Statement Recorded - Survey case

The Assessee was an accounting professional and during the course of survey, he has given wrongful statement i.e he admitted Rs.2500000 instead of Rs.1500000. The assessee later only realised this and his bank statement reflected only Rs.15lakhs. Whether the assessee can disclose Rs 15lakhs in the return filed in response  to 148 notice. Or he should disclose Rs.25 lakhs as per his statement. Note that he has detailed breakup of this Rs.15 lakhs. Whether the statement Recorded in survey is conclusive and is final OR based on the evidence,the initial statement stands inoperative. 

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Quick Summary
This discussion addresses whether an assessee can correct a mistaken statement made during a survey. The assessee initially admitted to Rs. 25 lakhs but later realised their bank statements only reflect Rs. 15 lakhs. The consensus is that statements made during a survey are not conclusive and can be corrected if supported by documentary evidence like bank statements and account records. Legal precedents indicate that such admissions are not binding if contrary evidence is available and can be rebutted.

The assessee is not legally bound to disclose the higher amount of Rs. 25 lakhs admitted during the survey if the true and supported income is only Rs. 15 lakhs, as reflected in the bank statement and detailed records. Statements made during a survey under section 133A are not conclusive evidence and are not binding if contrary evidence is available. The law and settled case precedents make clear that such survey statements are only one piece of information and can be rebutted by the assessee with relevant documents and explanations.

The Delhi High Court, ITAT, and other authorities have held that admissions during a survey may be retracted or corrected if the assessee can substantiate the correct facts through documentary evidence.

Supporting records such as books of accounts, bank statements, and other relevant documents take precedence over a mistaken admission in a survey if these establish the actual state of affairs.

Thank you very much Sir

You are welcome.                       

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