Income Tax Return is a form which is used to file the income tax with the Income Tax Department. Income tax is a tax imposed by the Central Government on income of a person.
Filing income tax is every citizen’s responsibility. The IT department verifies these declarations of income and if any amount has been paid in excess, the department refunds the amount to the assesses bank account. All entities are required to file the taxes on time to avoid penalty.
The form that contains information of income and tax paid of an assesses is called Income Tax Return. The Income Tax Department of India has various forms for it such as ITR 1, ITR 2, ITR 3, ITR 4S, ITR 5, ITR 6 and ITR 7.
1. Do not wait for the due date to file the IT return.
2. Always collate all the documents needed to file ITR.
3. Pick the correct IT return form. This is important.
To fulfill IT filing in India, the following documents are necessary:
1. Bank statements
2. Proof of investments
3. T.D.S. Certificates in Form 16 or 16A as applicable
4. Documents on purchase and sale of investments/assets
5. Challan of tax paid such as advance tax or self-assessment tax
6. If PAN is applied but not received, a copy of filed PAN application and its acknowledgment
7. In case not applied for PAN, a PAN application form duly filled in and two passport size photographs
8. For businesses - a copy each of the audit report, balance sheet, trading, profit and loss account, personal account of proprietor or partners
9. Statement of receipts and payments when no regular books are maintained
10 Receipts of payment of insurance premium, provident purchase of NSCs, new equity shares, mutual fund, NSS, donations, etc. to support claimed deductions
The advantages of filing for IT returns are:
1. Loans: Bank loans like education loans, vehicle loans, personal loans, can be availed easily as they require last three year’s IT returns.
2. Visa: As Immigration centres scrutinize many documents and IT returns proofs is a mandatory document for visa applicants.
3. Avoid penalties: Hefty amounts would be charged for non-filing of income tax returns and hence it is always better to file it to avoid legal repercussions.
July 31: A firm or individuals who are not liable for audit.
September 30: A company or other who is liable to audit.
March 31: All individuals and companies filing belated returns.
As per the Income Tax Department the entities required to file IT returns annually are:
Every company, be it Private limited, LLP or partnership irrespective of the income or loss must file IT returns.
Individuals enjoying income from mutual funds, bonds, stocks, fixed deposits, income from interest, house property,etc.
Individuals receiving income from property under charitable trusts, religious trusts or income from voluntary contributions.
Individuals or companies who want to claim tax refunds.
Salaried persons whose gross income before deductions under section 80C to 80U exceeding the exemption limit.
All individuals with foreign income, foreign assets, NRI’s and tech professionals on onsite deputation.
People who have opted for one job from another are also eligible.
For business tax return filing:
The IT Department of India has rules for all businesses operating throughout the country to file income taxes each and every year. If need be, TDS return can also be filed and advance taxes can be paid to ensure that the business complies with the IT rules and regulations.
Proprietorship Tax Return Filing
A proprietorship firm is run by a single person called the proprietor. Proprietorship is not a separate legal entity, that is, both the proprietor (business owner) and the business are the same. Due to this, ITR filing for proprietorship is the same as that of the proprietor.
Proprietors are required to file IT returns year after year. The procedure is no different from that of individual income tax filing.
Requirements for filing proprietorship tax returns
Proprietors within 60 years of age and whose income exceeds Rs.2.5 lakhs are required to file proprietorship tax returns. Proprietors above 60 years but less than 80 years of age and whose total income exceeds Rs 3 lakhs are eligible.
Proprietors above 80 years must file their IT returns if their total income exceeds Rs 5 lakhs.
Partnership Firm Tax Return Filing
As per the Income Tax Act, all partnership firms are treated as separate legal entities and are applicable for tax rates that are on par with LLP’s and companies registered in India.
Requirement for filing partnership firm tax return
Irrespective of income or loss, partnership firms are required to do IT filing. If the firm has been commercially inactive with no registered income, a NIL income tax return should be filed within the stipulated date.
LLP Tax Return Filing
All LLPs or Limited Liability Partnerships are considered separate legal entities and their income tax rate is similar to that of all companies registered in India. The Income Tax Act declares that all LLP’s must file their tax returns irrespective of the loss or gain they have incurred in that year. If the LLP has seen no business activity or registered income, then a NIL income tax must be promptly filed.
Company Tax Return Filing
All types of business structures like Private Limited Company, Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership company, One Person Company are registered under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. All such companies are mandatorily required to file IT returns as prescribed by the Income Tax Act.
Requirement for filing company tax returns
Any company that is registered with the Government of India and operating on Indian soil is required to submit its filed IT returns. This is equally applicable for those companies that have been dormant with no business transactions and no registered income or expenses.
Can I file income tax returns for years I missed?
Yes. You can file delayed IT returns for all the years lapsed so far.
If I have paid excess tax, how will it be refunded to me?
You can claim for refund of your excess tax amount while filing your IT Return. Your refund will be credited into your specified bank account via ECS transfer. Please check that no mistakes are made while mentioning your bank details (IFSC code, account number etc) on the ITR form.
Is it necessary to file a return of income when I don’t have any positive income?
It’s necessary for you to file a return in time even if you do not have any positive income. If you have incurred a loss in any financial year, you may want to carry it forward for adjusting with the positive income in the subsequent years. This will be allowed only if you file your IT return on time, with a mention of the loss incurred.