Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) under Exemption of capital gains :

Under sections 54, 54B, 54D, 54F, 54G and 54GA, capital gains is exempt to the extent of investment of such gains / net consideration (in the case of section 54F) in specified assets within the specified time. If such investment is not made before the date of filing of return of income, then the capital gain or net consideration (in case of exemption under section 54F) has to be deposited under the CGAS.

Time limit – Such deposit in CGAS should be made before filing the return of income or on or before the due date of filing the return of income, whichever is earlier. Proof of such deposit should be attached with the return. The deposit can be withdrawn for utilization for the specified purposes in accordance with the scheme.

Consequences if the amount deposited in CGAS is not utilized within the stipulated time of 2 years / 3 years – If the amount deposited is not utilized for the specified purpose within the stipulated period, then the unutilized amount shall be charged as capital gain of the previous year in which the specified period expires. In the case of section 54F, proportionate amount will be taxable.

CBDT Circular No.743 dated 6.5.1996 clarifies that in the event of death of an individual before the stipulated period, the unutilized amount is not chargeable to tax in the hands of the legal heirs of the deceased individual. Such unutilized amount is not income but is a part of the estate devolving upon them.