§ 480
Chapter XXII — Offences And Prosecution
If a person wilfully fails to furnish in due time the return of income, setting
Income-tax Act, 2025
If a person deliberately does not file the required return disclosing undisclosed income for a block period, they face criminal penalties. The punishment depends on the tax amount involved: up to two years' imprisonment (or fine or both) if tax exceeds ₹50 lakh; up to six months' imprisonment (or fine or both) if tax is between ₹10 lakh and ₹50 lakh; otherwise a fine only. Non‑compliance with a special audit or valuation direction also attracts penalties.
📜 Official text of the section +
480. If a person wilfully fails to furnish in due time the return of income, setting forth
his undisclosed income for the block period, which is required to be furnished
by notice given under section 294(1)(a), he shall be punishable—
( a) with simple imprisonment for a term up to two years, or with fine, or with
both, where the amount of tax exceeds fifty lakh rupees; or
( b) with simple imprisonment up to six months, or with fine, or with both,
where the amount of tax exceeds ten lakh rupees but does not exceed fifty
lakh rupees; or
( c) with fine, in any other case.
Failure to comply with a direction of special audit or valuation.
Plain-language summary — not the official text. Refer to the bare Act and confirm with a professional for your specific case.
Related sections
§ 473Whoever contravenes any order referred to in section 247(4) shall be§ 474If a person, who is required to afford the authorised officer with the necessary§ 475Removal, concealment, transfer or delivery of property to prevent tax recovery§ 476Failure to pay tax to credit of Central Government under Chapter XIX-B§ 477Failure to pay tax collected at source§ 478Wilful attempt to evade tax, etc