Delhi: The news that the new Income Tax Bill has given the revenue department officials permission to access taxpayers’ social media accounts, emails and other digital platforms has created a big controversy across the country.
In this context, the Income Tax Department officials have given an explanation on this behalf. According to the new Income Tax Bill, the social media accounts, emails and devices used by a person who is being investigated for tax evasion will be subject to inspection only if he does not cooperate with the investigation. The central government has brought various changes to the Income Tax Act enacted in 1961. Details of the Income Tax Bill were released recently. It was reported that the new bill has given the Income Tax Department officials the power to take control of and search the social media accounts, emails, WhatsApp, laptops and other digital platforms and devices of those who provide contradictory information in their income tax returns or who are caught in the loop of tax evasion. Charges again for UPI, RuPay debit card transactions?.. Central government’s serious advice Many have also expressed their criticism that this is an act of violating the online privacy of taxpayers. It is in this context that Income Tax Department officials have given an explanation.

It has been stated that the purpose of spreading such news among the people is to create fear and that Income Tax Department officials will never monitor the social media accounts or online activities of taxpayers. Income Tax Department officials say that such action will be taken only if the person who is caught in the loop of tax evasion is not cooperating with the investigation during the search. They say that examining digital devices and places during the inspection will help in finding evidence. Are you planning to buy an electric car? – These are the top 5 electric SUV cars.. They have explained that the digital data of all those who are under inspection will not be examined and only the digital data of those caught in the large-scale inspection will be examined. Section 132 of the Income Tax Act currently in force empowers the Income Tax Department officials to inspect and seize the books of accounts and other documents and documents in electronic form belonging to a person who is involved in a specific tax evasion fraud. It is said that in the current era, when all tax evasion and other frauds have become digital, the officials have been given a license to access such digital platforms and tools.