§ 444
Chapter XXI — Penalties
Penalty for false entry, etc., in books of account
Income-tax Act, 2025
If a taxpayer’s books contain a false entry or omit a required entry that affects total income, the tax authority can levy a penalty equal to the amount of the false or omitted entry.
The same penalty applies to anyone who causes another person to make such false or omitted entries.
‘False entry’ covers forged documents, invoices for non‑existent supplies, or invoices issued without any actual transaction.
📜 Official text of the section +
444. (1) The Assessing Officer or the Joint Commissioner (Appeals) or the
Commissioner (Appeals), may impose a penalty equal to the aggregate amount
of false or omitted entry, where during any proceeding under this Act, it is found
that in the books of account maintained by any person there is—
( a) a false entry; or
( b) an omission of any entry which is relevant for computation of total
income of such person, to evade tax liability.
(2) Without prejudice to sub-section (1), the Assessing Officer or the Joint Commis-
sioner (Appeals) or the Commissioner (Appeals) may impose a penalty equal to the
aggregated amount of false or omitted entry, on any other person, who causes the
person referred to in the said sub-section in any manner to make a false entry or
omits or causes to omit any entry referred to in that sub-section.
(3) For the purposes of this section, the expression “false entry” includes use or
intention to use—
( a) forged or falsified documents such as a false invoice or, in general, a false
piece of documentary evidence; or
( b) invoice in respect of supply or receipt of goods or services or both issued
by the person or any other person without actual supply or receipt of
such goods or services, or both; or
( c) invoice in respect of supply or receipt of goods or services or both to or
from a person who does not exist.
Benefits to related persons.
Plain-language summary — not the official text. Refer to the bare Act and confirm with a professional for your specific case.
Related sections
§ 439Penalty for under-reporting and misreporting of income§ 440[ (1) An assessee may make an application to the Assessing Officer to grant§ 441Failure to keep, maintain or retain books of account, documents, etc§ 442Penalty for Non‑Compliance with Transaction Reporting§ 443Penalty in respect of certain income§ 445Benefits to related persons