Don't fudge numbers: CBDT warns of strict action for changing I-T return 'drastically'

The policy-making arm of I-T dept will also scrutinise previous cases with noticeable manipulations in income

In a stern warning to assessees trying to misuse the provision of revising I-T returns, CBDT on Wednesday said those "drastically" altering the forms to revise income will face scrutiny and penal action.

It said that post demonetisation announced on November 8, some taxpayers may misuse this provision to revise the return filed by them for the earlier assessment year for manipulating income with an intention to show the current year's undisclosed earnings in the earlier filing.

"The provision to file a revised return has been stipulated for revising any omission or wrong statement made in the original return of income and not for resorting to make changes in the income initially declared so as to drastically alter the form, substance and quantum of the earlier disclosed income," CBDT said in a statement.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the policy making body of the income tax department, further said if the department notices any manipulation in income in previous year's ITR (income tax return), it will conduct scrutiny.

"Any instance coming to the notice of the I-T department which reflects manipulation in the amount of income, cash-in-hand, profits etc and fudging of accounts may necessitate scrutiny of such cases so as to ascertain the correct income of the year and may also attract penalty and prosecution in appropriate cases as per provision of law," it said.

Under the Section 139(5) of the I-T Act, a revised ITR can only be filed if any person who has filed a return discovers any omission or any wrong statement therein.