Section 285BA of Income Tax Act: Overview, Aggression Rule, How To Submit And More

Income Tax

As per Section 285BA of the Income Tax Act, certain specified government agencies and other entities are obligated to present a statement of financial transactions (SFT). Through the provisions of this Section, the Indian government seeks to observe certain high-value payments undertaken by a taxpayer in a particular financial year. 

Know about the provisions of Section 285BA in the following sections.

What Is a Statement of Financial Transaction?

A statement of a financial transaction includes information concerning various high-value transactions carried out by a few specified entities. 

These specified entities that are required to file this statement fall under the mandate of the Income Tax Department or some other specific agency or authority. Thus, depending on the information provided by such entities, the IT department keeps track of certain transactions carried out during a particular financial year. The primary idea behind this initiative was to curb the accumulation of black money in the country.

When Should You Report the Specified Transactions?

Section 285BA of the Income Tax Act prescribes values for the nature of transactions that need to be reported by specified entities. 

The following table provides details regarding the nature and value of a transaction for which certain persons need to submit SFT:

What Are the Specific Transactions Reported Under Section 285BA of Income Tax Act?

Financial transactions required to be reported under Section 285BA of the Income Tax Act are as follows:

• Any transaction rendering service
• Transaction concerning sale, purchase or exchange of goods, property
• A transaction under a works contract
• Transactions through expenditure or investment
• Transactions with regard to accepting or taking a loan request

What Is Aggregation Rule?

As evident in the table above, aggregation is needed to know whether a monetary threshold is being crossed or not (except for columns 12 and 13). While aggregating the amount, one must note the following:

• All accounts of a person of the same nature should be taken into account during a particular FY.
• All transactions of a person of the same nature should be considered during the FY.
• If the transactions occur under a joint account, the entire value of the transaction must be taken into account.

What Are the Documents Required to Furnish SFT?

You can submit the statement of financial transaction in either of the following forms:

• Form 61B – for specified reporting institutions
• Form 61A – other entities

You must also note that you need to submit this information electronically. However, a Postmaster General or Inspector General or a Registrar might submit SFT in the form of a computer-readable media. 

Also Read: Section 44AD Of Income Tax Act

How to Submit SFT?

You can submit SFT by following these simple steps:

Step 1:  Log in to the e-filing portal and under the ‘My Account’ tab, click on ‘Manage ITDREIN’.

Step 2: After that, click on ‘Generate New ITDREIN’.

Step 3: Choose the reporting entity category and the type of form to proceed.

Step 4: The ITDREIN will be generated, and you will receive a confirmation mail on your registered email ID and mobile number.

Step 5: After that, navigate to the e-file and click on ‘Upload Form XYZ’.

Step 6: Verify your PAN, reporting entity category, name, FY and more.

Step 7: Upload the form with the digital signature.

Following this, you will see a success message on the screen. Besides, you will also receive a confirmation SMS and email on your mobile number and email ID.

What Is the Due Date of Submitting SFT?

As per Section 285BA of the Income Tax Act, entities need to submit SFT in Form 61B for a calendar year on or before May 31 of the upcoming year. 

Moreover, Form 61A needs to be submitted by the prescribed entities or institutions on or before May 31 of the financial year following the financial year in which the transaction took place.

What to Do if There Is a Defect in the Submitted SFT?

If the Income Tax Department finds the SFT to be defective, the same information shall be provided to the reporting body. Furthermore, the entity receives an opportunity to rectify the defect within 30 days of receiving the intimation.

This due date can be extended further if the entity appeals to the income tax authority. However, this would happen at the sole discretion of the governing body. 

Nonetheless, suppose the institution or entity fails to resolve the issue within the due date. In that case, the statement shall be treated as invalid, and the consequences pertaining to non-submission of SFT shall be applicable.

Also Read: Section 80D Of Income Tax Act

What are the Consequences of not Complying with the Rules of Section 285BA of Income Tax Act?

If you fail to furnish the SFT within the due date, the Income Tax Department might serve you a notice stating to furnish the information within 30 days. Your failure to furnish SFT within this due date will attract a penalty of Rs. 500 per day. Furthermore, if you do not submit the statement even after the extended due date, you will have to pay a penalty of Rs. 1,000 per day.

Furthermore, specified financial institutions will have to pay a fine of Rs. 50,000 upon providing inaccurate information in the statement.

Final Word

Certain entities and institutions must be well aware of the provisions under Section 285BA of the Income Tax Act. Furthermore, such persons must furnish the statement before the due date to avoid paying a fine.

FAQs On Section 285BA

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This article has been prepared on the basis of internal data, publicly available information and other sources believed to be reliable. The information contained in this article is for general purposes only and not a complete disclosure of every material fact. It should not be construed as investment advice to any party. The article does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of the information, and disclaims all liabilities, losses and damages arising out of the use of this information. Readers shall be fully liable/responsible for any decision taken on the basis of this article.