Tax officials conducted survey, not raid: Arbaaz Khan

Oct 14, 2010 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) Actor-producer Arbaaz Khan, who is riding high on the success of 'Dabangg', said the sudden visit by income tax (IT) officials at his Mumbai office was a mere survey and not a raid.

'Had income tax guys pay us a visit at our office. They came at 2 p.m. and left at 6 a.m. Kya energy (What energey),' Arbaaz posted on his Twitter page Thursday.

IT officials barged into Sohail Khan Production's office Tuesday afternoon, apparently to check on the over Rs.100 crore garnered by 'Dabangg' since its release Sep 10.

'What the IT (income tax) guys conducted is a survey! A survey is different from a raid. In a survey, they visit only where you operate your office from. A survey can convert into a raid due to lack of cooperation or if the IT guys are not satisfied with your disclosures.

'A raid gives IT guys draconian powers where they have a right to demand any papers, account or even break any thing in case they feel so,' explained Arbaaz, who made his debut as a producer with 'Dabangg'.

According to the 43-year-old, everything went 'smooth' at his office, but he will have to pay advance tax for the earnings of the film.

'I said I would be more than happy to pay tax. Magar pehle paisa toh aane do sab jagah se (But at least let all the money come in). Advance tax means paying tax on anticipated income, so I have to pay that. That means basically before I get anything, the IT department surely does,' he added.

On a lighter note, Arbaaz said it was a 'great experience' having the officials over.

'But I rather hope these guests go somewhere else next time!'

Arbaaz's elder brother Salman is currently caught up in a 10-year-old case with the IT department involving alleged tax evasion of Rs.40 million by him in the year 2000-2001. The petition filed by the IT department, which was ruled in the actor's favour at the income tax appellate tribunal, will now be heard by the Bombay High Court.

Meanwhile, the Khan family is revelling in the success of 'Dabangg', which features Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha. In fact, a sequel featuring the two actors is also being planned.