The Indian government on Saturday issued a clarification and “fact-check” on a social media influencer’s video on who really needs an income tax clearance certificate while traveling abroad. But influencer Sarthak Ahuja responded and said that his video was not misleading.
The government’s Press Information Office posted his video under the caption “Fake” on X and wrote: “An Instagram video by the account (@casarthakahuja) claims that all Indian citizens should obtain an Income Tax Clearance Certificate (ITCC) every time before leaving the country. This claim is fake.”
What does PIB say?
She added. “Under Article 230 [of the Income Tax Act, 1961]Tax clearance certificates are not mandatory for everyone; They are only required for specific individuals under certain legal circumstances. This rule has remained unchanged since 2003, even after amendments under the Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024. She also shared a link to a press release issued in 2024, debunking misinformation from that time as well.
“A tax clearance certificate may be requested by persons resident in India only in the following circumstances: when the person is involved in serious financial irregularities and his presence is necessary for investigation of the cases…or when the person has direct tax arrears exceeding $“10 lakh,” this version said, sharing other nuances as well.
However, Sarthak Ahuja, a chartered accountant known for producing videos on personal finance and related topics, wrote in response to the clip shared: “Awful. The video does not mention all citizens. It clearly states people who have no taxable income or PAN. So why would you choose to selectively show it as incorrect!” In his response, he did not dispute the details shared by the PIB regarding who actually needs a tax clearance certificate.
One user complained to him, “You’re wrong about so many things, and you’ve been called back multiple times in the comments section on Instagram. Just saying a few things that are true doesn’t make it the whole truth. It’s time to validate that fact!”
Another noted: “Hi.. I follow you and your videos. Honestly, the beginning of your video is very confusing,” while another User
Who is Sarthak Ahuja?
CA Sarthak Ahuja is known for having a large following on social media, especially on Instagram. His profile indicates that he completed CA, CS and CMA at the age of 23, and has a degree in management from the Indian School of Business (ISB).
He has also written best-selling books, including “Founder’s Office,” “Daily Coffee & Startup Fundrasing,” and “The Money Ball.”
