Introduction
Filing income tax returns is a crucial duty for each taxpayer, and meeting the cut-off date is critical to avoid penalties and legal complications. However, for folks who omit the original cut-off date, there's nevertheless a possibility to report a belated tax return. In India, the last date for submitting a belated return is 31st December of the assessment year. This article explores the importance of filing a belated return and presents a step-by-step guide on how to document it online.
Consequences of Late Filing of ITR
If you fail to file your ITR within the prescribed due date, you may face the following consequences.
Interest penalty u/s 234A
Taxpayer has to pay simple interest at 1% per month or part thereof for late filing of ITR u/s 234A. Interest is calculated from the due date of filing ITR to the actual date of filing. So the longer you wait before filing your ITR, the more interest you have to pay.
Late filing charges 234F
Maximum penalty for late filing is Rs.5000 u/s 234F
- If the total taxable income during the year is more than Rs. 5,00,000 , then a fine of Rs.5000 is imposed.
- If the Net total income during the year is less than Rs. 5,00,000, then a penalty of Rs.1000 is imposed.
- And if the total taxable income is less than Rs 2.5 lakh then no penalty is levied.
The importance of filing a late tax return
- Avoid Penalties: Failure to file your income tax return on time means penalties. Filing late is better than not filing at all because it helps you avoid additional financial burden.
- Maintain financial discipline: Filing your tax returns on time is a sign of financial responsibility. It reflects your commitment to tax compliance and fulfilling your civic duty.
- Correct errors: If you discover errors or omissions in your original return after the deadline, filing a late return allows you to correct those errors.
Filing a late tax return online involves several steps. Here is a comprehensive guide
Gather the necessary documents
- PAN (Permanent Account Number)
- Form 16 or salary certificate
- Details of other income, if any (interest, rental income, etc.)
- Bank statements
- Details of investments and expenses eligible for deductions
Register/Login to Income Tax Department Portal
- Visit the official website of the Income Tax Department (https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/).
- If you are a new user, register by entering your PAN number, name and other required details.
- If you are a returning user, please log in with your login information.
Select the appropriate assessment year
Select the correct assessment year for which you are making a late return.
Choose the appropriate ITR form
Choose the Income Tax Return (ITR) form that matches your sources of income.
Fill in the required information
Fill out the form with accurate information about your income, deductions and tax liability.
Verify your details
Double-check all the information you entered before proceeding to the next step.
Calculate the tax liability and pay any tax owed
If any tax is due after considering TDS and advance tax, pay it using the available online payment options.
Verify and submit your return
After filling the form, verify the return using Aadhar OTP, Internet Banking or by sending the signed physical copy to the Centralized Processing Center (CPC).
Conclusion
Filing a late income tax return is a crucial step for those who miss the original deadline. It not only helps to avoid penalties but also ensures financial discipline and tax compliance. By following the online filing process described above, taxpayers can successfully file their late returns by December 31 while maintaining their financial standing and complying with legal obligations.
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