Tennis star Sania Mirza has been summoned by the service tax department for allegedly non-payment or evasion of service tax.
According to an India Today report, Sania has allegedly evaded tax on the amount of Rs 1 crore that she received after becoming Telangana's brand ambassador. The Telangana government had given her the role in July 2014. She had been urged by chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao to make Telangana popular in her capacity as the brand ambassador and also promote the image of Hyderabad as she is a "child of Hyderabad".
File photo of Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao presenting a cheque Rs 1 crore to Sania Mirza. PTI
The CM had also gifted her Rs 1 crore after she won the US Open Mixed Doubles crown in 2014 with Brazilian partner Bruno Soares.
Sania has been asked to appear in person or through an authorised agent on or before 16 February in front of the department. The department has also directed her to not to leave country without permission.
Sania has to pay approximately Rs 20 lakh which involves 15 percent tax and a penalty, ANI reported.
The tennis ace, who ended 2016 as the World No 1 in women's doubles, has earned overall Rs 43 crore ($6,523,357) in prize money over her glittering career. Apart from prize money, she also earns from endorsements and ads. Her net worth was reported to be more than Rs 53 crore ($8 million).
Here's a breakdown of her prize money from the 2016 season:
Brisbane (won title) - $22,995
Sydney (won title) - $20,100
Australian Open (won title) - $238,475
St Petersburg (won title) - $20,085
Doha (quarter-final) - $9,350
Indian Wells (second round) - $11,070
Miami (second round) - $11,070
Sttutgart (final) - $10,825
Madrid (final) - $79,348
Rome (won title) - $76,694
French Open (third round) - $19,927
Birmingham (first round) - $1,838
Eastbourne (quarter-final) - $3,093
Wimbledon (quarter-final) - $33,724
Montreal (quarter-final) - $8,960
Cincinnati (won title) - $73,850
New Haven (won title) - $20,325
US Open (quarter-final) - $36,831
Tokyo (won title) - $22,970
Wuhan (final) - $34,100
Beijing (second round) - $9,052
WTA Finals (semi-final) - $78,750
Updated Date: Feb 09, 2017 17:30 PM
