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Filing income tax returns is no longer the hassle it used to be. Gone are the long queues and endless anxiety of making the tax-filing deadline With online filing,also called e-filing, it is convenient to file returns from the confines of your home/office and at very short …
A lot of individuals seem to think that filing tax returns is voluntary and therefore dismiss it as unnecessary and burdensome. As we will see, this is not a very healthy perspective on tax-filing. Filing tax returns is an annual activity seen as a moral and …
India’s Income Tax Laws are framed by the Government The Government imposes a tax on taxable income of all persons who are individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUF’s), companies, firms, LLP, association of persons, body of individuals, local authority and any other artificial juridical person. According to these laws, levy of tax on a person depends upon his residential status. Every individual who qualifies as a resident of India is required to pay tax on his or her global income. Every financial year, taxpayers have to follow certain rules while filing their Income Tax Returns (ITRs).
Income Tax Return – What is it?
An Income tax return (ITR) is a form used to file information about your income and tax to the Income Tax Department. The tax liability of a taxpayer is calculated based on his or her income. In case the return shows that excess tax has been paid during a year, then the individual will be eligible to receive a income tax refund from the Income Tax Department.
As per the income tax laws, the return must be filed every year by an individual or business that earns any income during a financial year. The income could be in the form of a salary, business profits, income from house property or earned through dividends, capital gains, interests or other sources.
Tax returns have to be filed by an individual or a business before a specified date. If a taxpayer fails to abide by the deadline, he or she has to pay a penalty.
Is it mandatory to file Income Tax Return?
As per the tax laws laid down in India, it is compulsory to file your income tax returns if your income is more than the basic exemption limit. The income tax rate is pre-decided for taxpayers. A delay in filing returns will not only attract late filing fees but also hamper your chances of getting a loan or a visa for travel purposes.
Who should file Income Tax Returns?
According to the Income Tax Act, income tax has to be paid only by individuals or businesses who fall within certain income brackets. Mentioned below are entities or businesses that are required to compulsorily file their ITRs in India:
Documents required to fill ITR
It is important to have all the relevant documents handy before you start your e-filing process.
Interest certificates from banks and post office
What is Form 26AS?
Form 26As is a vital document showing the portion of tax deducted at source on payments/investments made by individuals, employees and freelancers. This enables the taxpayers to claim refunds for any additional tax or overdue tax payments made.
The new Form26AS, which is applicable from AY2020-21, has been refurbished to make it easier to file income tax returns online as well as encourage compliance with any tax regulations.
How to link Aadhar to Income Tax returns?
it is compulsory for every individual taxpayer to quote their Aadhar number while filing tax returns. He/she is also required to link their PAN (permanent account number) card to their Aadhar number. One cannot file a tax return either digitally or manually unless the Aadhar number is quoted. Senior citizens can file their tax returns manually but those below 80 years of age have to file it electronically.
To link your Aadhar number to your income tax return-
One time verification of past ITRs by September 2020
The Income Tax authority of India has allowed one time verification of previously filed returns up to September this year. Previously, tax payers were given only 120 days’ window to verify the returns from the date of filing the same. The up to September 2020′ one time verification provision is for those taxpayers who have not verified their tax returns from the assessment years 2015-16 to 2020-21.
Whenever someone files a return online, the same has to be verified by dispatching the signed ITRV slip by post or digitally to the CPC, Bengaluru. The verification is a declaration by the taxpayer confirming that the details provided in the returns he filed is true and correct. Tax return verification is crucial, as in the event of a return not being verified, the tax filing process is rendered incomplete. The taxpayer can thus incur penalties.
What’s new in the ITR forms?
The new IT return forms include relief measures announced due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. These new tax return forms were recently notified by the Central Board of Direct Taxes.
The forms have the following features:
Importance of e-filing
Electronic filing or e-filing is a process that involves submitting tax returns over the internet. This is done using a tax preparation software that has been pre-approved by India’s Income Tax Department.
E-filing has several benefits that have made the online system of tax payment increasingly popular. The taxpayer has the liberty to file a tax return from his or her home, at any convenient time, during a specific period in a financial year.
Even though it is not mandatory for certain individuals to file ITRs, it can be beneficial for them. Here’s a look at what benefits individual who file their ITR can enjoy:
To file your ITRs, you can either directly fill the form online or take help from a professional. The Income Tax Return form is called ‘Sahaj’ and can be downloaded from the Income tax department’s official website or filled up online. Once you complete filing your return, an ITR-V form will be generated as an acknowledgement. This form needs to be verified within 120 days of filing your returns.
Which ITR Form should you fill?
The official website of the Income Tax Department lists several forms that taxpayers may be required to fill up based on their income. While some of these forms are easy to fill, others require additional disclosures such as your profit and loss statements. To help you better understand the forms available, here’s a quick guide:
How to check ITR status online?
Once you have filed your income tax returns and verified it, the status of your tax return is ‘Verified’. After the processing is complete, the status becomes ‘ITR Processed’.
If you wish to know which stage your tax return is after filing it and want to check your ITR status online, here’s how you can do it in easy steps.
Option One
Without login credentials
You can click on the ITR status tab on the extreme left of the e-filing website.
You are then directed to a new page where you have to fill in your PAN number, ITR acknowledgement number and the captcha code.
Once this is done, the status of your filing will be displayed on the screen.
Option Two
With login credentials
Login to the e-filing website.
Click on the option ‘View Returns/Forms’
From the dropdown menu, select income tax returns and assessment year
Once this is done, the status of your filing (whether only verified or processed) will be displayed on the screen.
Keeping the Income Tax Department informed about your income and taxability will keep you on the right side of the law and prevent any blocks in your financial competency. Now that you know whether or not you compulsorily have to file your ITR, you need to ensure that you complete the process before the deadline every year.
How to Download Income Tax Return?
It is important to how to file ITR on time, to avoid last minute stress and penalties. Once you have filed your ITR, the income tax verification form is generated by the IT department so that taxpayers can verify the validity and legitimacy of e-filing. These are applicable only if you have filed your returns without a digital signature.
The income tax return verification form can be downloaded in easy steps.
1.) Log in to the Income Tax India website https://portal.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/e-Filing/UserLogin/LoginHome.html?lang=eng
2.) View e-filed tax returns by clicking on ‘View Returns/ Forms’ option
Select option Income tax returns
Details of all the years for which returns are filed will be displayed
1.) Click on the acknowledgement numberto download the ITR-V.
2.) Begin the download by selecting ‘ITR-V Acknowledgment’
3.) To open the downloaded document, enter your password to open the document. The password is your PAN number in lower letters along with your birthdate.
For example-
PAN – ASIJP2345P
Birthdate – 31/12/1980
Password – asijp2345p31121980
Why should I file my Income tax return?
A lot of individuals seem to think that filing tax returns is voluntary and therefore dismiss it as unnecessary and burdensome. As we will see, this is not a very healthy perspective on tax-filing.
Filing tax returns is an annual activity seen as a moral and social duty of every responsible citizen of the country. It is the basis for the government to determine the amount and means of expenditure of the citizens and provides a platform for the assesse to claim refund, among other forms of relief from time to time.
1. Filing returns is a sign you are responsible
The government mandates that individuals who earn a specified amount of annual income must file a tax return within a pre-determined due date. The tax as calculated must be paid by the individual. Failure to pay tax will invite penalties from the Income Tax Department.
Those who earn less than the prescribed level of income can file returns voluntarily.
Filing returns is a sign that you are responsible. Not just that, it also makes it easier for individuals and businesses to enter into subsequent transactions since their income is recorded by the tax department with applicable tax, if any, having been paid.
2. Filing returns is mandatory in some cases
Even if your income level does not qualify for mandatory filing of returns, it may still be a good idea to voluntarily file returns. In most states, registration of immovable properties requires advancing as proof the tax returns of last three years. Filing returns makes it easier to register the transaction.
3. Your loan or card company may want to see your return
If you plan to apply for a home loan in future it is a good idea to maintain a steady record of filing returns as the home loan company will most likely insist on it. In fact, you may even consider filing your spouse’s returns if you want to apply for a loan as a co-borrower. Likewise, even credit card companies may insist on proof of return before issuing a card.
Financial institutions may insist on seeing your returns over the past few years before transacting with you. In fact, the government may make it mandatory for them to do so, thereby indirectly nudging individuals to file returns regularly even when it’s voluntary.
4. If you want to claim adjustment against past losses, a return is necessary
Filing returns on time has many advantages regardless of whether you draw the prescribed level of income necessary to file returns.
Various losses incurred by an individual or a business, both speculative as well as non-speculative, short term as well as long term capital losses and various other types of losses not recorded in the tax return in a financial year, cannot be shown for exemption in subsequent years for the purpose of tax calculation. So it’s best to file returns regularly, because you never know when you may want to claim an adjustment against past losses.
5. Filing returns may prove useful in case of revised returns
In case the assesse hasn’t filed the original return, he cannot subsequently file a revised return, even when he really needs to. Under the Income Tax Act, non-filing of returns can attract a penalty of Rs 5,000. So while filing returns is a voluntary activity, there are times when it could hold legal implications for those who do not do so, especially if they must file a revised return in future.
What are the Advantages of filing Income tax return?
1. Prompt processing
The acknowledgment of Income Tax Return (ITR) is quick. More importantly, refunds, if any, are processed faster than paper-filed returns.
2. Better accuracy
E-filing software with built-in validations and electronic connectivity is seamless and minimizes errors considerably. Paper-filings can be prone to errors. Also, when any paper-based form is migrated to the electronic system, there is a possibility of human error in data entry.
3. Convenience
No time and place constraint in filing returns online. E-filing facility is available 24/7 and you can file anytime, anywhere at your convenience.
4. Confidentiality
Better security than paper filings since your data is not accessible to anyone either by design or by chance. With paper filings details of your income can fall in the wrong hands at your chartered accountant’s office or in the Income Tax Department’s office.
5. Accessibility to past data
You can easily access past data while filing returns. Most e-filing applications store data in a secure manner and allow for easy access at the time of filing subsequent returns.
6. Proof of receipt
You get prompt confirmation of filing, both at time of filing and subsequently, via email on your registered email id
7. Ease of use
E-filing is friendly and the detailed instructions make it easy even for individuals not very conversant with the internet
8. Electronic banking
Convenience of direct deposit for refund and direct debit for tax payments. You have the option to file now, pay later – decide what day to debit your bank account for tax payment, among other convenience features.
Click Here for Income Tax Calculator
Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
2. What precautions should be taken while filing ITR?
Never file your return hurriedly at the last hour: Filing your return at the last minute is troublesome. Instead, file your return at least a month or so ahead of the due date which mostly happens to be 31st of July every year, unless the government extends the date. Filing your returns at the last minute increases your chances of making mistakes and you may get notice from the tax authorities for a silly technical detail that you oversaw.
Get your math right: It is important to get your figures calculated right so that you do not end up having to pay excess tax. Prior to this, you will have to get all your papers such as your Form 26AS your bank statements, tax deducted at source (TDS) certificates neatly arranged so you do not arrive at any wrong figures on how much taxable income you have to pay. To reduce the chances of error as well as to claim a refund, it is better you go for e-filing of your returns preferably through a tax conversant professional.
Report all your sources of income: You should disclose all your sources of income. This is irrespective of whether this income is obtained through active or passive means such as interest on fixed deposits. Any attempt to hide your sources of income could land you in a legal soup and you could be tarnished as a tax evader.
3. What is Form 26AS?
Form 26AS is a document containing particulars of various taxes deducted from your income by various entities such as your bank, your employer or even your insurance agency. It is a consolidated credit statement issued at the end of every financial year under Section 203AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
It also furnishes information on how much advance tax or self-assessment tax you have paid during the year. Tax collected at source details as well as any refunds due are also visible in Form 26 AS. Every tax payer must cross check his Form 26 AS so that he/she is able to match the tax deducted with any taxes paid by them during the financial year. This can help rectify errors caused by wrong permanent account numbers, faulty TDS receipts and so on.
You can obtain a copy of your current financial year’s Form 26AS by visiting the income tax website and logging in by inserting your PAN and e filing password. Once you are in the Income Tax department’s e-filing website, which is https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in, click on View Form 26 AS(Tax Credit) under My Account or Quick Links sections. A new window will open where you can download the relevant assessment year 26AS from the TDS-CPC website.
The first thing to keep in mind before claiming your refund for excess tax paid is to know that there is a deadline for doing so. One condition stipulated for claiming the refund is that you have to file your returnof the respective assessment year within the stipulated time to claim the refund. Assessment year is the financial year (FY) following one financial year.
A refund is due only when you have proof to show that you paid more than your liability. This usually happens when the advance tax or self-assessment tax is more than the tax you are required to pay or when the tax deducted at source is more that your total tax liability.
After you file your returns and assuming you have input the correct contact information, the tax authorities send you a message or email informing you that your tax to be paid matches that of the tax department, or that there is a mismatch, in which case a demand is raised for you to cover the shortfall, or you get only a partial refund, or your refund is accepted in full.
What amount of refund you are eligible for is calculated automatically once you fill all the details in the ITR form. Thereafter, you just need to click on the Taxes Paid and Verification button. The refund due is reflected in the Refund Row according to the information submitted.
While any one having a valid PAN is eligible to file IT return even if their income is below exemption limit, it is mandatory for companies and firms to file ITR.
Individuals whose taxable income exceeds the maximum amount not chargeable to tax are eligible for income tax return. The basic exemption limit for FY 2019-20 is Rs 3 lakh for senior citizens (aged between 60 and 80 years), Rs 5 lakh for super senior citizens (aged 80 years or more), and Rs 2.5 lakh for others.
Those looking to claiming a tax refund or availing a loan, Indian residents acting as a signing authority for any foreign account, Indian residents possessing an asset or financial interest located outside India are eligible to file ITR.
NRIs whose total annual gross income earned or accrued in India exceeds Rs2,50,000 are also eligible to file ITR.
Verification of income tax return is required after filing your income tax returns. While it was earlier mandatory to send the physical copy of ITR-V duly signed to the IT department in Bengaluru within 120 days of e-filing ITR, it can now be done through a quick online process called e-verification.
ITRs are e-verified by generating an Electronic Verification Code (EVC), a 10-digit alphanumeric code which is unique to a PAN (permanent account number). Only one online income tax return can be verified on one EVC code. If you have e-verified your ITR via EVC, you don’t have to send the physical ITR-V to the CPC Centre in Bengaluru.
E-verification can be done through Net Banking, Aadhar Card OTP or the government’s e-filing portal.
Disclaimer:
The above article is basis our understanding of the current tax laws and the person should consult his tax consultant and should not act on the basis of above only
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Investors are always looking for investment options to park money for a while, until they need it. Their go-to option is the regular savings bank account. But there are plenty more short-term options for investors.
Any investment option which is less than 5 years is considered as a short term investment. Short term goals are set to achieve unavoidable things that are going to occur in the near future. For e.g. your kid is currently 16 years of age and after 2 years he/she will need cash for graduation. Buying your kid a motorbike when he graduates or a luxury car for your family 3 years down the line, these are all short term goals that require short term investments. Few of them you can postpone and few of them you can’t. To achieve definite goals in the near future, you must not take any risk and be specific about your decisions.
Investors with short-term money have two primary objectives:
The typical investment tenure for best short term investment plans is less than 12 months.
Short Term Investment options for such investors:
| Sr No. | Short Term Investment Options | Ideal For |
| 1 | Savings accounts | Better liquidity (4%-7% returns) |
| 2 | Liquid funds | People looking for secure investments (4%-7% returns) |
| 3 | Short term funds | At par with Liquid funds |
| 4 | Recurring deposits | People who want to invest on a monthly basis |
| 5 | NSC | People with long term goals |
| 6 | Arbitrage funds | If held for more than year 8% interest |
| 7 | Fixed maturity plans | Similar to FDs with a lock in period of 3 years |
Following are some short term investment options:
One of the easiest and safest way to access your money is by having a savings account. The main motive here is liquidity, not that much on earning though. Banks provide not more than 4% to 7% return from savings accounts.
These are kind of mutual funds that invest in short term government certificates and securities of deposits. You can enter and exit at any given time as these investments are secure. Try restricting throwing in your emergency funds in these, as the redemption takes around 2 days. One can expect around 4%-7% post tax return on liquid fund investment.
Investors can consider liquid funds to park money for a period as little as one day to as much as 90 days or even higher. Liquid funds invest in money market investments like call money among others. It is rare for liquid funds to see a dip in their net asset values (NAV).
Investors can opt for the dividend option or the growth option. Dividend is taxed at nearly 30%. Capital gains are added to income and taxed at marginal income tax rate(rate of taxation). From a taxation point of view investors in the lower tax brackets are better off opting for the growth option while investors in the highest tax bracket can choose either option.
Short term funds invest in securities that mature in 1-3 years. These funds are a little risky as the maturity of securities are more than ultra-short term and liquid funds. Taxation is the same as any other debt funds.
Banks offer deposits of varying time frames beginning with a minimum of 7 days. So an investor looking to park money for even a week can choose a fixed deposit with a matching tenure.
The interest on the deposit is added to income and taxed at the marginal rate of taxation.
While liquid funds are suitable for investment tenures of a few days, short-term mutual funds are ideal for tenures running into a few months. Like liquid funds, short-term debt funds are managed conservatively with the explicit aim of safeguarding capital and posting modest capital appreciation.
From a tax perspective short-term mutual funds are at par with liquid funds.
This a type of secured investment and is suitable to those who don’t want to invest in a lump sum and rather invest on a monthly basis. You can either use Postal RD or Bank RD, generally bank offers RD for a minimum tenure of 6 months to a maximum of 10 years. Also, the interest received on RD is taxable.
One can also invest in 5 years Postal NSC, if only you’re sure that the goal is at exactly 5 years from today. You can claim tax deduction under Section 80C of Income Tax Act, but the interest will be taxable.
Also known as equity mutual funds, arbitrage funds are more tax efficient if held for more than a year. They give approximately 8% of interest post tax.
They have a lock-in period of minimum 3 years and act exactly like your bank FDs. They are more tax efficient though and you can expect better returns than FDs.
So these were the options and they’re laid out in front of you, choose anyone according to their tax benefits and interest earned so that you don’t make any mistake while investing.
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