Buying Jewellery On Cards But Not Keeping Bills? This Rs 1.65 Crore I-T Case Says Why It Matters | Tax News

Experts advice proper documentation for high-value purchases to avoid disputes.

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has ruled in favour of a Bengaluru resident in a case involving the seizure of gold and silver jewellery worth Rs 1.65 crore. The judgement, delivered on September 11, 2025, brings an end to a long legal dispute between the taxpayer and the Income Tax Department.

According to case details, officials from the Income Tax Department conducted a search at the residence of Suresh (name withheld) on November 14, 2019. During the search, gold and silver ornaments valued at Rs 1.65 crore were seized. The department later issued a notice, stating that the jewellery had been acquired without proper documentation and categorised it as an “unexplained investment”.

Suresh, however, argued that the jewellery belonged to his wife and had been purchased through banking channels, including credit cards. But investigators pointed out that the bills produced by him did not match the jewellery that was seized. As a result, the department added the value of the ornaments to his taxable income and imposed additional tax.

Suresh appealed the decision before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals), where he received relief. The Income Tax Department then escalated the matter to the ITAT.

After examining the submissions, the tribunal ruled in Suresh’s favour. The ITAT observed that the jewellery in question had already been disclosed in his wife’s income tax returns and, therefore, could not be taxed again in Suresh’s name. Taxing the same assets twice, the tribunal said, was unjustified.

Chartered Accountant Suresh Surana, commenting on the case, advised taxpayers to maintain proper bills, receipts and documents for high-value purchases, especially jewellery, to avoid similar disputes with tax authorities.

The ruling is expected to offer relief to several taxpayers facing similar cases and reinforces the importance of transparency in financial documentation.