A small-time juice seller in Aligarh’s district court compound was left in shock after allegedly receiving an income tax notice demanding an outstanding payment of Rs 7.79 crore. Mohammed Rahees, a resident of Sarai Rehman, was stunned upon receiving the notice on March 18, leaving him distressed and uncertain about his next steps.
Income Tax Notice Stuns Low-Income Juice Seller
Rahees, who earns a meager Rs 400 per day, has been running his small juice kiosk for years to support his family, including his elderly and ailing parents. The sudden notice has thrown him into a state of panic, as he struggles to comprehend why he has been issued such an exorbitant tax demand.
Speaking to the media, Rahees shared his plight, stating, “I could not believe my eyes when I saw the notice. I don’t even earn in a year what they are asking me to pay in taxes. This is beyond my understanding.”
Legal Assistance and Emotional Distress
Unsure of how to respond, Rahees sought help from friends and well-wishers, who advised him to consult an income tax lawyer. The lawyer suggested that he gather his bank account records to prepare a formal response before the March 28 deadline.
“The shock of this notice has triggered severe anxiety, and my blood pressure has shot up. I don’t know how to deal with this crisis,” he said, visibly distressed.
Adding to his worries, Rahees mentioned that his mother, who suffers from depression, has been deeply affected by the fear and uncertainty surrounding the situation. The family is now grappling with both financial and emotional turmoil.
Possible Case of Tax Fraud or Clerical Error?
Tax experts speculate that such notices often stem from clerical errors, mistaken identity, or potential misuse of personal details for fraudulent financial activities. Cases of identity theft in tax filings have been on the rise, where unsuspecting individuals find their PAN numbers misused by fraudsters.
Experts advise that individuals facing such situations should promptly contact the Income Tax Department and seek legal counsel to rectify any discrepancies.
What Happens Next?
Rahees plans to submit his response to the Income Tax Department, backed by his financial records, proving that he has never earned an income that warrants such a massive tax liability. The incident has sparked discussions in the local community about the challenges faced by small vendors and the urgent need for better awareness regarding financial documentation and tax compliance.
For now, the humble juice seller hopes that the authorities will investigate the matter and resolve the issue at the earliest, bringing relief to him and his worried family.
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