Government clarifies who needs a tax clearance certificate for overseas travel
Bengaluru: The Ministry of Finance has issued a clarification regarding the requirement of obtaining a tax clearance certificate (ITCC) for Indian nationals traveling abroad, addressing recent misinformation. Contrary to some reports, not all Indian citizens need to secure an ITCC before leaving the country, according to a press release from the Press Information Bureau dated August 20, 2024.
The clarification follows an amendment introduced in the Union Budget 2024 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, which requires individuals domiciled in India to clear all tax dues and obtain a "clearance certificate" before relocating abroad. However, the finance ministry has now clarified that this requirement does not apply universally to all individuals.
As per Section 230 of the Income-tax Act, only certain individuals must obtain an ITCC. Specifically, this applies to those involved in serious financial irregularities where their presence is necessary for investigations under the Income-tax Act or Wealth-tax Act, or if they have outstanding direct tax arrears exceeding Rs. 10 lakh that have not been stayed by any authority.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) emphasized that the requirement for an ITCC is triggered only in these specific circumstances and must be supported by recorded reasons and approval from the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income-tax or the Chief Commissioner of Income-tax.
In summary, Indian residents are required to obtain an ITCC under Section 230(1A) of the Act only in rare situations, such as involvement in significant financial irregularities or having substantial unresolved tax demands.
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2 days' WFH for govt offices, Metro use by ministers: Delhi CM's call for fuel conservation
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday announced a slew of measures including two days of 'work from home' (WFH) for government offices, use of Metro trains on Mondays by ministers and officers, and a voluntary 'no-vehicle day' every week.
Gupta said in a press conference attended by her Cabinet colleagues that the government has drawn an extensive plan under "Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan" to implement the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for saving fuel and wise expenditure.
She said all Delhi government offices will follow WFH two days a week. The private sector will also be requested to follow it, she said.
Gupta said all ministers, officers and she herself will use Metro for commuting on Mondays while people will be requested to observe 'no-vehicle day' every week.
The government has also decided to cancel all official foreign visits by ministers for one year while no big events will be hosted by it for the next three months, she said.
The chief minister said petrol and diesel quotas of the Delhi government officers have also been slashed by 20 per cent.
Earlier, Gupta headed a meeting with all her Cabinet ministers and senior officers of the government to discuss ways to save fuel and other resources amid global uncertainty over crude oil and gas supplies.
The chief minister has also cut down on her carcade by 60 per cent, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to people to spend wisely and save fuel in view of the war in West Asia.
The chief minister's convoy now has only four vehicles, including two EVs.
