New Income Tax Rules: Will Keeping Cash at Home Invite an 84% Penalty?
The government has introduced stricter rules on cash holdings and transactions under the new Income Tax regulations. Many taxpayers are concerned about whether keeping cash at home could lead to hefty penalties—and the answer is yes, if certain limits are exceeded.Cash at home LimitWhile there is no fixed “legal” limit for holding cash at home, the Income Tax Department treats excessive cash as suspicious.If the source of cash cannot be justified during scrutiny or assessment, it may be treated as undisclosed income.Under these rules, taxpayers may data-face a penalty of up to 84% of the undisclosed amount (30% tax + 10% surcharge + 4% cess + 40% penalty in some cases).Why This Rule MattersSimply keeping money at home, even if it is your own hard-earned cash, can be risky if the authorities cannot verify its source.High cash holdings are often flagged during Income Tax assessments, property deals, or audits, making it important to maintain proper documentation.CA Advice to Avoid TroubleMaintain Records: Keep receipts, bank statements, and proof of income to justify cash holdings.Use banking Channels: Deposit large sums in your bank account rather than storing cash at home.Declare Properly: If you receive gifts or inheritances, declare them in your IT return to avoid penalties.Avoid Large Cash Transactions: Use cheques, online transfers, or UPI instead of cash wherever possible.Bottom LineIn today’s wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital and regulated economy, holding excessive cash at home is risky. By following banking norms, maintaining records, and declaring all income properly, you can stay compliant with the law and avoid penalties that could reach 84%. Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.