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I-T asks Archdiocese to reveal number of `500 & `1000 notes on Nov 8

Notice to Goa Church authorities step more than routine; account balances available under societies and trusts and self attested copy of cash book sought

PANJIM: At a time when the Church authorities in Goa, are the busiest, 160-odd Churches across Goa, are working overtime compiling data of their cash and account balances, as well details of the number of Rs 500 & 1000 notes. These details, have been sought by the Income Tax (I-T) department on November 21, which was dated November 18 seeking data regarding, account information, cash balances and in hand currency.

“As we got the letter late on November 21 and the same day being the last it was almost impossible for us to provide the data as we have around 160 churches and to compile all the data in one day was impossible. That is the reason why we had a word with the IT department to grant us some more time to furnish the data and they agreed to lend us more time,” said a senior church official.

The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman on Saturday confirmed that it will furnish data to the I-T Department on November 28 giving details of accounts and cash balance in hand. Speaking to Herald, a senior Church official said “We are in data compilation stage and on November 28 we will be in a position to furnish the data to the department as per their requirements. The department is doing its duty and we are doing our duty,” he added.

Meanwhile, Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media, Director, Fr Olavo Marcelino Caiado said the request was made to the Church us under section 133(6) of the Income Tax Act and they have been asked to furnish details of total cash balances held by trusts, institutions and self-attested cash book of all the Church institutions as on November 7, 8 and 9, 2016.

“We will comply with the I-T notice and send them all the necessary information and with that we will be attaching the reason for delay in providing this information. We have been filing I-T return annually,” said Fr Caiado.

“We have been asked to reveal the number of notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 held by us on closing day November 8, similarly we have been asked to provide account balances available under our societies and trusts and also self attested copy of the cash book of all our institutions and we have already starting compiling the information and all data will be provided to them by November 28,” he said.

Speaking to Herald, a senior I-T official, not based in Goa, said, “Since it is a charitable organisation, it comes under Chief Income Tax (CIT) Bangalore exemption and they have jurisdiction to send notices to any such organization. Goa’s Income Tax directorate may not be involved in it at all.”