Income Tax Officers might get new Powers Access Social Media and Email Servers in Future
By MYBRANDBOOK
A key provision introduces "virtual digital space" under Section 247, allowing tax officers to override access codes for digital platforms when required.
The Income-Tax Bill, 2025, is set to introduce significant changes in tax scrutiny and audits, granting Income Tax Officers broader authority to access digital records. As tax evasion tactics evolve with digital advancements, the government aims to strengthen oversight by expanding investigative powers over social media, online investments, trading platforms, banking accounts, and email servers.
One of the bill's most notable provisions is the introduction of “virtual digital space” under Section 247, which will allow tax authorities to override access codes for digital platforms when required. This expansion in authority is designed to facilitate the audit of digital records, enabling tax officials to track financial transactions that may otherwise go unreported.
The inclusion of social media and tax law in the bill is a strategic move to identify tax discrepancies linked to online activities. With individuals and businesses increasingly conducting financial transactions via social media platforms, tax officials could use their new powers to scrutinize digital footprints, such as:
● Undisclosed income sources linked to online trading, crypto transactions, or e-commerce activities.
● Luxury purchases and lifestyle expenditures showcased on social media that do not align with declared income.
● Offshore financial links revealed through digital communications or online investments.
● By auditing digital records, tax authorities aim to bridge the gap between declared and actual income, thereby curbing tax evasion more effectively.
While the move to empower tax officials with access to digital data is positioned as a step toward financial accountability, it raises concerns about taxpayer privacy. Critics argue that such sweeping powers could lead to excessive surveillance and potential misuse of personal data. Maintaining a balance between transparency and individual privacy will be crucial as these provisions take shape.
If implemented, the Income-Tax Bill, 2025, will mark a significant shift in the way tax audits are conducted in India. It will redefine the landscape of income tax scrutiny, integrating technology-driven investigation methods to track financial discrepancies across digital platforms. As businesses and individuals adapt to these changes, compliance with tax regulations will become increasingly intertwined with digital accountability.
With tax officers gaining deeper access to virtual digital spaces, the bill underscores the government's commitment to tightening financial oversight while navigating the fine line between regulatory enforcement and privacy rights in an evolving digital economy.
BREAKING NEWS
TECHNO TRENDS
Legal Battle Over IT Act Intensifies Amid Musk’s India Plans
The outcome of the legal dispute between X Corp and the Indian government c...
Wipro inks 10-year deal with Phoenix Group's ReAssure UK worth
The agreement, executed through Wipro and its 100% subsidiary,...
Centre announces that DPDP Rules nearing Finalisation by April
The government seeks to refine the rules for robust data protection, ensuri...
Home Ministry cracks down on PoS agents in digital arrest scam
Digital arrest scams are a growing cybercrime where victims are coerced or ...
E-Magazine
TECHNOTAINMENT
Hrithik Roshan to endorse RuPay as Brand Ambassador
RuPay is reportedly planning to feature Bollywood superstar Hrithik Rosha
India Today Group launches – AI Pop Stars
Staying true to our industry leadership position in using cutting-edge tech
MOVERS & SHAKERS
TelioLabs ropes in Phaniraj V A as the Group CEO
TelioLabs has announced the onboarding of Phaniraj V A as its new Group CE
Wipro Appoints Amit Kumar as Managing Partner and Global Head
Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading technology s
OPEN YOUR EYES
INTERVIEWS
Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise Carrying a 100 year legacy ahead
A good amount of R&D works and global support services are operated out of
Bolstering its commitment to help build a truly self-reliant B
CP PLUS is dedicated to spreading a sense of security to every corner of In
HOT PICK
MSI Announces the availability of RTX 50 series of laptops in
MSI, the innovative computing manufacturer in gaming, creator
Nothing Phone (3a) goes on sale today, starting at Rs 19,999
The phone was launched on March 4, featuring a 50MP main, ultra-wide, and t
MAKE IN INDIA BRANDS
FIRE BOLTT
SAMSUNG INDIA ELECTRONICS LTD.
LENOVO INDIA PVT. LTD.
ZOHO CORPORATION PVT. LTD.
EMINENT CIO'S OF INDIA
ICONS OF INDIA
ICONS OF INDIA : SUNIL BHARTI MITTAL
Sunil Bharti Mittal is the Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises,...
Icons Of India : Puneet Chandok
Puneet Chandok is President, Microsoft India & South Asia and is respo...
ICONS OF INDIA : SRIDHAR VEMBU
Sridhar Vembu is the chief executive officer (CEO) of Zoho Corporation...
PARTNER SPEAKERS
PSU
IREDA - Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited
IREDA is a specialized financial institution in India that facilitates...
IFFCO - Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative
IFFCO operates as a cooperative society owned and controlled by its fa...
LIC - Life Insurance Corporation of India
LIC is the largest state-owned life insurance company in India...
VIDEOS
Top 25 Brands
Global Indian industry
Indian Tech Talent Excelling The Tech World - Steve Sanghi, Executive Chair, Microchip
Steve Sanghi, the Executive Chair of Microchip Technology, has been a ...
Indian Tech Talent Excelling The Tech World - George Kurian, CEO, Netapp
George Kurian, the CEO of global data storage and management services ...
Indian Tech Talent Excelling The Tech World - Lal Karsanbhai, President & CEO, Emerson
Lal Karsanbhai, President and CEO of Emerson, assumed the leadership i...
ITFORUM 2025
CMO of the Year
WOMEN LEADERSHIP
IMAGE GALLERY
TRENDS IN TECHNOLOGY
MORE VIDEOS
ADVERTISEMENTS
TECHNOLOGY DISRUPTION
UNICORNS REVOLUTIONISING
of images belongs to the respective copyright holders
