What is Power to Call for Information? Section 133 of Income Tax Act 1961
Section 133 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 provides powers to specified income-tax authorities to call for information, statements and documents which may be useful for enquiry or proceedings under the Act.
Meaning and scope of Section 133
Under this provision, the Assessing Officer, Deputy Commissioner (Appeals), Joint Commissioner or Commissioner (Appeals) may require specified persons to furnish information relating to partners, members, trustees, payments, transactions and other matters relevant for administration of the Income Tax Act.
Information that may be called for
- Names and addresses of partners of a firm and their shares.
- Names and addresses of members and manager of a Hindu undivided family.
- Details of persons represented by trustees, guardians or agents.
- Details of payments such as rent, interest, commission, royalty or brokerage.
- Information relating to transactions in assets or commodities.
- Statements of accounts and affairs verified in the prescribed manner.
Authority to seek information
The power may also be exercised by specified higher income-tax authorities as provided under the Income Tax Act. Where no proceeding is pending, additional statutory safeguards regarding approval and authority apply.
Purpose of Section 133
The information obtained under this section must be useful for or relevant to any enquiry or proceeding under the Income Tax Act.
Related Income Tax Sections
Section 131 - Discovery and production of evidence
Section 132 - Search and seizure
Section 133A - Power of survey
Section 133B - Collection of certain information