What is an ITR and Why is it Necessary?

An Income Tax Return (ITR) is a formal document submitted to the Income Tax Department of India, detailing an individual’s income and assets. This information is essential for calculating one’s income and tax obligations. In India, filing an ITR is mandatory under the following conditions:

  • If your total income surpasses the tax-free threshold according to your age.
  • When applying for an income tax refund.
  • If you have earned from or invested in foreign assets during the fiscal year.
  • For all companies or firms, regardless of whether they make a profit or loss.
  • If you have incurred business or capital losses and wish to carry them forward to future years.
  • If you have deposited over Rs 1 crore cumulatively in one or more current accounts with a bank.
  • If you have deposited more than Rs 50 lakh in your savings bank accounts.
  • If your foreign travel expenses exceed Rs 2 lakh.
  • When your annual electricity expenses exceed Rs 1 lakh.
  • If tax deducted at source (TDS) or tax collected at source (TCS) exceeds Rs 25,000 (or Rs 50,000 for senior citizens).
  • If your business turnover exceeds Rs 60 lakhs.
  • If income from your profession exceeds Rs 10 lakhs.

Consequences of Not Filing an ITR

Failing to file your ITR can lead to several consequences, including penalties and interest charges:

Penalty and Interest

One of the primary consequences is the penalty for non-filing of an ITR. Under Section 234F, a penalty of Rs. 1,000 is imposed on income up to Rs. 5 lakh, while a penalty of Rs. 5,000 is levied on income above Rs. 5 lakh. Additionally, under Section 234A, failing to file an ITR attracts interest at 1% per month on the outstanding tax amount, calculated from the due date to the actual filing date.

Penalty under Section 271H

If you fail to file your TDS/TCS returns, you may incur a penalty ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1,00,000, alongside a penalty of Rs. 200 per day until TDS/TCS is paid. If you miss the deadline, you can file a belated return, but this may result in notices, late fees, and penalties.

The penalty provisions are as follows:

  • For total income up to Rs. 5 lakh, a maximum penalty of Rs. 1,000 applies.
  • For income above Rs. 5 lakh, a penalty of Rs. 5,000 is charged if the ITR is not filed by the due date (31st July or 30th September) but filed by 31st December.

Don’t miss the deadline to file your ITR for FY 2023-24. File now with our experts and avoid penalties and notices.

Example: If your income exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakhs for AY 2023-24, you are required to file an ITR by 31st July 2024. If you file on 31st October 2024, penalties of Rs. 5,000 (for income above Rs. 5 lakh) or Rs. 1,000 (for income below Rs. 5 lakh) may apply.

Loss of Benefits

  • Carry Forward of Losses: Failing to file your ITR on time means you cannot claim business or capital losses against future profits, which can be disadvantageous in future tax filings.
  • Processing of Refunds: Delays or rejections in processing any eligible tax refunds can occur if you haven’t filed your ITR.

Proof of Income

For freelancers and self-employed individuals without regular pay slips, tax returns serve as a reliable income verification method. Without an ITR, proving income can be challenging.

Loan and Visa Applications

Lenders and embassies often require the last three years of ITRs to assess financial standing and eligibility. Providing these documents demonstrates your financial history and strengthens your application. Without filing an ITR, loan or visa applications may be rejected.

Prosecution for Not Filing ITR

Not filing your ITR can lead to serious consequences, especially if you owe more than Rs. 25,000 in taxes. This can result in imprisonment for 6 months to 7 years and a fine. Even if the owed amount is less than Rs. 25,000, failure to file can still lead to imprisonment for 3 months to 2 years and a fine.

Why Should You File Your ITR?

Here are some compelling reasons to file your ITR:

  • Tax Refunds: Individuals earning less than Rs 5 lakh annually can reclaim all deducted taxes by filing tax returns before the July 31 deadline.
  • Legal Consequences: Failing to file tax returns may lead to substantial penalties and taxes despite reminders.
  • Loss Carryforward: Timely filing allows individuals to carry forward business or capital losses, reducing future tax liabilities.
  • Income Verification: For freelancers and self-employed individuals, filing tax returns serves as a dependable method to validate income.
  • Loan and Visa Applications: Submitting the last three years’ ITR is mandatory for loan or visa applications, aiding in verifying financial status and eligibility.

Ignoring your ITR filing can lead to significant financial and legal repercussions, but you don’t have to face these challenges alone. With Franchise Times’ expert online CA services, you can manage your tax obligations effortlessly. Our comprehensive online CA consultation ensures accurate and timely ITR filing, providing peace of mind and the convenience of managing your taxes from anywhere. Hire a CA for tax filing through Franchise Times today and enjoy a hassle-free, compliant, and efficient income tax return filing experience.

1 thought on “Why filing ITR is Important?”

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