Deposit Thresholds in Bank Accounts:
A significant portion of the population engages in their financial transactions through bank accounts, which play a pivotal role in their economic life. While many are familiar with the concept of maintaining a minimum balance, there are several other banking regulations worth noting. These include the maximum amount that can be deposited in cash, fees associated with ATM-debit cards, and charges for issuing cheques, among others. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has laid out comprehensive guidelines covering these aspects.
It’s important to highlight that banks require account holders to maintain a certain minimum balance to avoid penalties. This minimum balance requirement varies across banks, ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000.
Regarding Cash Deposits:
Banks also set limits on the amount of cash that can be deposited into savings accounts. Per income tax regulations, an individual is allowed to deposit up to Rs 10 lakh in cash into their savings account within a fiscal year. Deposits exceeding this limit prompt banks to report the transactions to the Income Tax Department. Furthermore, depositing Rs 50,000 or more in cash necessitates the provision of a PAN number. On any given day, up to Rs 1 lakh may be deposited in cash, a limit that can extend to Rs 2.50 lakh under certain conditions.
The Consequences of Exceeding the Rs 10 Lakh Limit:
Exceeding the Rs 10 lakh cash deposit limit without adequately explaining the source of the funds on the income tax return can trigger an investigation. Failure to justify the source could result in severe penalties, including a 60 percent tax on the deposit, a 25 percent surcharge, and a 4 percent cess.
Maximizing Savings:
While there’s no cap on how much money can be stored in a savings account, unexplained large deposits might attract scrutiny from the Income Tax Department. Transparency about the source of funds is crucial to avoid such complications. For those holding substantial sums in their savings accounts, it’s advisable to consider fixed deposits as an alternative. This not only secures the funds but also ensures a better yield compared to the minimal interest earned on savings accounts. Banks offer a variety of deposit schemes, from short to long-term, allowing for enhanced returns on investments.
