income-tax authority may direct that such person shall pay, by
way ofpenalty, a sum of fifty thousand rupees.

Further, a penalty of Rs. 5,000 would be levied on reporting financial institution if there is
any inaccuracy in SFT and such inaccuracy is due to false or inaccurate information
submitted by the holder of reportable accounts. The reporting financial institution may also
recover such penalty amount from the holder of the reportable account.

With effect from 01-10-2024

If a prescribed reporting financial institution referred to in Section 285BA(1) who is

required to furnish statement of financial transaction or reportable account:

a) provides inaccurate information in the statement or fails to furnish correct information

within the specified period; or
b) fails to comply with the prescribed due diligence requirement

then, the prescribed income-tax authority may direct that such person shall pay, by
way ofpenalty, a sum of fifty thousand rupees.

Further, a penalty of Rs. 5,000 would be levied on reporting financial institution if there is
any inaccuracy in SFT and such inaccuracy is due to false or inaccurate information
submitted by the holder of reportable accounts. The reporting financial institution may also
recover such penalty amount from the holder of the reportable account.

Penalty for failure to furnish statement or information or document by an eligible

investment fund.
A new section 9A has been inserted by Finance Act, 2015 to provide that fund
management activity carried out by an eligible offshore investment fund through an
eligible fund manager acting on behalf of such fund shall not constitute business
connection in India (subject to certain conditions)
One of the condition is that every eligible investment fund shall, in respect of its activities
in a financial year, furnish within 90 days from the end of the financial year, a statement
in the prescribed form to the prescribed income-tax authority containing information
relating to the fulfilment of the specified conditions or any information or document
which may be prescribed. Failure to comply with this condition shall result in penalty of
Rs. 5,00,000

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]

Failure to furnish any information or document as required by section 92D(3)
As per section 92D(3) the tax authorities may, in the course of any proceeding under the
Act, require any person who has entered into an international transaction or specified
domestic transaction to furnish any information or document (as provided in section 92D
read with rule 10D). Such information or document is to be produced within a period of
10 days from the date of receipt of a notice issued in this regard (the period can be
extended for further 30 days by the tax authorities).Failure to comply with these
provisions shall attract penalty under section 271G.
As per section 271G, if any person who has entered into an international transaction or
specified domestic transaction fails to furnish any such information or document as
discussed above, then the tax authorities may direct that such person shall pay, by way of
penalty, a sum equal to 2% of the value of the international transaction or specified
domestic transaction for each such failure.
Penalty Section 271GB for failure to furnish report or for furnishing inaccurate
report under Section 286
If any reporting entity fails to furnish report [as referred to in Section 286(2)] in respect
of international group, then it would be liable to penalty of –
a) Rs 5,000 for every day for which failure continues, if the period of failure does not
exceed one month; or
b) Rs 15,000 for every day for which the failure continues beyond the period of one
month.
Where a reporting entity provides inaccurate information in the report [as referred to in
Section 286(2)], then it is liable to pay penalty of Rs 5,00,000, subject to satisfaction of
conditions.
Penalty Section 271GC for failure to furnish report under Section 285 (applicable
from AY 2025-26)

If a person fail to furnish statement under section 285 within the prescribed period, the
AO may levy the following penalty on him:
a) Rs. 1,000 for each day the failure continues, if the period of failure does not exceed
three months; or
b) Rs. 1,00,000 in any other case.

Penalty for failure to furnish information or document under section 285A

A new section 285A has been inserted by Finance Act, 2015 to provide for a reporting
obligation on Indian concern through or in which the Indian assets are held by the foreign
company or the entity.
The Indian entity shall be obligated to furnish information relating to the off-shore
transaction having the effect of directly or indirectly modifying the ownership structure
or control of the Indian company or entity.

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]

In case of any failure on the part of Indian concern, it shall pay by way of penalty-
(a) a sum equal to 2% of the value of the transaction in respect of which such failure
has taken place in case where such transaction had the effect of directly or
indirectly transferring the right of management or control in relation to the Indian
concern; and
(b) a sum of Rs. 5,000 in any other case.
Penalty for failure to file the TDS/TCS return
As per section 271H, where a person fails to file the statement of tax deducted/collected
at source i.e. TDS/TCS return on or before the due dates prescribed in this regard, then he
shall be liable to pay penalty under section 271H. Minimum penalty shall be levied of Rs.
10,000 which can go upto Rs. 1,00,000. Penalty under section 271H will be in addition to
late filing fee prescribed under section 234E.
Apart from delay in filing of TDS/TCS return, section 271H also covers cases of filing
incorrect TDS/TCS return. Penalty under section 271H can also be levied if the
deductor/collector files an incorrect TDS/TCS return.
No penalty will be levied under section 271H for the failure to file the TDS/TCS return,
if the person proves that after paying tax deducted/collected by him, along with the fee
andinterest (if any), to the credit of the Central Government, he has filed the TDS/TCS
returnbefore the expiry of a period of one year (see note) from the due date of filing the
TDS/TCS return.

Note: The limitation period of one year has been reduced to one month with effect from
Assessment Year 2025-26.

In other words, with effect from Assessment Year 2025-26, no penalty under section
271H will be levied in case of delay in filing the TDS/TCS return if following conditions
are satisfied :
1) The tax deducted/collected at source is paid to the credit of the Government.
2) Late filing fees and interest (if any) is paid to the credit of the Government.
3) The TDS/TCS return is filed before the expiry of a period of one month from the
due date specified in this behalf.
It should be noted that the above relaxation is applicable only in case of penalty levied
under section 271H for the delay in filing of TDS/TCS return and not for filing incorrect
TDS/TCS return.
Penalty on professionals for furnishing incorrect information in statutory report or
certificate
The thrust of the Government in recent past is on voluntary compliance. Certification of
various reports and certificates by a qualified professional has been provided in the Act to
ensure that the information furnished by an assessee under the provisions of the Act is
correct. Various provisions exist under the Act to penalise the defaulting assessee in case
of furnishing incorrect information. However, there exist no penal provision for levy of
penalty for furnishing incorrect information by the person who is responsible for
certifying the same.

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]

In order to ensure that the person furnishing report or certificate undertakes due diligence
before making such certification, a new section 271J is inserted under Income-tax Act
w.e.f 1/4/2017 so as to provide that if an accountant or a merchant banker or a registered
valuer, furnishes incorrect information in a report or certificate under any provisions of
the Act or the rules made thereunder, the Assessing Officer or the Commissioner
(Appeals) may direct him to pay a sum of Rs. 10,000 for each such report or certificate
by way of penalty.
Penalty for failure to furnish information or furnishing inaccurate information
under section 195
As per section 195(6) of the Act, any person responsible for paying to a non-resident (not
being a company) or to a foreign company, any sum (whether or not chargeable to tax),
shall furnish the information relating to payment of such sum in Form 15CA and 15CB.
In case of any failure in this regard a penalty of Rs. 1,00,000 shall be leviable.
Failure to co-operate with the tax authorities
Many times the tax authorities requires any information from a person, in such a case, the
tax authorities may request such person to answer questions raised by them or may
require the person to sign the statements or may issue him a summon for his attendance.
Failure to comply with these directions or notices can attract penalty under section
272A(1) Tax authorities also issues notice under Section 142(1)/Section 143(2) or issues
direction for special audit under Section 142(2A). In other words, penalty under section
272A(1) shall be levied if a person refused or fails to:
 Answer questions
 Sign statement
 Attend office to give evidence or produce books of account, etc., in compliance
with summons under section 131(1)
 Comply with notice under Section 142(1)/Section 143(2) or fails to comply with
direction issued under Section 142(2A)
Penalty leviable under section 272A(1) is Rs. 10,000 for each failure/default.
Penalty under section 272A(2)
Penalty under section 272A(2) is levied in respect of following defaults :
1. Failure to furnish requisite information in respect of securities as required under
section 94(6). As per section 94(6) the tax authorities can issue notice asking the
taxpayer to furnish the particulars of securities owned by him during the year.
2. Failure to give notice of discontinuance of business or profession as required
under section 176(3) (within 15 days of discontinuance of business or profession).
3. Failure to furnish in due time returns, statements or certificates, deliver
declaration, allow inspection, etc., under sections 133, 134, 139(4A), 139(4C),
192(2C), 197A, 203, 206, 206C, 206C(1A) and 285B.
4. Failure to deduct and pay tax under section 226(2).
5. Failure to file a copy of the prescribed statement within the time specified in
section 200(3) or the proviso to section 206C(3) (up to 1-7-2012).

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]

 6. Failure to file the prescribed statement within the time specified in section
206A(1). Section 206A(1) deals with filing of quarterly return by banks, co-
operative society, etc. in respect of payment of interest to residents without
deduction of tax.
7. Failure to deliver or cause to be delivered a statement under Section 200(2A) or
Section 206C(3A) within prescribed time. With effect from 01/06/2015, it has
been mandatory for an office of the Government paying TDS or TCS, as the case
may be, without production of a challan to deliver to the prescribed authority, a
statement in such form and manner as may be prescribed.
Penalty in above cases shall be levied at Rs. 500 per day for every day during which the
default continues. In respect of penalty for failure, in relation to a declaration mentioned
in section 197A, a certificate as required by section 203 and for default under section
200(2A), 200(3), 206, 206C, 206C(3) and 206C(3A), the quantum of penalty shall not
exceed the amount of tax deductible or collectible.
Penalty for failure to comply with provisions of section 133B
Section 133B empowers the tax authorities to enter the place of business of the taxpayer
to collect information required by the authorities which will be useful under the Act. If
the taxpayer fails to comply with the provisions of section 133B, then penalty shall be
levied under section 272AA(1) upto Rs. 1,000.
Penalty for not providing facility for accepting payment through prescribed
electronic modes of payment
The Finance (No. 2) Act, 2019 has inserted a new Section 269SU in Income-tax Act with
effect from November 1, 2019. The section provides that every person engaged in
business should mandatorily provide the facility for accepting payment through
prescribed electronic mode, if the gross receipts from such business exceeds Rs. 50 crore
during the immediately preceding previous year.
Consequential penal provisions have been inserted in Section 271DB, which provides for
penalty of Rs. 5,000 rupees for every day of default in case the person does not accept
payment through notified digital modes. The section also provides for immunity from
penalty in case person proves that there is a good and sufficient reasons for such default.
Failure to comply with provisions relating to Tax Deduction Account Number or
Tax Collection Account Number
As per section 203A, every person deducting tax at source or collecting tax at source has
to obtain the Tax Deduction Account Number or Tax Collection Account Number (as the
case may be).
Section 203A(2) provides that the deductor or collector of tax at source should quote his
Tax Deduction Account Number or Tax Collection Account Number (as the case may be)
in the challans, certificates, statement and other documents relating to TDS/TCS. Section
272BB(1) provides for penalty for failure to obtain Tax Deduction Account Number or
Tax Collection Account Number (as the case may be) and section 272BB(1A) provides
for penalty for quoting incorrect Tax Deduction Account Number or Tax Collection
Account Number (as the case may be). Penalty under section 272BB is Rs. 10,000.

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]

 Relaxation from penalty
Apart from designing penalty provisions, the Income-tax Act also contains provisions for
granting relief from penalty in genuine / deserving cases. Relief can be granted in the
following manner:

1. Under section 273A(4) the Principal Commissioner or Commissioner of Income-

tax has power to waive or reduce any penalty levied under the Income-tax Act.
Penalty can be waived or reduced by the Commissioner of Income-tax if the
conditions specified in section 273A(4) in this regard are satisfied.
2. Apart from shelter of section 273A(4) as discussed earlier, section 273B also
provides relief from penalty in genuine cases. As per section 273B, no penalty
shall be levied under section 271A, 271AA, 271B, 271BA, 271BB, 271C, 271CA,
271D, 271E, 271F, 271FA, 271FAB,271FB, 271G, 271GA, 271GB, 271H, 271-I,
271J, 272A(1)(c) or (d), 272A(2), 272AA(1), 272B, 272BB(1), 272BB(1A),
272BBB(1) or 273(2)(b) or (c), if the taxpayer proves that there was reasonable
cause for such failure.
Penalty for passing unreasonable benefits to trustee or specified person
The Finance Act, 2022 has inserted a new section 271AAE to the Income-tax Act to levy a
penalty on trusts or institutions. Section 271AAE has been inserted to provide as follows:
(a) An institution covered by section 11 to 13 shall be liable to penalty in respect of
violation of section 13(1)(c).
(b) An institution covered by section 10(23C)(iv)/(v)/(vi)/(via) shall be liable to penalty in
respect of violation of twenty first proviso to section 10(23C) [which is corresponding to
section 13(1)(c)].
The penalty is to be computed as follows:
(a) For the first violation: to the extent of income applied by the institution for the benefit
of any interested party referred to in section 13(3);
(b) For any violation in subsequent years: twice the amount of such income so applied
(“double penalty”).
This section is applicable with effect from Assessment Year 2023-24.

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]

 MCQ ON PENALTIES UNDER THE INCOME-TAX ACT
Q1.As per section 140A(1) any tax due (after allowing credit for TDS, advance tax, etc.)
along with interest under section 234A, 234B and 234C (if any) and fee should be paid
before filing the return of income. Tax paid as per section 140A(1) is called _.
(a) Advance tax (b) Self assessment tax
(c) Tax paid at source (d) Corporate tax
Correct answer : (b)
Justification of correct answer :
As per section 140A(1) any tax due (after allowing credit for TDS, advance tax, etc.)
along with interest under section 234A, 234B and 234C (if any) and fee should be paid
before filing the return of income. Tax paid as per section 140A(1) is called ‘self
assessment tax’.
Thus, option (b) is the correct option.
Q2.Section 234E provides for levy of late filing fees for the delay in filing of

(a) Return of income (b) TDS return

(c) TCS return (d) TDS/TCS return
Correct answer : (d)
Justification of correct answer :
Section 234E provides for levy of late filing fees for the delay in filing TDS/TCS return.
Thus, option (d) is the correct option.
Q3.If the taxpayer fails to maintain books of account as per the provisions of section
44AA, then he shall be liable to pay penalty under section of Rs. 25,000.
(a) 271B (b) 271A
(c)271AA (d) 271AB
Correct answer : (b)
Justification of correct answer :
If the taxpayer fails to maintain books of account as per the provisions of section 44AA,
then he shall be liable to pay penalty under section 271A. Penalty under section 271A is
Rs. 25,000.
Thus, option (b) is the correct option.
Q4.If a taxpayer, in spite of the requirement of section 44AB, fails to get his accounts
audited, then he shall be liable for penalty under section 271B of one-half per cent of
total sales, turnover or gross receipts, etc., or , whichever is less.
(a) Rs. 2,00,000 (b) Rs. 1,50,000
(c) Rs. 1,00,000 (d) Rs. 50,000
Correct answer : (b)

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]

Justification of correct answer :
Section 44AB prescribes when the accounts of the taxpayer are to be audited. If a
taxpayer, in spite of the requirement of section 44AB, fails to get his accounts audited,
then he shall pay penalty under section 271B. Penalty under section 271B will be levied
for failure to get the accounts audited or failure to furnish a report of audit as required
under section 44AB. Penalty will be one-half per cent of total sales, turnover or gross
receipts, etc., or Rs. 1,50,000, whichever is less.
Thus, option (b) is the correct option.
Q5. Section 269SS provides that no person shall take or accept loan or deposit or
specified sum exceeding Rs. 50,000 by any mode other than account payee cheque or
account payee demand draft or by use of electricity clearing system through a bank
account or through such other electronic mode as may be prescribed Contravention of the
provisions of section 269SS will attract penalty under section 271D of an amount equal to
loan or deposit taken or accepted or specified sum.
(a) True (b) False
Correct answer : (b)
Justification of correct answer :
Section 269SS provides that no person shall take or accept loan or deposit or specified
sum exceeding Rs. 20,000 by any mode other than account payee cheque or account
payee demand draftor by use of electricity clearing system through a bank account or
through such other electronic mode as may be prescribed. Contravention of the
provisions of section 269SS will attract penalty under section 271D. Penalty under
section 271D shall be levied of an amount equal to loan or deposit taken or accepted or
specified sum.
Thus, the statement given in the question is false and hence, option (b) is the correct
option.
Q6. Penalty under section 271FA shall be levied for failure to file statement of financial
transaction or reportable account (previously called as Annual Information Return).
Penalty under section 271FA is Rs. for every day during which the failure
continues.
(a) 500 (b) 250
(c) 100 (d) 50
Correct answer : (a)
Justification of correct answer :
Penalty under section 271FA shall belevied for failure to file statement of financial
transaction or reportable account. Penalty under section 271FA is Rs. 500 for every day
during which the failure continues.
Thus, option (a) is the correct option.

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]

Q 7. What is the rate of penalty for underreporting of income under Section 270A?
(a) 100% (b) 200%
(c) 300% (d) 50%
Correct answer : (d)
Justification of correct answer :
The rate of penalty shall be fifty per cent of the tax payable on under-reported income.
However, in a case where under-reporting of income results from misreporting of
income, the taxpayer shall be liable for penalty at the rate of two hundred per cent of the
tax payable on such misreported income.
Q8.As per section 271H, where a person fails to file the statement of tax
deducted/collected at source i.e. TDS/TCS return on or before the due dates prescribed in
this regard, then he shall be liable to pay penalty under section 271H. Minimum penalty
can be levied of Rs. 10,000 which can go upto Rs _.
(a) 1,00,000 (b) 2,00,000
(c) 3,00,000 (d) 3,00,000
Correct answer : (a)
Justification of correct answer :
As per section 271H, where a person fails to file the statement of tax deducted/collected
at source i.e. TDS/TCS return on or before the due dates prescribed in this regard, then he
shall beliable to pay penalty under section 271H. Minimum penalty can be levied of Rs.
10,000 which can go upto Rs. 1,00,000. Penalty under section 271H will be in addition to
late filing fee prescribed under section 234E.
Thus, option (a) is the correct option.
Q9.272B provides penalty in case of default by the taxpayer in complying with the
provisions of section 139A or knowingly quoting incorrect PAN or Aadhaar Number in
any document referred to in section 139A(5)(c) or intimates incorrect PAN or Aadhaar
Number for the purpose of section 139A(5A)/(5C). Penalty under section 272B is Rs.
for each default.
(a) 1,00,000 (b)50,000
(c) 50,000 (d) 10,000
Correct answer : (d)
Justification of correct answer :
Section 272B provides for penalty in case of default in complying with the provisions
relating to PAN, i.e., failure to obtain, quote, or authenticate PAN. The amount of penalty
shall be Rs. 10000 for each default.
As the Finance (No. 2) Act, 2019 as provided for interchangeability of Aadhaar with
PAN, Consequential amendments have been made in the penal provisions of Section
272B so as to levy a penalty of Rs. 10,000 for each default in the following cases:
a) If assessee fails to quote or intimate his PAN or Aadhaar or quotes or intimates
invalid PAN or Aadhaar.

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]

b) If assessee fails to quote or authenticate his PAN or Aadhaar in specified
transactions.
c) If receiver (i.e., banks, financial institution, etc.) of documents in respect of specified
transactions fails to ensure that the PAN or Aadhaar are duly quoted and
authenticated.
Thus, option (d) is the correct option.
Q10.Section 272BB(1A) provides for penalty for quoting incorrect Tax Deduction
Account Number or Tax Collection Account Number (as the case may be). Penalty under
section 272BB is Rs _.
(a) 75,000 (b) 50,000
(c) 10,000 (d) 5,000
Correct answer : (c)
Justification of correct answer :
Section 203A(2) provides that the deductor or collector of tax at source should quote his
Tax Deduction Account Number or Tax Collection Account Number (as the case may be)
in the challans, certificates, statement and other documents relating to TDS/TCS. Section
272BB(1) provides for penalty for failure to obtain Tax Deduction Account Number or
Tax Collection Account Number (as the case may be) and section 272BB(1A) provides
for penalty for quoting incorrect Tax Deduction Account Number or Tax Collection
Account Number (as the case may be). Penalty under section 272BB is Rs. 10,000.
Thus, option (c) is the correct option.

[As amended by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024]