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What is Income Tax Return

What is Income Tax Return?

An Income Tax Return (ITR) is a form that taxpayers file with the government to report their income and to calculate the amount of tax they owe. An individual, a partnership, a company, or any other entity that generates income during a given year is required to file an income tax return with the tax authorities of the respective country.

The income tax return typically includes information about the taxpayer's income, deductions, and tax credits. The tax authorities use this information to determine the taxpayer's taxable income, the amount of tax owed, and any refunds due.

Benefits of Filling Income Tax Returns

Filling Income Tax Returns offer several benefits. Some of them are: -

Compliance with the law

Filing income tax returns is mandatory for individuals and businesses in India that have earned taxable income during the year. By filing your returns, you comply with the law and avoid penalties and legal consequences.

Claiming tax refunds

If you have paid more taxes than you owe, you may be eligible for a tax refund. Filing your return is necessary to claim these refunds.

Proof of income

Income tax returns serve as proof of income for individuals and businesses. This can be useful when applying for loans, visas, or other financial products.

Visa processing

Many countries require visa applicants to provide income tax returns as a part of the visa application process. Filing your income tax return can help in the smooth processing of your visa application.

Establishing financial credibility

Consistent filing of income tax returns helps establish financial credibility and can be helpful in obtaining loans or credit cards in the future.

Access to tax-saving options

Filing income tax returns is necessary to take advantage of various tax-saving options, such as deductions and exemptions. These options can help reduce your taxable income and save you money on taxes.

Types of Income Tax Returns

There are different types of income tax returns that taxpayers can file, depending on their sources of income and other factors. Here are some of the most common types of income tax returns:

ITR 1 (SAHAJ)

This is the simplest tax return form, also known as SAHAJ. It is applicable for individuals having income from salary or pension, house property, and other sources like interest, etc.

ITR 2

This form is for individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who have income from multiple sources, including salary, capital gains, rental income, or foreign assets.

ITR 3

This form is for individuals and HUFs who are partners in a partnership firm or are self-employed professionals.

ITR 4 (SUGAM)

This form is for individuals, HUFs, and firms (other than LLP) having a total income of up to Rs 50 lakh and income from business and profession computed under the presumptive taxation scheme.

ITR 5

This form is for LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships), Association of Persons (AOPs), Body of Individuals (BOIs), and other entities that are not companies or trusts.

ITR 6

This form is for companies that do not claim exemption under Section 11 of the Income Tax Act.

ITR 7

This form is for trusts, political parties, institutions, and other entities that are eligible for tax exemption under Section 139(4A), Section 139(4B), Section 139(4C), or Section 139(4D) of the Income Tax Act.

Documents required for ITR Filling

If you are an employee: -

Copy of PAN Card

Copy of Aadhaar Card

Form 16 provided by the employer

Investment Proofs

Asset purchase/sale documents

TDS certificates provided by banks

Interest income statement

Loan Interest Certificate.

Any other investment/Deduction Proof

In the case of business/company: -

Copy of Pan card of the business

Copy of Bank statement

Profit and Loss Account

Who Should File an Income Tax Return?

According to the Income Tax Department, the following entities are required to file yearly IT returns: -

  • Salaried individuals with gross income exceeding the exemption level before deductions under Sections 80C to 80U.
  • Regardless of profit or loss, every firm, whether private limited, LLP, or partnership, is required to file IT return.
  • Individuals who are Directors in a Private Limited Company or a Partner in a Limited Liability Partnership firm.
  • Individuals who earn dividends from mutual funds, bonds, equities, fixed deposits, interest, and other sources.
  • Individuals that receive income through charity or religious trusts, as well as income from voluntary contributions.
  • Individuals and businesses seeking tax refunds.
  • NRIs and tech professionals on onsite deputation, as well as anyone with foreign income or assets.

The due date for Filling Income Tax Returns

  • Individuals (other than those who require tax audit): July 31 of the assessment year (e.g., for the financial year 2023-24, the due date is July 31, 2024).
  • Businesses (requiring tax audit): The due date for filing income tax returns is October 31, 2024.
  • For Businesses requiring transfer pricing reports: The due date for filing income tax returns is November 30, 2024.
  • For Revised Return: The due date for filing revised returns is December 31, 2024.
  • For Belated/Late Return: The due date for filing belated or late returns is December 31, 2024.

Consequences of not filing an income tax return

Not filing an income tax return can have several consequences, including: -

Penalty and interest on unpaid taxes:

If you do not file your income tax return on time, you may be subject to a penalty of Rs 5,000. If you file your return after December 31 of the assessment year, the penalty amount may increase to Rs 10,000. Additionally, you may be liable to pay interest on any unpaid taxes.

Inability to carry forward losses:

If you have incurred losses in a financial year and do not file your income tax return on time, you may not be able to carry forward those losses to subsequent years. This can result in higher tax liabilities in the future.

Inability to claim refunds:

If you have paid more tax than you owe and do not file your income tax return on time, you may not be able to claim a refund. This can result in a loss of money that you could have received from the government.

Difficulty in obtaining loans and credit cards:

If you do not file your income tax return on time, it can affect your credit score, which can make it difficult for you to obtain loans and credit cards in the future.

Legal consequences such as prosecution and imprisonment in some cases:

If you fail to file your income tax return despite repeated reminders and notices from the Income Tax Department, you may face legal consequences such as prosecution and imprisonment in some cases.

Frequently ask question

What is an income tax return (ITR)?

An income tax return (ITR) is a form used to file the details of your income earned during a financial year and the tax paid on it to the Income Tax Department.

Who needs to file an income tax return?

Individuals and entities that have earned income exceeding the basic exemption limit before deductions under various sections of the Income Tax Act, NRIs, and companies, irrespective of profit or loss, are required to file an income tax return.

What is the due date for filing ITR?

Usually, the due date to file an income tax return is 31st July for individuals and non-audit cases, and 31st October for audit cases of the relevant assessment.

Can I file my income tax return after the due date?

Yes, you can file your income tax return after the due date by paying a late fee.

What is Form 26AS, and why is it required for filing an income tax return?

Form 26AS is a consolidated tax statement that shows the tax deducted at source (TDS) on your income by your employer, banks, or other sources. It is required for filing an income tax return as it helps in verifying the accuracy of tax credits and reduces the possibility of errors.

Is it mandatory to file an income tax return if my income is below the basic exemption limit?

If your income is below the basic exemption limit, you are not required to file an income tax return. However, if you have any tax deducted at source (TDS) or want to claim a refund, you need to file an income tax return.

Should I attach any documents along with the ITR forms?

Technically an income tax return form should not be attached to any other documents. However, you should provide these documents in proper order in case of any inquiry.

Can I revise my income tax return after filing it?

Yes, you can revise your income tax return within a specified time frame if you have made any errors or omitted any information. The revised return must be filed within the end of the relevant assessment year or before the completion of the assessment, whichever is earlier.

What are the consequences of not filing an income tax return?

Not filing an income tax return can have several consequences, such as:

  • - Penalty and interest on unpaid taxes
  • - Inability to carry forward losses
  • - Inability to claim refunds
  • - Difficulty in obtaining loans and credit cards
  • - Legal consequences such as prosecution and imprisonment in some cases.
  • Can I e-file my income tax return without a digital signature?

    Yes, you can e-file your income tax return without a digital signature. In such cases, you will have to verify your income tax return within 120 days of e-filing. The verification can be done online or offline.

    Can I claim a tax refund if I have paid more tax than I owe?

    Yes, if you have paid more tax than you owe, you can claim a refund by filing an income tax return. The refund will be credited to your bank account.

    How Mylegalbusiness.com can help us with ITR Filling?

    We at Mylegalbusiness.com are committed to provide our clients with personalized and efficient services. By using the platform, you can save time and effort while ensuring that your tax affairs are in order. With the help of our team of experts, you can minimize your tax liabilities, maximize your tax benefits, and avoid any penalties or legal consequences.