01. What is Income Tax Return (ITR)?
An Income Tax Return (ITR) is a form in which taxpayers declare their taxable income, deductions, and tax payments to the Income Tax Department. It is a legal obligation for individuals and entities whose income exceeds the prescribed threshold.
02. Who is required to file an ITR?
Any individual or entity whose total income exceeds the exempted limit set by the Income Tax Department must file an ITR. This includes individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), companies, and firms.
03. What are the different types of ITR forms?
There are several types of ITR forms, including ITR-1 (Sahaj) for salaried individuals, ITR-2 for individuals and HUFs not having income from business or profession, ITR-3 for individuals and HUFs having income from business or profession, ITR-4 (Sugam) for presumptive income from business & profession, ITR-5 for firms, LLPs, etc., ITR-6 for companies, and ITR-7 for entities claiming exemption under sections 139(4A) or 139(4D).
04. How can I file my ITR online?
You can file your ITR online through the e-filing portal of the Income Tax Department. Steps include registering on the portal, selecting the appropriate ITR form, filling in the required details, uploading documents, and submitting the form. Acknowledgment will be generated after successful submission.
05. What documents are needed for filing ITR?
Documents required for filing ITR include Form 16 (for salaried individuals), Form 26AS (tax credit statement), bank statements, investment proofs, interest certificates, rental income receipts, and any other relevant financial documents.
06. What is the process to claim a refund?
If the tax paid exceeds the actual tax liability, you can claim a refund by filing your ITR. The refund is usually credited to your bank account after the ITR is processed. You can check the refund status on the e-filing portal.
07. What is the deadline for filing ITR?
The deadline for filing ITR for individuals is usually July 31st of the assessment year. For businesses requiring audit, it is typically September 30th. These dates can be extended by the Income Tax Department in specific cases.