Synopsis: The CBDT has launched an aggressive, time-bound strategy to combat black money and tax evasion, aiming to unearth undisclosed income worth ?2.4 lakh crore this fiscal. A mix of raids and smart data analysis will drive the crackdown.
 "CBDT Cracks Down on Black Money: ?2.4 Lakh Crore Target Set for 2025!")
In a bold move to tighten the noose around black money and tax evasion, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has directed the Income Tax Department to launch a comprehensive and aggressive drive across India. The board has set an ambitious target — to unearth ?2.4 lakh crore worth of undisclosed income in the financial year 2024-25, according to media reports.
New Strategy for a Big Crackdown
The CBDT has devised a balanced plan, where:
- 60% of the revenue target must be achieved through intrusive methods such as searches and raids.
- 40% must come through non-intrusive methods like data analytics and financial intelligence gathering.
The aim is to not only chase down known offenders but also to bring informal and under-reported sectors into the tax net.
Focus Areas Under the Lens
The Investigation Wing of the Income Tax Department has been tasked with preparing data-backed reports focusing on high-risk sectors, including:
- Manufacturing
- Mining
- Liquor trade
- International trade
- Hawala networks
- Healthcare services
- Scrap dealing
- Other unregulated domains
CBDT has highlighted the need to improve visibility into these informal transactions and drive formalization through better compliance strategies.
Record-Breaking Direct Tax Collections
This crackdown comes at a time when India's direct tax collections are already showing strong momentum.
As per the latest Finance Ministry data:
- Net direct tax collections have reached ?11,82,875 crore for FY2024-25.
- This represents a 17% growth over the previous fiscal year.
- Tax buoyancy, a key indicator of fiscal strength, has improved to 1.57 from 1.54 last year.
This trend reflects India’s strengthening fiscal health, which the government is keen to further enhance by plugging leaks and boosting compliance.
The Bigger Picture
By expanding the tax base and formalizing hidden sectors, India aims not only to increase revenue but also to foster a fairer economic environment. The latest push aligns with broader policy goals to promote transparency, accountability, and equitable economic growth.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reports and expert insights. Readers are advised to seek professional advice for any financial or tax-related decisions.
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