ITR filing is the process of declaring your income, expenses, and tax payments to the government. The Income Tax Department of India requires individuals and legal entities i.e. companies HUFs, LLPs, MSMEs, Startup, OPC and Sole Proprietors as well to file returns annually. Filling out an income tax return does not always mean paying income tax. One only must pay the tax if as per the ITR the income is under the taxable slab. Thus, the process helps the government assess and collect taxes and ensures that taxpayers pay the correct amount of tax.
ITR is filled via a form, which is based on the taxpayer’s category, such as individuals, companies, or partnership firms, and the nature of income, such as salary, business income, or capital gains. Based on the person, type of company, and nature and turnover of business the income tax department has rolled out forms suitable to each category.
Essentials of ITR Filing
Determining the Eligibility: As mentioned above Not everyone is required to file an ITR or pay income tax. The requirement to file depends on the income threshold set by the government, which may change annually. For the financial year 2023-2024, individuals below 60 years of age with income exceeding ₹2.5 lakh must file an ITR.
Choose the Correct ITR Form: Selecting the appropriate form is crucial. Forms vary based on the source of income, residential status, and other factors. Using the wrong form can lead to rejections or errors.
Maintaining Accurate Records throughout the year: you are supposed to maintain detailed records of all income sources, expenses, investments, and the applicable deductions.
Deductions are a form of subsidy given by the government by virtue of which you can save on income tax. For example- investing in certain government schemes saves that amount of your income from being taxed as it is deducted. Thus, Accurate record-keeping simplifies the filing process and ensures compliance.
On-time filing the Due Date**: The due date for filing ITR for individuals is typically July 31st of the assessment year. Filing on time avoids penalties and interest on taxes due.
Verify the ITR: the last step of ITR filling is verification. After filing, one has to verify the ITR either electronically or by sending a signed physical copy to the Income Tax Department. Unverified returns are considered incomplete.
Documents Required for ITR Filing
PAN Card: Your Permanent Account Number (PAN) is essential for filing ITR.
Aadhaar Card: Linking your Aadhaar with PAN is mandatory.
Form 16/16A: Provided by employers, this form contains details of salary income and tax deducted at source (TDS).
Form 26AS: This consolidated tax statement includes details of all taxes deducted, paid, or refunded during the financial year.
Bank Statements: Statements from all your bank accounts help in reporting interest income and other financial transactions.
Investment Proofs: Documents related to investments, such as PPF, NSC, mutual funds, and insurance policies, for claiming deductions.
Rent Receipts: If you claim House Rent Allowance (HRA), keep rent receipts as proof.
Benefits of ITR Filing
Proof of Income: ITR serves as proof of income, which is crucial when applying for loans, scholarships, or visas or opening businesses and claiming social welfare schemes.
Claiming Refunds: If by mistake excess tax has been levied on you then, filing an ITR allows you to claim refunds.
Carrying Forward Losses: You can carry forward losses from business or investments to offset future income, thereby reducing your tax liability.
Loan and Credit Card Applications: Banks and financial institutions require ITRs as proof of income when processing loan and credit card applications.
Compliance and Avoiding Penalties: Filing ITR ensures compliance with tax laws, avoiding penalties and legal issues.
Contribution to Nation Building: Paying taxes and filing returns contribute to the country's development and infrastructure.
Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect Personal Information: Make sure that all your personal details such as name, PAN number, and address are correctly spelled and that there are no clerical or spelling errors. Errors can lead to processing delays or rejections.
Selecting the wrong ITR Form: Choosing the incorrect form for your income type can result in filing errors. Carefully select the form that matches your income sources. Thus, it's always better to get help from experts and avail of their services.
Misreporting the Income: Miss reporting or falsifying all the sources of income, including interest from savings accounts, would result in penalties and fines or legal proceedings against you.
Miscalculating Deductions: Claiming incorrect deductions or not claiming eligible ones can affect your tax liability. Using appropriate calculations and understanding all the deductions that apply to you is very important. To understand the deduction better it is always advised to seek the help of experts.