Tuesday, 26 May 2020

Guide on filing of Income Tax Returns


It is noticed that many persons faced very difficulties as to how they can file income tax return (ITR) in which form. What are the consequences for non filing of ITR. Also recently the procedure of the same has been amended by the department. Hence, I am writing this article which will cover the procedure in depth.

What is Income Tax Return (ITR)
Income Tax Return​ (ITR) is a prescribed form through which the particulars of income earned by a person in a financial year and taxes paid on such income are communicated to the Income-tax Department.

Purpose of Income tax return
tax return is a form(s) filed with a taxing authority that reports income, expenses and other pertinent tax information. Tax returns allow taxpayers to calculate their tax liability, schedule tax payments, or request refunds for the overpayment of taxes. In most countries, tax returns must be filed annually. 

Benefits of filing of income tax return
Income tax return gives you a detailed picture of your total income earned during a year and taxes paid on it. ​​​​Filing of return is also your duty and earns for you the dignity of consciously contributing to the development of the nation. Apart from this, your income-tax returns validate your credit worthiness before financial institutions and make it possible for you to access many financial benefits such as bank credits, etc.​​

Mandatory Filing of Income Tax Return [Section 139(1)]
As per the Income Tax Act, 1961, in any of the following situations, it is mandatory for every person to file an Income Tax Return in India if -
(1) If  gross total income (before allowing any deductions under section 80C to 80U) exceeds the maximum amount which is not chargeable to income-tax (i.e. Rs 2,50,000 in Financial year 2020-21. This limit is Rs 3,00,000 for senior citizens (aged above 60 but less than 80) or Rs 5,00,000 for Super Senior Citizens (aged above 80).
(2) In case of a company or a firm irrespective of whether it has income or loss during the financial year
(3) In case any person want to claim an Income-tax refund
(4) In case want to carry forward a loss under a head of income
(5) Return filing is mandatory if a person is a Resident individual and has an asset or financial interest in an entity located outside of India. (Not applicable to NRIs or RNORs)
(6) If a person is Resident and a signing authority in a foreign account. (Not applicable to NRIs or RNORs)
(7) In case a person is in receipt of income derived from property held under a trust for charitable or religious purposes or a political party or a research association, news agency, educational or medical institution, trade union, a not for profit university or educational institution, a hospital, infrastructure debt fund, any authority, body or trust
(8) In case a foreign company taking treaty benefit on a transaction in India
(9) From Assessment Year 2020-21, following additional categories of person are also required to file Income Tax Returns if the threshold is crossed in Financial year 2020-21, even if they have NIL income or income of less than Rs 2,50,000, Rs. 3,00,000 or Rs. 5,00,000 lakhs as the case may be:   
      (i)       Those who have deposited more than Rs 1 crore in one or more of their bank accounts;
      (ii)      Person who has bought foreign exchange of over Rs 2,00,000 
      (iii)    Person who has paid an electricity bill of more than Rs 1,00,000,
(i)                     
(10) Filing of return of income is mandatory in the following cases:—
(i) RETURN OF INCOME OF CHARITABLE TRUSTS AND INSTITUTIONS [Section  
     139(4A)]
           Section 139(4A) of the Act, provides that every person in receipt of income
Ø  derived from property held under a trust or any other legal obligation wholly or partly for charitable or religious purposes or
Ø  by way of voluntary contributions referred to in section 2(24)(iia)on behalf of such trust or institution
— shall, if its total income of the trust (before allowing exemption under sections 11 and 12) exceeds the maximum amount which is not chargeable to income-tax during the previous are required to furnish a return of such income within the time allowed under section 139(1) in the prescribed Form ITR-7 and verified in the prescribed manner as per the provisions of Section 139(4A).

          (ii) RETURN OF INCOME OF POLITICAL PARTIES [Section 139(4B)]
A political party is required to file a return of income if its total income before claiming any exemption under section 13A exceeds the basic exemption limit.
         (iii) RETURN OF INCOME PERSONS CLAIMING EXEMPTION UNDER SECTION 10  [Section 139(4C)]
The following assessees shall be required to file return of income in Form No. ITR-7 if the total income, without giving effect to the provisions of section 10, exceeds the maximum amount which is not chargeable to income-tax.
(a) Research association referred to in section 10(21).
(b) News agency referred to in section 10(22B).
(c) Association or Institution referred to in section 10(23A).
(d) Institution referred to in section 10(23B).
(e) A University, Hospital or Other Institution referred to in sections 10(23C)(iiiab) and 10(23C)(iiiac) (with effect from assessment year 2016-17).
(f) Mutual Fund referred to in section 10(23D).
(g) Securitization Trust [section 10(23DA)]
(h) Venture capital company or Venture Capital Fund [section 10(23FB)]
(i) Trade Union Association [section 10(24)(a) or (b)]
(j) Body or authority or Board or Trust or Commission [section 10(46)]
(k) Infrastructure Debt Fund [section 10(47)]
v  Such return shall be filed in the same way as if it were a return required to be furnished under section 139(1).

          (iv) RETURN BY UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OR OTHER INSTITUTION [Section 139(4D)]
Every university, college or other institution referred to in section 35(1)(ii) and (iii), shall file the return of income or loss and such return shall be deemed to be a return under section 139(1) of the Income Tax Act.
          (v) RETURN BY BUSINESS TRUST [Section 139(4E)]
With effect from assessment year 2015-16, every business trust, which is not required to furnish return of Income or loss under any other provisions of this section, shall furnish the return of its income in respect of its income or loss in every previous year and all the provisions of the Income Tax Act shall so far as may be, apply as if it were a return required to be furnished under section 139(1).
        (vi) RETURN BY INVESTMENT FUND [Section 139(4F)]
Every investment fund referred to in section 115UB, which is not required to furnish return of income or loss under any other provisions of this section, shall furnish the return of income in respect of its income or loss in every previous year and all the provisions of this Act shall, so far as may be, apply as if it were a return required to be furnished under section 139(1).
      (vii) RETURN OF PERSONS CLAIMING EXEMPTION UNDER SECTION 10(23C)
The following assessees shall be required to file return of income in Form No. 7, if the total income, without giving effect to the provisions of section 10, exceeds the maximum amount not chargeable to tax.
(a) ANY UNIVERSITY OR OTHER INSTITUTION REFERRED TO IN SECTION 10(23C)(iiiab)
With effect from assessment year 2016-17, any University or other educational institution existing solely for educational purposes and not for purposes of profit, and which is wholly or substantially financed by the Government shall be mandatorily required to file their return of income.
(b) ANY HOSPITAL OR OTHER INSTITUTION REFERRED TO IN SECTION 10(23C)(iiiac)
With effect from assessment year 2016-17, any hospital or other institution for the reception and treatment of persons suffering from illness or mental defectiveness or for the reception and treatment of persons convalescence or persons requiring medical attention or rehabilitation, existing solely for philanthropic purposes and not for purposes of profit, and which is wholly or substantially financed by the Government shall be mandatorily required to file their return of income.
(c) FUND OR INSTITUTION REFERRED TO IN SECTION 10(23C)(iv)
i.e. any other fund or institution established for charitable purposes which may be approved by the prescribed authority (i.e. Chief Commissioner or Director General) having regard to the objects of  the fund or institution and its importance throughout India or throughout any State or States; or
(d) TRUST OR INSTITUTION REFERRED TO IN SECTION 10(23C)(v)
i.e. any trust or institution wholly of public religious purposes or wholly for public religious and charitable purposes which may be approved by the prescribed authority.
(e) ANY UNIVERSITY OR OTHER INSTITUTION REFERRED TO IN SECTION 10(23C)(vi)
i.e. any university or other educational institution existing solely for educational purposes and not for the purpose of profit which is not financed wholly or substantially by the Government and the aggregate annual receipt of such institution exceeds one crore.
(f) ANY HOSPITAL OR OTHER MEDICAL INSTITUTION REFERRED TO IN SECTION 10(23C)(via)
i.e. Hospital or other Medical Institution existing solely for philanthropic purposes and not for the purposes of profit and the aggregate annual receipts of such hospital exceeds one crore.

Different modes of filing the return of income
​​​​​The Return Form can be filed with the Income-tax Department in any of the following ways, –
(i)   by furnishing the return in a paper form;
(ii)  by furnishing the return electronically under digital signature;
(iii) by transmitting the data in the return electronically under electronic verification code;
(iv) by transmitting the data in the return electronically and thereafter submitting the verification of the return in Return Form ITR-V;
KEY NOTE
Where the return of income is filed in the manner given at (iv) without digital signature, then the taxpayer should take two printed copies of Form ITR-V. One copy of ITR-V, duly signed by the taxpayer, is to be sent (within the period specified in this regard, i.e., 120 days) by ordinary post or speed post to “Income-tax Department – CPC, Post Bag No. 1, Electronic City Post Office, Bengalore-560100 (Karnataka). The other copy may be retained by the taxpayer for his record.


Who can file ITR manually (i.e. paper returns)
It is mandatory to file the income tax returns online for all the registered taxpayers whose has taxable income. However, paper returns can be filed only if
(a)  ITR is filed by an individual/ HUF; and
(b)  Income during the assessment year is less than Rs. 5,00,000/-; and
(c)  There is no refund claimed in ITR being filed; and
(d)  By those who are above 80 years of age and do not have any income during the financial year from  regular business or profession

Income Tax Returns Form (ITR)
S. No.
ITR
Description
1.
ITR 1
Also known as SAHAJ 
For Individuals being a resident (other than not ordinarily resident) having total income upto Rs. 50,00,000, having Income from Salaries, one house property, other sources (interest etc.), and agricultural income upto Rs. 5,000

[Not for an individual who is eitherDirector in a company or has invested in unlistedequity shares]

2.
ITR 2
For Individuals and HUFs not having income from profits and gains of business or profession

3.
ITR 3
For individuals and HUFs  having income from profits and gains of business or profession

4.
ITR 4
Also known as SUGAM 
For Individuals, HUFs and Firms (other than LLP) being a resident having total income upto Rs. 50 lakh and having income from business and profession which is computed under sections 44AD, 44ADA or 44AE.
[Not for an individual who is either Director in a company or has invested in unlisted equity shares]

5.
ITR 5
For persons other than,- (i) individual, (ii) HUF, (iii) company and (iv) person filing Form ITR-7

6.
ITR 6
For Companies other than companies claiming exemption under section 11

7.
ITR 7
For persons including companies required to furnish return under sections 139(4A) or 139(4B) or 139(4C) or 139(4D) only


ITR V
It is the acknow​ledgement of filing the return of income.


(1)  ITR-1 Form (Also known as SAHAJ)
       Also known as SAHAJ  - For Individuals resident and ordinarily resident (ROR) having total income upto Rs. 50,00,000  from Salaries, one house property, other sources (Interest etc.)
Eligible to File ITR 1 
ITR -1  Form is a simplified one-page form for individuals having income up to Rs 50 lakh from the following sources :
(i)      Income from Salary or Pension
(ii)    Income from One House Property (except in case of losses brought forward from preceding years)
(iii)   Income from Other Sources (excluding winning from Lottery and Income from Race Horses)

 In the case of clubbed Income Tax Returns, where a spouse or a minor is included in the returns, this can be done only if their income is limited to the above specifications.

Not-eligible to file ITR-1 SAHAJ
Individuals who are not eligible to fill the ITR-1 SAHAJ form are those who have earned Income through the following means:
(a) is a Director in a company; or
(b) has held any unlisted equity shares at any time during the previous year; or
(c) has any asset (including financial interest in any entity) located outside India; or
(d) has signing authority in any account located outside India; or
(e) has income from any source outside India.
This ITR – 1 form also cannot be used by an individual who has any income of the following nature during the previous year:-
(a) Profits and gains from business and professions; or
(b) Capital gains; or
(c) Income from more than one house property; or
(d) Income under the head other sources which is of following nature:-
(i) winnings from lottery; or
(ii) activity of owning and maintaining race horses; or
(iii) income taxable at special rates under section 115BBDA or section 115BBE; or
(e) income to be apportioned in accordance with provisions of section 5A; or
(f) agricultural income in excess of ₹5,000.
Further, ITR – 1 form also cannot be used by an individual who has any claims of loss/deductions/relief/tax credit etc. of the following nature:-
(a) any brought forward loss or loss to be carried forward under the head “Income    from house property”; or
(b) loss under the head Income from other sources”; or
(c) any claim of relief under section 90 and/or section 91; or
(d) any claim of deduction under section 57, other than deduction under clause (iia)     thereof (relating to family pension); or

(e) any claim of credit of tax deducted at source in the hands of any other person.

Submission of ITR-1
The form can be submitted either online or offline.
        Online/Electronically
(i)    By transmitting the data electronically and then submitting the verification of the return in the form of ITR-V to CPC, Bengaluru.
(ii)   By filing the return online and e-verifying the ITR – V through net banking/aadhaar 
       OTP/EVC.
In case of Electronic Filing of the form there are two alternatives. Firstly, if a Digital Signature is obtained, the Form is uploaded online. Secondly, the Form is downloaded, printed, signed, and a copy of the acknowledgement is sent by post to the Income Tax Department's office in Bangaluru. within 120 days of e-filing.

ITR V can be verified online using Aadhaar Card or Electronic Verification Code (EVC). The EVC can be generated either via One Time Password sent to email and registered mobile number (if income is less than Rs. 5,00,000) or via Net Banking. After online verification Income Tax Assesses is not required to send ITR V to Bangalore CPC.

Offline (in paper form)
Only the following persons have the option to file the return in paper form
 (i)     An individual at the age of 80 years or more at any time during the previous year
 (ii)   An individual whose income does not exceed Rs 5 lakhs and who has not claimed any              refund  in the return of income

For offline, the return is furnished in a physical paper form. The Income Tax Department will issue you an acknowledgement at the time of submission of your physical paper return.

Annexure-less ITR – 1 Form (SAHAJ)
No document (including TDS certificate) should be attached to ITR – 1 Form.


(2)  ITR- 2 Form
      The ITR-2 is filed by the individuals or HUFs not having income from profit or gains of business or profession and to whom ITR-1 is not applicable. It includes income from capital gains, foreign income or any agricultural income more than Rs 5,000.
Eligible to File ITR 2 
The taxpayers who are eligible for filing ITR-2 form are the persons whose source of income is as mentioned below:
(i)       For Individuals and HUFs not having income from profits and gains of business or profession
(ii)     A resident having any asset located outside India or signing authority in any account.
(iii)    A non-resident or not-ordinary resident.
(iv)   Taxpayers who earn agriculture income above Rs. 5000/-.
(v)     Income from winnings of a lottery, horse race, gambling, etc. under the head of other sources.
(vi)   Both short and long-term capital gains/losses from the sale of property/ investments/ securities. (if there is only long term capital gain exempt under section 10(38) then ITR-1 can be filed)

Not-eligible to file ITR - 2
The taxpayers who do not require to file ITR-2 form are as follow:
(i)      Taxpayers who earn income from business or profession
(ii)   Taxpayers who are eligible for Income Tax Return 1 filing
(iii)   An individual who is designated as a partner in a Partnership Firm


Annexure-less ITR – 2 Form
No document (including TDS certificate) should be attached to ITR – 2 Form.


      Manner of filing Form ITR-2
     ITR – 2 Form can be filed with the Income-tax Department electronically on the e-filing web              portal of Income-tax Department (www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in) and verified in any one of          the following manner –
    (i)    digitally signing the verification part, or
    (ii)   authenticating by way of electronic verification code (EVC), or
   (iii)  by sending duly signed paper Form ITR-V (Acknowledgment) by post to CPC at the following address –
         “Post Bag No. 1, Electronic City Office, Bengaluru- 560500, Karnataka”.
         The Form ITR-V should reach within 120 days from the date of e-filing the return of income.

(3)  ITR- 3 Form
The ITR-3 Form is applicable only to those Individuals and Hindu Undivided Families that can be placed under the following categories
(i)       Is a Partner in a firm
(ii)     Gains Income through ‘Profits or gains of business or profession’
(iii)    Gains Income by means of interest, salary, bonus, commission, remuneration, as a partner

Not-eligible to file ITR - 3
ITR – 3 Form should not be used by an Individual or HUF who is eligible to file ITR-1, ITR-2 or ITR-4. Individuals and Hindu Undivided Families who are not eligible to fill the ITR-3 Form are those who have earned Income through a Business or Profession operated as a Proprietorship firm. Assessees, who apart from being a partner in a firm, also have sources of income from a business or profession, including the speculation market, are also not eligible to file their Income Tax Returns through this form.

Annexure-less ITR – 3 Form
No document (including TDS certificate) should be attached to ITR – 3 Form.

Manner of filing Form ITR - 3
ITR – 3 Form can be filed with the Income-tax Department electronically on the e-filing web portal of Income-tax Department (www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in) and verified in any one of the following manner –
(i)    digitally signing the verification part, or
(ii)   authenticating by way of electronic verification code (EVC), or
(iii) by sending duly signed paper Form ITR-V (Acknowledgment) by post to CPC at the following address –
Post Bag No. 1, Electronic City Office, Bengaluru- 560500, Karnataka”.
The Form ITR-V should reach within 120 days from the date of e-filing the return of income.

KEY NOTE

In a case where accounts are required to be audited under Section 44AB of the Income Tax Act, 1961, it is mandatory to verify the return of income electronically using a digital signature.
In case an assessee is required to furnish a report of audit under Sections 10AA, 44AB, 44DA, 50B, 80-IA, 80-IB, 80-IC, 80-ID, 80JJAA, 80LA, 92E, 115JB or 115JC of the Income Tax Act, the assessee shall file such report electronically at least one month before the due date of filing the return of income.


(4)  ITR- 4 Form (Also known as SUGAM) 
      The ITR - 4 Form is applicable to those individual, Hindu Undivided Families and Firms (other than LLP) being a resident who want to declare their income from Business or Profession under Presumptive Income Scheme of Income Tax under Section 44AD, Section 44ADA and Section 44AE of the Income Tax Act.

      Not-eligible to file ITR – 4 (Sugam) 
 (a)  ITR – 4 (Sugam) Form should not be used by an individual who –
(i)           is a Director in a company; or
(ii)         has held any unlisted equity shares at any time during the previous year; or
(iii)       has any asset (including financial interest in any entity) located outside India; or
(iv)       has signing authority in any account located outside India; or
(v)         has income from any source outside India.
(b) ITR – 4 (Sugam) Form also cannot be used by an individual who has any income of the following nature during the previous year :-
(i)        Profits and gains from business and professions; or
(ii)      Capital gains; or
(iii)    Income from more than one house property; or
(iv)    Income under the head other sources which is of following nature:-
(1)      winnings from lottery; or
(2)      activity of owning and maintaining race horses; or
(3)      income taxable at special rates under section 115BBDA or section 115BBE; or
(v) income to be apportioned in accordance with provisions of section 5A; or
(vi) agricultural income in excess of ₹5,000.
(c) ITR – 4 (Sugam) Form also cannot be used by an individual who has any claims of loss/deductions/relief/tax credit etc. of the following nature:-
(i)        any brought forward loss or loss to be carried forward under the head “Income from house property”; or
(ii)      loss under the head Income from other sources”; or
(iii)    any claim of relief under section 90 and/or section 91; or
(iv)    any claim of deduction under section 57, other than deduction under clause (iia) thereof (relating to family pension); or

(v)      any claim of credit of tax deducted at source in the hands of any other person.

ITR-4 Form (Sugam) is not mandatory
Form ITR-4 Form (Sugam) is a simplified return form to be used by an assessee, at his/her option, if the assessee is eligible to declare profits and gains from business and profession on presumptive basis under section 44AD, 44ADA or 44AE.


However, in case the assessee keeps and maintains all books of accounts and other documents referred to in section 44AA, and also gets his/her accounts audited and obtains an audit report as per section 44AB, filling up the Form ITR-4 (Sugam) is not mandatory. In such a case, other regular ITR forms viz. ITR-3 or ITR-5, as applicable, should be used and not this Form.
Annexure-less ITR – 4 Form

No document (including TDS certificate) should be attached to ITR – 4 Form.

     Manner of filing Form ITR-4 (Sugam)
    ITR – 4 (Sugam) Form can be filed with the Income-tax Department in any of the following ways:-
  (A) Electronically on the e-filing web portal of Income-tax Department                               (www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in) and verified in any one of the following manner –
(i) digitally signing the verification part, or
(ii) authenticating by way of electronic verification code (EVC), or
(iii) by sending duly signed paper Form ITR-V (Acknowledgment) by post to CPC at the                     following address –
Post Bag No. 1, Electronic City Office, Bengaluru- 560500, Karnataka”.
The Form ITR-V should reach within 120 days from the date of e-filing the return of income.

     (B) In paper form, at the designated offices of Income-tax Department, along with duly signed           Form ITR-V. This mode of furnishing return of income is permissible only in case of super           senior citizens (i.e. an individual of the age of 80 years or more at any time during the previous year).


(5)  ITR- 5 Form
For persons other than,- (i) individual, (ii) HUF, (iii) company and (iv) person filing Form ITR-7. 

Eligible to File ITR 5
Form​ ITR – 5 can be used by a person being
(i)              Partnership Firm,
(ii)            Limited Liability Partnership (LLP),
(iii)          Association of Persons (AOP),
(iv)          Body of Individuals (BOI),
(v)            Artificial Juridical Person (AJP) referred to in section 2(31)(vii),
(vi)          local authority referred to in section 2(31)(vi),
(vii)        Cooperative society,
(viii)      Society registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860 or under any other law of any State,
(ix)          Trust other than trusts eligible to file Form ITR-7,
(x)            Estate of deceased person,
(xi)          Estate of an insolvent,

(xii)        Business trust referred to in section 139(4E) and investments fund referred to in section 139(4F).

Not-eligible to file ITR - 5
​​​​​​     Form ITR – 5 cannot be used by, a person who is required to file the return of income under section 139(4A) or 139(4B) or 139(4C) or​139(​4D).  This ITR - 5 Form should also not be used by an Individual, HUF, Company and person filing ITR-7.

Annexure-less ITR – 5 Form

No document (including TDS certificate) should be attached to ITR - 5 Form.

Manner of filing Form ITR-5
ITR – 5 Form can be filed with the Income-tax Department electronically on the e-filing web portal of Income-tax Department (www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in) and verified in any one of the following manner –
(i)   digitally signing the verification part, or
(ii)  authenticating by way of electronic verification code (EVC), or
(iii) by sending duly signed paper Form ITR-V (Acknowledgment) by post to CPC at the following address –
Post Bag No. 1, Electronic City Office, Bengaluru- 560500, Karnataka”.

The Form ITR-V should reach within 120 days from the date of e-filing the return of income.

KEY NOTE
In a case where accounts are required to be audited under section 44AB of the Income Tax Act, 1961, it is mandatory to verify the return of income electronically using a digital signature.

In case an assessee is required to furnish a report of audit under Sections 10AA, 44AB, 44DA, 50B, 80-IA, 80-IB, 80-IC, 80-ID, 80JJAA, 80LA, 92E, 115JB or 115JC of the Income Tax Act, the assessee shall file such report electronically at least one month before the due date of filing the return of income.

(6)  ITR- 6 Form
       ​​​​​​​​Form ITR – 6 can be used by a company, other than a company claiming exemption under section 11 (charitable/religious trust can claim exemption under section 11​).
Not-eligible to file ITR - 6
​​​​​​​​​​​Form ITR - 6 cannot be used by a company claiming exemption under section 11​ (charitable/religious trust can claim exemption under section 11).​

Annexure-less ITR – 6 Form

No document (including TDS certificate) should be attached to this ITR Form.

Manner of filing Form ITR-6
ITR – 6 Form can be filed with the Income-tax Department electronically on the e-filing web portal of Income-tax Department (www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in) and verified by using a digital signature only.


In case the Company is required to furnish a report of audit under Sections 10AA, 44AB, 44DA, 50B, 80-IA, 80-IB, 80-IC, 80-ID, 80JJAA, 80LA, 92E, 115JB or 115JC of the Income Tax Act, the Company shall file such report electronically at least one month before the due date of filing the return of income.


(7)  ITR- 7 Form
(A)  Form ITR-7 can be used by persons who are required to furnish return under section   
       139(4A) or, section 139(4B) or 139(4C) or section 139(4D) only.

Eligible to File ITR 7 
​​​​​​​​Form I​TR – 7 can be used by persons including companies who are required to furnish return under section 139(4A) or section 139(4B)​ or section 139(4C) or section 139(4D) ​ or section 139(4D) only.

(1)     EARN FROM A CHARITABLE /RELIGIOUS TRUST
             Return under section 139(4A) is required to be filed by every person in receipt of income                     derived from property held under trust or other legal obligation wholly for charitable or                       religious purposes or in part only for such purposes.

(2)     UNDER SECTION 139 (4B)- IF THEY EARN FROM A POLITICAL PARTY
Return under section 139(4B) is required to be filed by a political party if the total income without giving effect to the provisions of section 139A exceeds the maximum amount which is not chargeable to income-tax.

(3)     EARN FROM SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS
Return under section 139(4C) is required to be filed by every
(i)          scientific research association ;
(ii)        news agency ;
(iii)       association or institution referred to in section 10(23A);
(iv)      institution referred to in section 10(23B);
(v)        fund or institution or university or other educational institution or any hospital or other medical institution.


      Return of income [With effect from 2016-17]
     By virtue of section 139(4C) every educational institution referred to in section 10(23C)(iiiab) or section 10(23C)(iiiad) or section 10(23C)(vi) whose total income in respect of which such institution is assessablewithout giving effect to the provisions of section 10, exceeds the maximum amount which is not chargeable to income-tax, furnish a return of such income of the previous year in the prescribed form.

      Mandatorily required to furnish a return of income [Section 139(4C)]
      With effect from assessment year 2018-19, any person as referred to in section 10(23AAA) shall be mandatorily required to furnish a return of income.


(4)     EARN FROM UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGES OR INSTITUTIONS OR KHADI AND VILLAGE INDUSTRIES
Return under section 139(4D) is required to be filed by every university, college or other institution, which is not required to furnish return of income or loss under any other provision of this section.

      

(B) The category of persons whose income is unconditionally exempt under various clauses of section 10, and who are not mandatorily required to furnish their return of income under the provisions of section 139, may use this form for filing return. A list of such persons is given below:-


S. No.
Category of persons
     Exempt under Section
(i) 
 Local authority

10(20)
(ii)
  Regimental Fund or Non-public Fund established by the Armed forces of the Union
10(23AA)
(iii)
Fund, by whatever name called, set up by 
the Life lnsurance Corporation (LIC) of India
 on or after 1st August, 1996, or by any other insurer
10(23AAB)
(iv)
Authority (whether known as the Khadi 
and Village Industries Board or by any other name)
10(23BB)
(v)
Body or Authority

10(23BBA)
(vi)
SAARC Fund for Regional Projects set up by Colombo Declaration

           10(23BBC)
(vii)
      lnsurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA)

10(23BBE)
(viii)
Central Electricity Regulatory Commission

10(23BBG)
(ix)
Prasar Bharati

10(23BBH)
(x)
Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund

10(23C)(i)
(xi)
Prime Minister’s Fund (Promotion of Folk Art)

10(23C)(ii)
(xii)
Prime Minister’s Aid to Students Fund

10(23C)(iii)
(xiii)
National Foundation for Communal Harmony

10(23C)(iiia)
(xiv)
Swachh Bharat Kosh

10(23C)(iiiaa)
(xv)
Clean Ganga Fund

10(23C)(iiiaaa)
(xvi)
Provident fund to which the Provident Funds Act, 1925 applies

10(25)(i)
(xvii)
Recognized Provident Fund

10(25)(ii)
(xviii)
Approved Superannuation Funds

10(25)(iii)
(xix)
Approved Gratuity Fund

10(25)(iv)
(xx)
    Other funds referred to in sub-clause (v) of section 10(25)

10(25)(v)
(xxi)
Employees’ State Insurance Fund

10(25A)
(xxii)
Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee

10(26AAB)
(xxiii)
Corporation, body, institution or association 
established for promoting interests of members
 of Scheduled Castes or ScheduIed Tribes or
 backward classes
10(26B)
(xxiv)
Corporation established for promoting interests
of members of a minority community
10(26BB)
(xxv)
Corporation established for welfare and
 economic upliftment of ex-servicemen
10(26BBB)
(xxvi)
New Pension System (NPS) Trust

10(44)


      

Form ITR-7 is to be furnished electronically in the following modes
This Return Form can be filed with the Income Tax Department in any of the following ways:—
(i)   by furnishing the return electrically under digital signature,
(ii)  by transmitting the data in the return electronically under electronic verification code,
(iii) by transmitting the data in the return electronically and thereafter submitting the verification of the return in Return Form ITR-V.

Annexure-less ITR - 7 Form
No document (including TDS certificate) should be attached to this ITR Form.



Compulsory e-filing of return of income (without digital signature) [Proviso to Rule 12(2)]
The assessee who is required to furnish a report of audit specified under sections 10(23C)(iv), 10(23C)(v), 10(23C)(vi), 10(23C)(via) and 12A(i)(b) or to give a notice under section 11(2)(a) is liable to file the return of income (alongwith audit report) electronically.

Filing of return by unregistered organisations
Charitable/Religious Organisations, which are not registered under section 11 or under section 10(23C) of the Income Tax Act and do not enjoy any exemption on their income. Hence, they are liable to file the return if the voluntary contribution received by them or their income exceeds the maximum amount which is not chargeable to income-tax in any previous year. Such organisations should file their income-tax return in ITR-7.

Not-eligible to file ITR - 7
​​​​​​​​​​​​Form ITR – 7 cannot be used by a person who is not required to furnish return under section 139(4A) or section 139(4B)​ or section 139(4C) or section 139(4D) (i.e., trusts, political party, institutions, colleges). ​This ITR – 7 Form should also not be used by a Company required to file return of income in ITR-6.

ITR Form NRIs need to furnish income tax return
A non-resident or a person not ordinarily resident in India, earning income in the form of salary and interest, is required to furnish return of income in ITR-2 form.

ITR Form NRIs need to furnish income tax return
A non-resident Indian (NRI) is required to furnish his return of income if the aforesaid income exceeds the maximum exemption limit, i.e., Rs. 2,50,000 (for Financial year 2020-21). This limit shall be considered without giving effect to the provisions of section 10(38), 10A, 10B, 10BA or deduction available under sections 80C to 80U. He can furnish his return of income in Form ITR -2 or ITR-3, depending on the nature of income. A NRI cannot file return of income in Form ITR-1. ITR-1 form can only be used by an individual who is resident in India.

If a NRI has income from business or profession then return is required to be filed in Form ITR-3. In all other cases, ITR-2 can be used to file return of income. In case the NRI has opted for presumptive taxation scheme, return has to be filed in ITR-3 only, up to Assessment Year 2018-19, an option to file return in ITR-4 was available to NRI who opted for presumptive taxation scheme. However, same is withdrawn w.e.f, Assessment Year 2019-20. 
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has also exempted certain class of NRIs from the mandatory requirement of furnishing of ITRs. In case of a NRI, furnishing of ITR isn’t required if such NRI has any of the following incomes on which TDS has been deducted and prescribed conditions have been fulfilled: 
(i)              Investment income derived from a foreign exchange asset
(ii)            Long-term capital gains form such foreign exchange asset
(iii)       Income from participation in any game or sport in India (other than the winnings from lotteries, etc., as referred to under Section 115BB)
(iv)            Advertisement Income
(v)             Income from contribution of articles relating to any game or sport in India in any newspapers, journals or magazines 
(vi)             Any income received or receivable for performance as an entertainer in India
(vii)           Income by way of Interest on bonds as referred to in Section 115AC
(viii)         Income by way of dividend, other than those as referred to in Section 115-O, on Global Depository Receipts as referred to in Section 115AC.
(ix)             Income by way of dividend, other than those as referred to in Section 115-O
(x)             Interest received from Government or Indian concern on monies borrowed or debt incurred by Government or Indian concern in foreign currency
(xi)             Interest received from an Infrastructure Debt Fund as referred to in Section 10(47)
(xii)       Interest on borrowings in foreign currency or monies borrowed by way of Rupee Denominated Bonds as referred to in Section 194LC
(xiii)      Interest on investment made by FII or QFI in Rupee Denominated Bond of an Indian company or  Government security as referred to in Section 194LD
(xiv)    Distributed income being interest received or receivable from a Special Purpose Vehicle as referred to in Section 194LBA(2)
(xv)      Income from units, purchased in foreign currency, of a mutual fund, as specified in Section 10(23D)
(xvi)      Income, other than business income, distributed by an investment fund located in International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) located in India.

Who can verify and sign the income tax return [Section 140]
Every income tax return filed must be mandatorily signed by the appropriate person (authorised by tax law) confirming that the information given in the return are correct and in accordance with the income tax law and also confirming that he/she is the competent person to make and verify the return.

S. No.
Status
Who can verify and sign
1.
Individual
The individual filing his Income Tax Return has to sign the   return. In case the individual is mentally incapable, then the return may be signed by his Guardian or by any other person competent to act on his behalf. In case the individual is absent from India or because of any other reason he is not able to sign and verify his return of income, then any person duly empowered by him through valid Power of Attorney may sign on his behalf. In such a case, a certified copy of the Power of Attorney must accompany the return.
2.
Hindu Undivided Family
By the Karta or where he is absent from India or is mentally incapacitated from attending to his affairs, by any other adult member of such family.
3.
Indian Company

Managing Director
Any director if such managing director is not able to verify and sign the return for any unavoidable reason or if there is no managing director
4.
Foreign company
The return may be signed and verified by a person holding a valid Power of Attorney from the Company, which should be attached to the return.

5.
Company is being wound up (whether by the court order or otherwise) or where any person has been appointed as receiver of assets of the company
Liquidator of the company or the person who has been appointed the receiver of assets of the company (Section 178(1))
6.
Company whose management is taken over by Central/State   Government under any law
Principal officer
7.
Company whose application for corporate insolvency   resolution process has been admitted by the Adjudicating Authority under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016
Insolvency professional (as defined under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016) appointed by such Adjudicating Authority


8.
Firm:
Managing Partner, or where there is no Managing Partner or due to some unavoidable reasons, he is not able to sign and verify the return, by any partner thereof not being a minor.
9.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

Designated partner
Any partner if such designated partner is unable to sign and verify the return for any unavoidable reason or if there is no designated partner
10.
Local Authority :
By the Principal Officer.

11.
Political party
Chief executive officer of such party irrespective of the nomenclature of his designation
12.
Association of Persons :
By any member of the Association or the Principal Officer thereof.

13.
Any Association
Any member of the association or the principal officer
14
Other person

That person himself/ herself
Any person competent to act on his behalf

Due date for filing Income tax returns
S. No.
Assessment year
Non Audit case
Businesses
(Requiring Audit)
Businesses
(Requiring TP Report)
(i.e. Assessee who are required to furnish report under section 92E)
1.
2020-21
30th November 2020 
31st October 2020 
30th November 2020 

2.
2019-20
31st August 2019 
31st October 2019 
30th November 2019 

3.
2018-19
31st August 2018 
31st October 2018 
30th November 2018 

4.
2017-18
5th August 2017 
7th November 2017 
30th November 2017 

5.
2016-17
5th August 2016 

30th September, 2016, in case of Income-tax assessees in the state of Jammu & Kashmir
17th October 2016 

31st December, 2016 for all categories of taxpayers in the State of Jammu & Kashmir.
30th November 2016 
6.
2015-16
31st August 2015 
31st October 2015 
30th November 2015 



How many times can revise the return
​​If a person after furnishing the return finds any mistake, omission or any wrong statement, then return should be revised within prescribed time limit.

The income tax return can only be revised if the same has been filed by the due date. A belated income tax return (filed after the due date) cannot be revised. There is no restriction as to the number of times an income tax return can be revised.

return can be revised before the expiry of one year from the end of the assessment year or before assessment by the department is completed; whichever event takes place earlier.

If original return has filed in paper format or manually, then technically it cannot be revised by online mode or electronically. ​​​Revised return can be filed online under section 139(5)​.​​

Consequences of delay/ non filing the return of income/Loss (other than house property loss)
Following are the consequences of delay/ non filing the return of income/ Loss (other than house property loss):

 

(1)  Carry Forward of Losses are not allowed

Not able to carry forward losses if the return of income is not filed within due date. However, the loss under the head “Income from house property” can be carried forward even if the return of income/loss of the year in which loss is incurred is not furnished on or before the due date of furnishing the return, as prescribed under section 139(1).
(2)  Fees for delay in filing of return [Section 234F]
With effect from assessment year 2018-19, if a person assessee who is required to furnish return of income under section 139 failed to furnish return of income within due date as prescribed under section 139(1) then as per section 234F, he will be required to pay fee of:-

S. No.
Date of filing
Fees leviable

(a)
If the return is furnished after the due date of filing but on or before the 31st day of December.

Rs. 5,000
(b)
In any other case

Rs. 10,000

KEY NOTE : If the total income of the person does not exceed Rs. 5,00,000, the fee payable under this section shall not exceed Rs.1,000.


(3)  Interest for default in furnishing return of Income [Section 234A]

Where the return of income for any Assessment year is furnished after the due date specified in section 139(1) or is not furnished the assessee shall be liable to pay simple Interest @ 1% for every month or part of a month. This interest is calculated from the due date to the date of actually filing the income tax return.

(4)  Best Judgment Assessment [Section 144]
The Assessing Officer is under an obligation to make an assessment to the best of his judgment. If any person fails to make the return required under section 139(1) and has not made a return or a revised return under section 139(4) or section 139(5) of that section, the Assessing Officer has gathered, shall, after giving the assessee an opportunity of being heard, make the assessment of the total income or loss to the best of his judgment and determine the sum payable by the assessee on the basis of such assessment.
 (5)  Claim of Refund of taxes
In case your tax payable is less than the TDS already deducted, you can claim the refund of such excess TDS by filing your Income Tax Return.
You must file your Income Tax Return to claim the refund of TDS.
Further, you are eligible for Interest @0.5% per month or part of the month on refund amount as per Section 244A.
(6)   Applicability of sections 11 and 12 – only if it furnishes return of income within the time
Section 12A provides that the charitable trust must file its return of income for the relevant previous year where its total income (before giving effect to sections 11 and 12) exceeds maximum amount not chargeable to income-tax in any previous year.
In order to provide greater clarity, clause (ba) in section 12A(1) inserted by the Finance Act, 2017 with effect from 01.04.2018 (applicable from assessment year 2018-19) to the effect that such person files the income-tax return within the time allowed under section 139(4A).


(7)   Penalty for under-reporting and misreporting of income [Section 270A]
The Assessing Officer or the Commissioner (Appeals) or the Principal Commissioner or Commissioner may, during the course of any proceedings under this Act, direct that any person who has under-reported his income shall be liable to pay a penalty in addition to tax, if any, on the under-reported income.

SECTION 270(2)(b)
(2) A person shall be considered to have under-reported his income, if—
(b) the income assessed is greater than the maximum amount not chargeable to tax, where no return of income has been furnished or where return has been furnished for the first time under section 148;
SECTION 270(3)(b)
(3) The amount of under-reported income shall be,—
(b) in a case where no return of income has been furnished or where return has been furnished for the first time under section 148,—
Quantum of penalty that can be levied under section 270A
If income is under-reported due to misreporting of income, then penalty shall be levied at 200% of tax payable on such under-reported income. However, if income is under-reported due to any other circumstances, then penalty shall be 50% of tax payable on under-reported income.

IN CASE OF UNDER REPORTING
When the “under-reporting” is not because of misreporting, the penalty would be 50% of tax payable on the under-reported income.

50% of the amount of tax payable on the under reported income
IN CASE OF MISREPORTING OF INCOME
When the “under-reporting” is because of misreporting, the penalty would be 200% of the tax payable on the under-reported income.

200% of the amount of tax payable on under reported income

Penalty for default in filing return of Income
v  If a person fails to furnish the return of income which he is required to furnish under section 139(4A) or 139(4C) or to furnish it within the time allowed, he shall pay, by way of penalty under section 272 A(2)(e), a sum of 100 for every day during which the failure continues.
v  The penalty order is passed by the Additional Commissioner of Income Tax or Joint Commissioner of Income Tax, after giving an opportunity to the assessee.
v  In case of genuine reasons for delay, penalty may not be imposed in view of section 273B.

(8)  Prosecution for failure to furnish Returns of Income
If a person wilfully fails to furnish in due time the return of income which he is required to furnish under section 139(1) or by notice given under section 142(1)(i) or section 148 or section 153A, he shall be punishable,—
Punishment
(a)  Where tax sought to be evaded exceeds Rs. 25,00,000        
Ø With rigorous imprisonment for a term  which shall not be less than 6 months  but which may extend to 7 years and with fine
(b)  in other cases
Ø With rigorous imprisonment for a term  which shall not be less than 3 months but which may extend 2 years and with fine

(9)    Deduction under section 10A​ are not available [Proviso to Section 10A(1A)]
The Proviso to section 10A(1A) provides that “no deduction under this section shall be allowed to an assessee who does not furnish a return of his income on or before the due date specified under Section 139(1)”.

(10)  Deduction under section 10B​ are not available [Fourth Proviso to Section 10B]
The Fourth Proviso to section 10B provides that “no deduction under this section shall be allowed to an assessee who does not furnish a return of his income on or before the due date specified under Section 139(1)”.


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