Indian taxman clarifies position on virtual payment options
News on 6 Sep 2015
News on 6 Sep 2015
In India the Central Board of Direct Taxes has clarified that under new “black money” laws residents operating e-wallet or virtual card accounts online on websites hosted in a foreign country are required to disclose their accounts to the taxman.
Such online financial transaction solutions are, as in other countries, often used by Indian online punters to make deposits and collect winnings.
The CBDT says that in legalising overseas bank accounts, including virtual accounts, residents are required to submit details from the date the account was opened, and will only be charged a 60 percent tax and penalty if they take advantage of a compliance window which ends on September 30.
Where those concerned are unable to obtain such details, the taxman will consider a declaration on the basis of a “best estimate.”
The Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets and Imposition of Tax Act have provisions for tough penalties that can include a penalty of 120 percent and/or imprisonment for offenders who are discovered and have not disclosed, reports the Economic Times of India.
