Cash gifts from relatives are usually exempt from tax under the Income Tax Act.
But a recent case shared by tax advisory platform TaxBuddy shows that this exemption can fail if you don’t keep proper records.
In this instance, a taxpayer received Rs 10.43 lakh in cash gifts on his 10th marriage anniversary.
The gifts came from family members, with amounts ranging from Rs 2,100 to Rs 11,000.
Despite claiming the gifts were tax-free, the amount was ultimately taxed because the taxpayer couldn’t provide essential details about the donors.
Why the Tax Department Took Notice
The tax officer noticed the large cash deposits in the taxpayer’s bank account and asked for:
The exact source of the cash
Names of the donors
Relationship with each donor
Amount received from each person
Large cash transactions, even when explained as social gifts, often attract scrutiny.
The Critical Gap in Documentation
Although the taxpayer said the money came from relatives, he couldn’t provide:
A list of donors
Proof of relationship
Break-up of amounts received from each person
PAN or identity details of the contributors
Without these details, the exemption could not be verified, and the tax officer treated the entire Rs 10.43 lakh as unexplained income.
On appeal, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) upheld the decision, confirming that the exemption claim failed due to missing documentation.
Key Takeaways for Taxpayers
This case highlights a simple but important point: eligibility alone is not enough to claim tax exemption.
Proper documentation is essential.
If you receive cash gifts during weddings, anniversaries, or other social events, make sure to maintain records including:
Name of the donor
Relationship with you
Amount received
Basic supporting proof (like a note or bank transfer record)
Remember, this was an ITAT ruling, which can be challenged in higher courts.
Always consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.