Cash Deposit Limit in Saving Account as Per Income Tax (2024) – Forbes Advisor INDIA

In the world of banking and finance, understanding the various limits imposed by income tax regulations is crucial to avoid unexpected legal complications. One such limitation pertains to the cash deposit limit in savings accounts as per income tax guidelines. This article aims to shed light on the intricacies of cash deposit limits, offering valuable insights for individuals seeking to manage their finances in accordance with the law.

Cash Deposit Limit in Saving Account as Per Income Tax

The cash deposit limit in savings accounts refers to the maximum amount of cash that an individual can deposit within a specified period without attracting the attention of tax authorities. This limit is set by income tax regulations to monitor and regulate the flow of cash transactions, curbing the potential for money laundering, tax evasion, and other illicit financial activities.

As per the provisions outlined in the Indian Income Tax Act, there are specific regulations concerning cash transactions, including significant cash deposits. Individuals who deposit cash into a savings account and accumulate INR 10 lakh or more during a fiscal year are required to notify the tax authorities. For those holding current accounts, this reporting threshold is elevated to INR 50 lakh.

It’s essential to recognize that although these deposits aren’t subject to immediate taxation, financial institutions are obligated to report transactions that exceed these limits to the Income Tax Department.

Section 194N

Turning to cash withdrawals, the rules for tax deducted at source (TDS) are outlined in Section 194N of the Indian Income Tax Act. The law dictates that withdrawals exceeding INR 1 crore within a fiscal year incur a 2% TDS. For individuals who haven’t filed their income tax returns for the past three years, a 2% TDS applies to cash withdrawals exceeding INR 20 lakh, while a 5% TDS applies to amounts withdrawn above INR 1 cr in the same financial year.

It’s noteworthy that the TDS deducted under Section 194N isn’t categorized as income but can be utilized as a credit when filing income tax returns (ITR).

Section 269ST 

Section 269ST of the Income Tax Act stipulates penalties for individuals who receive INR 2 lakh or more in cash within a specific year or transaction. However, this penalty does not apply to bank withdrawals, although TDS deductions are applicable to withdrawals that surpass the established limits.

269SS and 269T

The regulations set forth in Sections 269SS and 269T of the Income Tax Act pertain to cash loans. Accepting or repaying cash loans exceeding INR 20,000 in a given year might lead to penalties equivalent to the cash loan amount.

It’s prudent to stay updated with the latest income tax regulations and guidelines to ensure compliance and proper handling of cash transactions within the framework of the law.

How is the Cash Deposited in a Bank Account Taxed?

As per the provisions outlined in the Indian Income Tax Act, there are specific regulations concerning cash transactions, including significant cash deposits. Individuals who deposit cash into a savings account and accumulate INR 10 lakh or more during a fiscal year are required to notify the tax authorities. For those holding current accounts, this reporting threshold is elevated to INR 50 lakh. It’s essential to recognize that although these deposits aren’t subject to immediate taxation, financial institutions are obligated to report transactions that exceed these limits to the Income Tax Department.

Turning to cash withdrawals, the rules for TDS are outlined in Section 194N of the Indian Income Tax Act. The law dictates that withdrawals exceeding INR 1 crore within a fiscal year incur a 2% TDS. For individuals who haven’t filed their income tax returns for the past three years, a 2% TDS applies to cash withdrawals exceeding INR 20 lakh, while a 5% TDS applies to amounts withdrawn above INR 1 crore in the same financial year.

It’s noteworthy that the TDS deducted under Section 194N isn’t categorized as income but can be utilized as a credit when filing ITR.

44AD/44ADA

In a business context, deposits that align with the business turnover declared in the income tax return, particularly those under Sections 44AD/44ADA, are exempt from penalties. Conversely, deposits that are unrelated to business operations might attract the attention of the tax department.

The Income Tax Department holds the authority to issue notices under Section 68 of the Income Tax Act when individuals are unable to authenticate the source of their income. In cases where the income source remains unverified, a 60% tax, along with a 25% surcharge and a 4% cess, is imposed.

Additionally, Section 269ST of the Income Tax Act stipulates penalties for individuals who receive INR 2 lakh or more in cash within a specific year or transaction. However, this penalty does not apply to bank withdrawals, although TDS deductions are applicable to withdrawals that surpass the established limits.

The regulations set forth in Sections 269SS and 269T of the Income Tax Act pertain to cash loans. Accepting or repaying cash loans exceeding INR 20,000 in a given year might lead to penalties equivalent to the cash loan amount.

It’s prudent to stay updated with the latest income tax regulations and guidelines to ensure compliance and proper handling of cash transactions within the framework of the law.

Other Cash Transaction Limits

Following are some of the other kinds of transactions prevalent in the banking sector: 

Cash deposit limit in Current Account

For current accounts, which are primarily used by businesses and enterprises for daily transactions, the cash deposit limit is often higher compared to savings accounts. This is because businesses deal with larger volumes of cash due to their operational nature. 

However, specific limits can vary depending on the bank and the business’s financial activities. For example, the cash deposit limit in SBI for current accounts is 5 lakh to INR 100 crore per month. In HDFC it is 60 lakh or ten times the value of the current monthly balance (AMB), after crossing this limit the bank may charge some interest from the depositor. 

Cash Transaction Limit

Apart from cash deposits, there are also cash transaction limits in place to regulate other types of financial activities. These limits are designed to track and monitor transactions that involve substantial amounts of cash. These transactions can include cash withdrawals, transfers, and payments. Cash transactions are restricted by Section 269ST and can only be up to INR 2 Lakh per day. All the banks have cash transactions below this value.

Cash Withdrawal Limit

Cash withdrawal limits exist to ensure that large cash withdrawals are reported to the relevant authorities. While these limits can vary between banks and account types, they are generally put in place to prevent illegal activities such as money laundering and tax evasion.

Should an individual possess three distinct bank accounts across three separate banks, they could potentially withdraw a cumulative amount of INR 1 crore from each bank, summing up to a total withdrawal of INR 3 crore, without incurring any TDS implications.

Cash Gift Limit

Income tax regulations also dictate the limit on cash gifts that can be given without incurring taxation. This is to prevent individuals from using cash gifts to evade taxes by disguising taxable income as gifts.

As per the existing tax regulations, not all gifts received within India are liable for taxation. The Income Tax Act of 1961 encompasses crucial provisions that facilitate the receipt of several gifts that are exempt from taxation.

For instance, if you happen to receive gifts or monetary funds amounting to INR 50,000 or less in a single financial year, you are not obliged to remit any gift tax.

Similarly, when you receive presents from sources such as your parents, spouse, siblings, or other immediate relatives including your in-laws, you are relieved from any tax obligations. This exemption from gift taxation remains applicable regardless of the value of the gifts received.

Fixed Deposit Limit

Fixed deposits, a popular investment option, also have specific rules regarding cash deposits. These rules dictate the maximum amount that can be deposited in a fixed deposit account, ensuring transparency and compliance.

Tax-saving fixed deposits offer a versatile investment opportunity with a minimum entry threshold of INR 100. On the upper end of the spectrum, investors can allocate up to INR 1.5 lakh per financial year into such deposits, thereby capitalizing on potential tax benefits.

Credit Card Bill Payment Limit

For credit card bill payments made in cash, there might be limitations in place to prevent the use of cash payments for settling extremely high credit card bills.

For Credit Card (VISA) bill payments through SBI, the prescribed per diem limit stands at INR 50,000, with an accompanying per transaction cap of INR 25,000, and HDFC is INR 49,000. The bill payment limit is more or less the same for all the banks.

Real Estate Transactions Limit

In real estate transactions, especially property purchases, cash is sometimes used for under-the-table deals. To counter this, there are limits on the amount of cash that can be transacted in real estate deals, ensuring that such transactions are properly documented and taxed.

In India, cash transactions related to real estate purchases are subject to strict regulations and limitations as part of the government’s efforts to curb black money and promote transparency in the real estate sector. The government has set a cash transaction limit for real estate transactions, beyond which the use of cash is prohibited. 

It is Not Permissible to Purchase a Flat Using Full Cash

The acquisition of a flat or any property using full cash is not permissible. Real estate transactions are bound by a cash transaction limit, and any transaction exceeding INR 20,000 in cash cannot be executed. As per Section 269SS of the Income Tax Act, receiving payments exceeding INR 20,000 in cash renders the seller liable for a penalty fee of 100%. This regulation, instituted by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), has been in effect since June 1, 2015.

It is Acceptable to Record Cash Payments in the Sale Deed

Indeed, you can document cash payments as transaction evidence in the registered title deed. Nonetheless, it is crucial to ensure that any cash payment does not surpass the limit of INR 20,000.

Always bear in mind the stipulated cash transaction limit for property acquisitions and tailor your investment strategy accordingly.

Bottom Line

Navigating the landscape of cash deposits and transactions within the bounds of income tax regulations is paramount for maintaining financial legality and transparency. By understanding the cash deposit limits in savings accounts and other related regulations, individuals and businesses can avoid unnecessary legal troubles and contribute to a more transparent financial ecosystem.