The Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) is a facility provided by the Income Tax Department, through its circulars and guidelines, to enable taxpayers to park the net sale proceeds (or capital gains) from the sale of a long-term capital asset when they intend to claim reinvestment exemptions under pRead more
The Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) is a facility provided by the Income Tax Department, through its circulars and guidelines, to enable taxpayers to park the net sale proceeds (or capital gains) from the sale of a long-term capital asset when they intend to claim reinvestment exemptions under provisions such as Section 54, Section 54EC, or Section 54F of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Purpose and Need for CGAS
When a taxpayer sells a capital asset and is eligible for exemption by reinvesting the proceeds (or gains) in another specified asset or bonds within a defined time frame, any delay or partial reinvestment can lead to a situation where the taxpayer has not fully discharged their reinvestment obligation. To preserve the benefit of the exemption and avoid immediate taxation on the capital gains:
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Depositing in a CGAS:
The taxpayer can deposit the funds in a designated CGAS account with authorized banks. This deposit acts as a temporary repository for the capital gains until the taxpayer completes the reinvestment as stipulated by the applicable exemption rule. -
Safeguard for Reinvestment:
This mechanism allows the taxpayer to claim the benefit of exemption even if the reinvestment is completed at a later date within the prescribed time limit. It ensures that the capital gains are “earmarked” for the intended reinvestment, thereby deferring the tax liability on those gains. - Relevant Statutory and Guideline Context
While the term “Capital Gains Account Scheme” does not appear verbatim in the bare act, it is an integral part of the reinvestment framework described in sections such as:
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Section 54:
Provides for exemption on long-term capital gains from the sale of residential house property when the net sale proceeds are reinvested in another residential property. -
Section 54EC:
Offers exemption on long-term capital gains if the proceeds (or gains) are invested in specified bonds (such as those issued by NHAI or REC) within six months of the sale. -
Section 54F:
Pertains to the sale of capital assets (other than a residential house) where full reinvestment of the net sale proceeds in a residential property is required to claim an exemption.
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How to Deposit Money in the CGAS Step A: Open a CGAS Account Designated Banks:The government has notified certain banks to operate as authorized CGAS account holders. To deposit funds, you must open a CGAS account with one of these designated banks. Documentation:You will typically need to provide:Read more
How to Deposit Money in the CGAS
Step A: Open a CGAS Account
Designated Banks:
The government has notified certain banks to operate as authorized CGAS account holders. To deposit funds, you must open a CGAS account with one of these designated banks.
Documentation:
You will typically need to provide:
Proof of sale of the capital asset (sale deed, transaction details)
PAN and identity proofs
A declaration regarding the purpose of deposit as per the reinvestment conditions stipulated under the applicable exemption (for example, under Section 54 or 54EC)
Step B: Deposit the Amount
Timing:
You must deposit the requisite amount in the CGAS account within the time limit specified for reinvestment (for example, within two years from the date of transfer for residential property purchase under Section 54, or within six months for Section 54EC bonds).
Mechanism:
The deposit is made as you would for any regular bank account transaction. The bank records the deposit, but note that funds in a CGAS account do not earn interest and are earmarked strictly for the purpose of reinvestment.
Notification:
Once the deposit is made, you receive an account statement or certificate confirming the deposit. This document is crucial when claiming the exemption later.
3. Procedure for Withdrawing Funds from the CGAS
Step A: Utilize Funds for Reinvestment
Reinvestment:
When you identify a new asset that qualifies for the exemption (e.g., a new residential property or eligible bonds), you must complete the purchase or construction within the prescribed time limit.
Step B: Request Withdrawal
Documentation Required:
To withdraw funds from the CGAS, you need to submit:
Proof of purchase or construction (such as a sale or construction agreement, payment receipts, and completion certificate)
The CGAS deposit certificate as evidence of the funds available.
Bank Process:
The designated bank will verify the documents. Once validated, the bank will release the required amount from the CGAS to facilitate the payment for the reinvestment.
Excess Funds:
Any funds in excess of what is used for reinvestment typically revert to your account; however, failure to utilize the funds within the prescribed period means that the exemption ceases, and the capital gains become taxable.