A YouTuber in UP got a ₹2.6 CR tax notice.
With only ₹20K/month in YouTube income, the tax notice came as a shock.
Here’s what happened and what every Indian taxpayer can learn from this.
[1] The case:
A YouTuber from Bulandshahr was running a news portal for over 4 years.
His income? Around ₹20,000 a month.
Until one day, he received a shocking ₹2.6 crore tax notice.
[2] What went wrong?
Upon reaching a CA, he got to know that his PAN card was being misused and was linked to seven registered firms.
He didn’t have any idea about it.
[3] How does this even happen?
It’s easier than you think.
PAN is often shared for KYC
Uploaded on freelance/job portals
Shared with landlords, vendors, etc.
[4] How to protect yourself from PAN misuse:
✅ Check Form 26AS & AIS every 3-6 months
✅ Only share PAN over email, with purpose noted
✅ Freelancers, stop uploading PAN on resumes/portfolios
[5] File your return even if you have no income
A “Nil” ITR may feel pointless, but it’s a lifesaver.
If PAN misuse happens, your return proves you didn’t earn that money.
[6] Suspect misuse? Here’s what to do
File a police FIR
Inform your Assessing Officer (AO)
Upload your explanation on the I-T portal
Attach supporting documents