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FAST-DS 2026 Under Finance Act, 2026
The Central Board of Direct Taxes launches FAST-DS 2026 for small taxpayers, and the scheme comes into force on 16th August 2026. Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers-Disclosure Scheme (FAST-DS) 2026 is a one-time voluntary disclosure scheme contained in the Finance Act, 2026, enabling eligible taxpayers to declare specified undisclosed or undeclared foreign assets or income on payment of a specified tax or fee.
FAST-DS 2026 (Finance Act, 2026):
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Launching authority | The Central Board of Direct Taxes provides for launching FAST-DS 2026 for small taxpayers. |
| Legal backing | FAST-DS 2026 is governed by a one-time voluntary disclosure scheme contained in the Finance Act, 2026. |
| Commencement | FAST-DS 2026 has come into force on 16th August 2026. |
| Permitted declarations | The scheme provides for eligible taxpayers to declare certain undisclosed foreign assets, undisclosed foreign income, or undeclared foreign assets, on payment of a specified tax or fee. |
| Declaration categories and thresholds | The scheme comprises 2 categories of declarations: Category 1 covers an undisclosed foreign asset or foreign income not previously offered to tax, with aggregate value not exceeding ₹1 crore; Category 2 covers foreign assets already offered to tax or acquired when the taxpayer is a non-resident but not reported in the relevant tax-return schedule, with a threshold of ₹5 crore and a ₹1 lakh fee payable. |
| Benefit | The scheme provides for immunity from tax, penalty, and prosecution under the Black Money Act. |
| Exclusions | The scheme applies to neither PMLA-linked crime proceeds nor concluded Black Money Act assessments. |