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To beat the last minute rush, some taxpayers start filing ITRs early

editor — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 10:40:49 +0000

To beat the last minute rush, at least some taxpayers have started filing their income tax returns for assessment year 2024-25 after the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) enabled functionalities for commonly used income tax returns from April 1 this year.

According to data with the income tax department, as many as 119,000 income tax returns for assessment year 2024-25 had been filed by April 10 and 109,000 returns had also been verified. As many as 2,940 returns for AY24-25 had also been verified.

To help taxpayers file their returns for AY24-25, the CBDT had made ITR-1, ITR-2 and ITR-4, which are commonly used by taxpayers, available on the e-filing portal from April 1. Companies can also to file their ITRs through ITR-6 from April 1 onwards.

Experts noted that this is the latest in a series of initiatives taken by the CBDT to facilitate the tax return compliance. It had earlier started initiatives such as prefilled tax return forms, or the expeditious processing of the tax returns, or quick issue of refunds particularly to the small taxpayers.

“This will help the taxpayers, who do not expect any deduction of tax at source (TDS) in the last quarter of FY 2023-24 and are not subject to any audit, in filing their returns immediately. Such taxpayers may consider filing their returns forthwith without waiting more and getting the tax refund, if any, sooner,” an expert said.

However, the taxpayers, who expect deduction of TDS in the last quarter – which are typically, the salaried taxpayers and the taxpayers expecting interest income in the last quarter, would be required to wait till June 2024 to file their tax returns, he noted.

The due date of deposit of TDS in the government kitty for the last quarter of FY 2023-24 is April 30, 2024, and the due date of filing the TDS return for the quarter is May 31, 2024. Considering this, the TDS deducted in the last quarter may not reflect in the taxpayers’ tax credit statement (Form 26AS) before June 1, 2024. Consequently, the returns filed before this may be processed with demands and taxpayers may have to file rectifications applications / revised returns later.

He noted that corporate taxpayers would be required to wait for completion of their statutory audit, followed by tax audit (if applicable), amongst others. Non-corporate taxpayers subject to tax audit would also be required to wait, unless they are able to get the tax audit done much before the due date for the same, he further said.

Source: https://www.businesstoday.in/personal-finance/tax/story/to-beat-the-last-minute-rush-some-taxpayers-start-filing-itrs-early-425778-2024-04-16

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Income Tax Department Cracks Down on Unfiled Returns: 1.52 Crore Individuals Targeted

editor — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 04:21:28 +0000

Large Discrepancy Between Taxpayers and Filed Returns

The Income Tax Department is launching a campaign to target individuals who haven’t filed their income tax returns (ITR) despite meeting filing requirements. According to a report in the Economic Times, the department has identified 1.52 crore such individuals.

Data Discrepancies Trigger Action

This initiative stems from a data analysis by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) which revealed a significant gap between the total number of taxpayers (8.9 crore in financial year 2022-23) and the number of ITRs filed (7.4 crore, including revised returns). This suggests that potentially 1.97 crore individuals might not have filed their returns even though tax was deducted at source (TDS) from their income.

Focus on High-Value Transactions

The I-T Department is particularly interested in individuals with high bank transactions linked to their PAN cards. Officials will be contacting these individuals to explain the importance of filing ITRs. Additionally, the CBDT has identified nearly 9,000 potential taxpayers who might have made high-value purchases or cash deposits and will be sending them tax notices.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

Individuals who deliberately neglected to file returns will face penalties. However, those with genuine reasons for the sudden increase in income can submit an explanation or file a return to rectify the situation.

Data Analytics Boosts Tax Collection

The Income Tax Department’s access to a vast amount of data has proven instrumental in identifying non-filers and uncovering inconsistencies. This focus on data analysis is credited with contributing to a significant rise (19.88%) in net direct tax collection, exceeding ₹18.90 lakh crore as of March 17th.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/it-department-to-tap-1-52-crore-individuals-for-income-tax-return-filing-heres-why-101713003056572.html

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Understanding the Tax Advantages of Section 115H for NRIs

editor — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 08:11:09 +0000

Overview of Section 115H:

Section 115H of the Income Tax Act provides favorable tax rates for non-resident Indians (NRIs) on specific investments, encouraging them to invest in India and boosting the country’s attractiveness as a financial destination.

Benefits Under Section 115H:

Claiming the Benefit Under Section 115H:

Continuing Benefits After Becoming a Resident Indian:

Key Considerations:

Tax benefits under Section 115H are applicable only to income earned from specific investments held by NRIs in India.
NRIs must file their income tax returns in India if their taxable income exceeds the basic exemption limit.
Seeking guidance from tax professionals is advisable to understand the nuances of Section 115H and maximize tax benefits.

Difference Between Section 115 and Section 115H:

Conclusion:

Understanding the eligibility criteria, benefits, and claiming process of Section 115H enables NRIs to make informed investment decisions and optimize their tax liabilities in India.

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Form 15CA & 15CB: Key Components and Requirements Explained

editor — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 12:01:06 +0000

In today’s globalized economy, where cross-border transactions are commonplace, compliance with tax regulations is critical for both governments and businesses. Form 15CA and 15CB are essential tools introduced by the Indian government to streamline the process of remitting money overseas and ensure adherence to tax laws concerning international transactions.

Globalization and International Transactions: The rise of globalization has led to a significant increase in international trade, investments, and cross-border transactions. Businesses are expanding globally to access new markets and resources, leading to a surge in financial transactions across different jurisdictions.
Tax Compliance Challenges: With the growth of international transactions, ensuring tax compliance has become more challenging for tax authorities. Tax evasion and avoidance have become significant concerns, necessitating stricter regulatory measures.
Need for Regulatory Framework: Governments worldwide are introducing measures to enhance transparency and compliance in cross-border transactions to safeguard the integrity of the tax system and protect stakeholders' interests.
Introduction of Form 15CA and 15CB: Form 15CA and 15CB were introduced by the Indian Income Tax Department to monitor payments to non-residents. Form 15CA is a declaration of remitter, while Form 15CB is a certificate issued by a Chartered Accountant, ensuring compliance with Indian tax laws.
Key Objectives: These forms aim to enhance transparency, ensure tax compliance, and prevent tax evasion by providing details of cross-border transactions and certifying their compliance with relevant laws.
Impact on Globalization: While adding compliance requirements, Form 15CA and 15CB contribute to fostering a conducive environment for global trade by instilling confidence in the tax system and reducing risks associated with international transactions.

Form 15CA:

Overview:

Form 15CA is a declaration document required for remitting funds outside India. It is mandatory for individuals and businesses and can be conveniently filed online through the e-Filing portal.

Types:

Form 15CA has four sections based on the remittance amount and whether a certificate from a Chartered Accountant is obtained.

Form 15CB:

Overview:

Form 15CB is a declaration by a Chartered Accountant certifying compliance with the Income Tax Act, particularly when remittances exceed INR 5 lakh in a financial year.

Sections:

Form 15CB consists of six sections covering certification, remittance details, taxability, and accountant details.

Conclusion:

Navigating Form 15CA and 15CB requirements is essential for businesses and individuals involved in foreign transactions. Understanding these forms’ purpose and procedures ensures compliance with Indian tax regulations, fostering trust and efficiency in the global financial ecosystem.

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Filing of Form 10-IEA for Income-Tax Return

editor — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 09:47:20 +0000

The Income-Tax Department has introduced Form 10-IEA for individuals who wish to switch back to the old tax regime from the new one. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about this form and its implications:

Introduction of New Tax Regime: The new tax regime was initially introduced under the Union Budget 2020. However, it was made the default tax regime by the Budget 2023.
Default Selection: By default, individuals are placed under the new tax regime unless they choose to opt-out.
Need for Form 10-IEA: Individuals who want to revert to the old tax regime need to fill out Form 10-IEA. This form requires various details, including PAN, tax status (individual, HUF, etc.), and any tax benefits claimed for the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). It also asks for the taxpayer's history of switching between tax regimes.
Deadline: Form 10-IEA must be submitted before the tax filing deadline of July 31, 2024. Failure to do so could result in the taxpayer being unable to switch to the old regime later in the year.
Implications: Switching back to the old tax regime may be beneficial for individuals who want to claim deductions and exemptions not allowed under the new regime, such as those under Section 80C, Section 80D, and deductions for home loan interest, education, house rent, and LTA.
Tax Rates: Under the new tax regime, lower-income groups benefit from lower tax rates. However, those earning between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 7.5 lakh may face higher taxes compared to the old regime due to fewer deductions and exemptions.
Clarity Awaited: There is still ambiguity regarding whether Form 10-IEA is mandatory for all individuals or only for certain categories like businessmen and self-employed individuals. Further clarity on the procedure for opting out of the tax regime is awaited from the Income-Tax Department.
Professional Income: Taxpayers filing under ITR-4 (for individuals with business or professional income) must submit Form 10-IEA to opt out of the new tax regime.
Importance of Details: Although providing past details may seem cumbersome, it's crucial for ensuring accurate claims of deductions and exemptions. Self-employed individuals are allowed to switch back to the old tax regime only once in their lifetime.
Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failing to submit Form 10-IEA before the deadline could result in being unable to file belated tax returns under the old tax regime. This means forfeiting tax exemptions and being considered under the new tax regime automatically.

In summary, Form 10-IEA is a crucial document for individuals wishing to switch back to the old tax regime from the new one. It’s essential to understand its requirements and implications to make informed decisions about tax filing.

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