CBDT Authorises Upload of AEOI Information in Form 168 AIS

CBDT Authorises Upload of AEOI Information in Form 168 AIS

Introduction

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued an important order under Section 239 of the Income-tax Act, 2025, authorising the Director General of Income-tax (Systems) to upload information received under the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) framework into the Annual Information Statement (AIS) using Form 168. This move enhances transparency and ensures that cross-border financial data is seamlessly integrated into taxpayers’ AIS records.

Key Highlights of the CBDT Order

• Authority Granted: The DGIT (Systems) is empowered to upload AEOI data received from foreign jurisdictions into Form 168 AIS.
• Timeline for Upload: The information must be uploaded within 90 days from the end of the month in which it is received.
• Procedural Oversight: The DGIT (Systems) will prescribe the procedures, formats, and standards for reporting and integration of such data.
• Legal Reference: The order is issued under CBDT Order F.No. 225/73/2025-ITA-II dated 8 July 2026.

Understanding AEOI and Its Significance

The Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) framework is a global initiative under the OECD’s Common Reporting Standard (CRS), enabling countries to exchange financial account information to combat tax evasion. By authorising the upload of AEOI data into AIS, the CBDT ensures:

• Enhanced taxpayer transparency through consolidated financial reporting.
• Improved compliance monitoring by integrating foreign asset and income details.
• Streamlined data access for taxpayers via the AIS portal.

Impact on Taxpayers

• Taxpayers may now see foreign financial account details reflected in their AIS under Form 168.
• This integration helps ensure accurate income reporting and reduces discrepancies during assessments.
• It also strengthens India’s commitment to global tax transparency and information exchange.

Conclusion

The CBDT’s authorisation under Section 239 marks a significant step toward modernising India’s tax information systems and aligning with international standards. Taxpayers should regularly review their AIS to verify the accuracy of uploaded AEOI data and ensure full compliance with disclosure requirements.

For expert guidance on this topic, contact your tax professional today.