Transferring Money to Relatives: Useful Tax Strategy or Risky Practice?

by Jobuza Team | Dec 11, 2025 | BLOG, Trending News

Taxpayers, especially those in higher income brackets, are always searching for legitimate ways to reduce their tax burden. Beyond the usual investments in tax-saving instruments, many people now consider another approach: transferring money to family members so the investment income gets taxed at a lower slab.

This often involves giving money to a spouse, supporting parents, or transferring funds to an adult child with little or no income. At first glance, it appears to be an easy and legal way to save tax. But experts caution that while gifting money within the family is allowed, using it strictly as a tax-saving strategy can be complicated and may attract scrutiny if done incorrectly.

Is Gifting Money a Valid Tax-Saving Tool?

Dr Suresh Surana, Founder of RSM India, makes it clear that transferring money solely to reduce tax is usually ineffective. According to him, “Transferring money to family members with the sole intent of reducing one’s own income-tax liability is generally not a permissible tax-planning mechanism under Indian tax law.”

He explains that clubbing provisions often remove the benefit. If you transfer money without adequate consideration, any income generated from that amount can still be taxed in your hands, not in the hands of the person who receives it.

Abhishek Kumar, Sebi-registered investment adviser and Founder of Sahaj Money, agrees. He notes that the strategy works only in specific cases. “This strategy reduces tax burden only if the person receiving the money invests that money in lower tax brackets or tax-exempt instruments. Otherwise, clubbing provisions may apply, making the approach effective only when properly structured.”

Who Qualifies as a Relative Under Tax Law?

Dr Surana clarifies that there is no upper limit on how much money you can gift a relative, as long as the transaction is genuine and not part of an artificial arrangement.

Relatives under Indian tax laws include:

• Spouse

• Parents

• Children

• Siblings

• Grandparents

• Grandchildren and their spouses

Gifts to non-relatives above Rs 50,000 in a year become taxable.

Abhishek adds that this Rs 50,000 limit applies strictly to non-relatives. Once the amount crosses that threshold, the entire gift becomes taxable in the hands of the receiver.

When Transfers Can Actually Save Tax

Abhishek gives a simple example to show where tax savings are possible.

If someone earning Rs 50 lakh annually gifts Rs 20 lakh to his adult son who has no income, and the son invests it in a fixed deposit earning 6 percent, the interest earned (Rs 1.2 lakh) can fall within the basic exemption limit. In such a case, the son pays no tax.

Had the father invested the same amount, he would have been taxed at 30 percent. This method works because the recipient is an adult and clubbing rules do not apply.

Who Pays the Tax on Investment Returns?

Abhishek explains that an adult child receiving money is responsible for paying tax on the investment income, based on their own tax slab. But the rules differ for minors. If the recipient is a minor, the income is clubbed with the parent’s income unless the gift comes from a grandparent or eligible relative.

Clubbing rules also affect married couples. If a spouse invests gifted money and earns returns, the income may still be taxed in the hands of the spouse who made the gift.

He warns that problems arise when people use money transfers to hide income or convert unaccounted money into legitimate funds. Such practices immediately trigger scrutiny from the tax department, especially for large cash transfers.

Essential Documents You Must Keep

Dr Surana emphasises the need for clear documentation. He advises maintaining proof of the relationship, a written gift deed, bank transfer receipts, PAN details, and statements showing how the money was used. For cash gifts, supporting documents showing the source of funds are crucial to avoid issues under Sections 68–69D.

Abhishek echoes the same advice. He recommends avoiding cash gifts and using only bank transfers for a clean audit trail. For property gifts, he suggests a properly registered gift deed with stamp duty and witnesses.

Final Verdict: Safe but Needs Caution

Both experts agree on one point: transferring money to family is completely legal in India. But using it as a tax-saving tool requires clarity, documentation, and awareness of clubbing rules. Without proper structure, what seems like a simple tax hack can lead to confusion and even tax notices.

ITR Refund Not Received? Here’s What Might Be Wrong

by Jobuza Team | Dec 10, 2025 | BLOG, Trending News

Many taxpayers this year are noticing that their Income Tax Return (ITR) refunds are taking longer than usual. This delay is creating confusion and leaving people unsure about when their refund will actually arrive. The good news is that you can easily check your refund status online within a few minutes. This helps you avoid repeated follow-ups and unnecessary stress.

An income tax refund is issued when you have paid more tax than your actual tax liability for the year. This usually happens when the total TDS, advance tax or self-assessment tax paid by you turns out to be higher than the final tax amount after deductions and exemptions. In such cases, the Income Tax Department returns the extra amount directly to your registered bank account.

How to Track Your ITR Refund Online

You can check your refund status using the income tax e-filing portal or the TIN-NSDL website.

Checking Refund Status on the e-Filing Portal (Using PAN)

1. Visit the official e-filing website.

2. Log in using your PAN and password.

3. On the home page, go to: e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns.

4. You will see a list of all filed returns along with the refund status for each year.

Checking Refund Status on the TIN-NSDL Portal

1. Visit the TIN-NSDL refund status page.

2. Enter your PAN and the relevant Assessment Year.

3. The refund status will be displayed on the screen.

How Long Does It Take to Receive a Refund?

The refund process begins only after your ITR is successfully e-verified. In most cases, refunds are credited within four to five weeks of filing. If your refund is delayed beyond this period, you should check for common mistakes or review any communication from the Income Tax Department.

Reasons Why Your Refund May Be Delayed

Refund delays usually happen due to small but important issues such as:

• Bank account not pre-validated

• Mismatch between bank account name and PAN

• Incorrect or inactive IFSC code

• Closed or inactive bank account

• PAN not linked with Aadhaar

Understanding Different ITR Statuses

Here are the common statuses displayed on the e-filing portal:

Submitted and pending for e-verification:
Your ITR is filed but not verified yet.

Successfully e-verified:
The return is verified but not processed.

Processed:
Your return has been completed successfully.

Defective:
There is an error in your ITR, and you will receive a notice under Section 139(9) to correct it.

Case transferred to Assessing Officer:
Your case has been moved from CPC to the jurisdictional Assessing Officer for further review.

Stop These Searches Now: You Could Face Legal Action

by Jobuza Team | Dec 9, 2025 | BLOG, Trending News

In today’s digital world, Google has become our first choice for every question. Whether it is a small doubt or a complicated question, we quickly type it into the search bar and expect instant answers. But recent reports have warned that not all searches are innocent. Some online searches can be dangerous, especially for Indian users, and can even invite legal action.

A public notice published in major national newspapers recently highlighted that certain search terms are treated as threats to national security. If you are someone who searches out of curiosity, it is important to understand which Google searches can put you in trouble.

Types of Google Searches You Must Avoid

Here are the categories of searches that can lead to serious legal consequences according to recent reports.

1. Searches related to making weapons or explosives

Queries like “how to make a bomb” or similar instructions are monitored closely by national security agencies. Even searching for weapon-making guides can be treated as an attempt to gain illegal knowledge. Such searches raise red flags and can lead to investigation.

2. Child pornography or sexually exploitative content involving minors

This is one of the most serious offenses worldwide. Searching, viewing, or attempting to access child pornography is illegal in almost every country. Even accidental clicks or curiosity-driven searches can result in inquiry under child protection laws.

3. Hacking tools, cybercrime tutorials, or illegal software

Searching for ways to hack accounts, break into systems, or download tools used for cybercrime is treated as preparation for criminal activity. In India, such searches fall under cybercrime laws and can lead to legal action.

4. Pirated movies, illegal downloads, and free streaming sites

Queries like “free movie download” or searches for pirated streaming websites violate copyright laws. Even if you do not download anything, accessing or attempting to access pirated content can bring legal consequences under intellectual property law.

Reports also mention searches related to illegal drugs, dark web access, and instructions for committing any criminal acts. With advanced monitoring systems, agencies can track search patterns, IP addresses, and online activity. This makes it easier for authorities to identify suspicious behavior.

Why Some Searches Can Get You in Trouble

Search engines provide unlimited access to information, and that is both helpful and risky. You can learn about history, science, culture, skills, or hobbies instantly. But the same search system can also record your activity.

With modern artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, and cyber monitoring tools used by governments, almost all online activity can be reviewed. This includes your search history, browsing patterns, and social media behavior.

If a search appears suspicious or relates to harmful or illegal activities, authorities may investigate, even if you did not intend to commit a crime. In India, strict cybercrime, anti-terror, copyright, and child protection laws make such searches highly risky.

How to Google Safely

The rule is simple: Think before you type.

Do not search for anything that involves weapons, harm, illegal acts, or abusive content. Avoid clicking on or viewing:

• Sexual content involving minors

• Hacking tools, cybercrime software, or websites that promote illegal activity

• Pirated movie sites, illegal downloads, or file-sharing platforms

Use the internet responsibly. For learning or entertainment, rely on trusted educational websites, legal streaming platforms, verified sources, and reliable forums.

Every country has different laws, and what seems harmless in one place may be criminal in another. With increasing cyber monitoring and strict digital laws in 2025, even a curiosity-driven Google search can bring serious consequences.

The internet offers knowledge, convenience, and limitless information. But it also demands responsibility. A single careless search can turn into legal trouble. Use the internet wisely, search safely, and always choose ethical and legal online behavior. A moment of curiosity is never worth risking your freedom.