Navigating Income Tax: Essential Questions Answered
Tax season can often bring a mix of confusion and concern. To demystify the process, we’ve put together a list of the most common questions asked by income tax assessees, along with straightforward answers.
What is the time period for which a person’s income is taxed?
The income tax is levied on the income earned during the financial year, which starts on April 1st and ends on March 31st of the next year.
Who is considered an ‘assessee’ under the Income Tax Act?
An ‘assessee’ is a person by whom any tax or any other sum of money is payable under the Income Tax Act, including every person in respect of whom any proceeding has been taken for the assessment of his income.
How is advance tax calculated and paid?
Advance tax is calculated on the estimated income for the year and is paid in installments as per the due dates provided by the Income Tax Department.
What constitutes income under the Income Tax Law?
Income under the Income Tax Law includes salaries, wages, bonuses, pensions, fees, commissions, profits from business or profession, dividends, interest, rent, and other sources.
What are the different categories of ‘person’ under the Income Tax Act?
The categories of ‘person’ under the Income Tax Act include individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), companies, firms, an association of persons or a body of individuals, and local authorities.
How does the government collect taxes?
The government collects taxes through voluntary compliance by taxpayers filing their returns and paying taxes due, and through TDS/TCS, advance tax payments, self-assessment tax payments, and recovery by tax authorities in case of default.
What are the tax rates for different income levels?
The tax rates vary depending on the income level and the category of the taxpayer (individual, company, etc.). There are different slabs and rates for different categories, which are updated annually.
What is the meaning of a challan in tax payment?
A challan is a form used to make a payment of tax to the government. It contains details of the taxpayer and the amount of tax being paid.
Do I need to maintain any records or proof of earnings?
Yes, taxpayers are required to maintain records and proof of earnings, expenses, investments, and other transactions relevant to their income tax filings.
If I win a lottery or prize money, am I required to pay Income-tax on it?
Yes, winnings from lotteries, game shows, puzzles, and other similar games are taxable under the head ‘Income from other sources’ at a flat rate of 30% plus applicable surcharge and cess.
Solutions to Common Income Tax Problems
Taxpayers often encounter a range of issues when dealing with income tax matters. This blog post delves into each problem, providing detailed insights and effective solutions to help you navigate the tax season with ease.
Difficulty Accessing Past Years’ ITR
Problem: Taxpayers sometimes struggle to access or download their Income Tax Returns (ITR) from previous years. Detailed Information: Accessing past years’ ITRs is crucial for reference and compliance purposes. The e-filing portal provides an option to view and download these documents, but users may face technical glitches or find the process confusing. Solution: To overcome this, taxpayers can log in to the e-filing portal and navigate to the ‘View Returns/Forms’ section. If technical issues persist, clearing the browser cache or trying during non-peak hours may help. For continued difficulties, the helpdesk is available for support.
Form AIS Not Updated Timely
Problem: The Annual Information Statement (AIS) may not reflect the latest information, leading to discrepancies. Detailed Information: AIS is a comprehensive statement that includes various financial transactions for a taxpayer. It’s essential for accurate tax filing, but sometimes it isn’t updated promptly, causing mismatches with actual transactions. Solution: Regularly review your AIS for any updates or errors. If you notice discrepancies, report them immediately through the feedback option provided on the portal or contact the tax authorities for rectification.
Prefilled Data Not Capturing All Income
Problem: The prefilled data in ITR forms may not capture all sources of income, leading to incomplete filings. Detailed Information: The new prefilled ITR forms aim to simplify the filing process by automatically including information from various sources. However, not all income may be prefilled, especially if it’s from less common sources. Solution: Before submitting your ITR, manually review and add any income that hasn’t been included in the prefilled data. Ensure all sources, such as interest from savings accounts, dividends, or foreign income, are accounted for.
JSON Utility File Errors
Problem: Taxpayers encounter errors when using the JSON utility file for ITR preparation without specific guidance. Detailed Information: The JSON utility is a tool provided by the Income Tax Department for preparing ITR offline. Users may face errors due to incorrect data entry or system glitches. Solution: Double-check all entries for accuracy. If errors persist, consult the help section provided with the utility or seek assistance from a tax professional who can guide you through the process.
Issues Accessing the I-T Portal
Problem: Accessing the Income Tax portal or its various sections can be problematic at times. Detailed Information: The e-filing portal is the gateway to all online tax services. However, high traffic or maintenance activities can hinder access. Solution: Try accessing the portal during non-peak hours. Keep an eye on any maintenance announcements on the portal’s homepage. If issues continue, reach out to the customer support team for assistance.
Computing Taxable Income Accurately
Problem: With multiple sources of income, computing taxable income accurately can be challenging. Detailed Information: Taxpayers with diverse income streams, such as rental income, capital gains, and business profits, may find it difficult to compute their total taxable income. Solution: Maintain detailed records of all income sources throughout the year. Use the services of a chartered accountant or tax advisor if the computation becomes complex.
Calculating Deductions Correctly
Problem: Taxpayers often struggle with calculating deductions and claiming all eligible benefits. Detailed Information: Deductions can significantly reduce taxable income, but they must be calculated correctly. Taxpayers may miss out on eligible deductions due to a lack of awareness or complexity in calculations. Solution: Stay updated on all available deductions under the Income Tax Act. Use the deduction sections in the ITR form as a checklist and consult a tax professional if necessary.
Choosing the Correct ITR Form
Problem: Selecting the appropriate ITR form based on the sources of income can be confusing. Detailed Information: There are different ITR forms for different types of taxpayers and income structures. Choosing the wrong form can lead to incorrect filings. Solution: Understand the criteria for each ITR form available on the e-filing portal. If in doubt, consult the income tax helpline or a tax professional for guidance.
Technical Issues with E-Filing
Problem: Technical glitches with the e-filing income tax system can impede the filing process. Detailed Information: The e-filing system is robust but not immune to technical issues, which can range from slow response times to complete outages. Solution: Check the ‘Help’ section for troubleshooting tips or system requirements. If problems persist, use the ‘Reset Password’ option or contact the helpdesk.
E-Filing Portal Login Issues
Problem: Users sometimes face difficulties logging into the e-filing portal. Detailed Information: Login issues can occur due to forgotten credentials, account lockouts, or system errors. Solution: Use the ‘Forgot Password’ feature to recover your account. Ensure that your registered mobile number and email are up-to-date for OTP and reset link reception. For unresolved login problems, customer support is available to assist.
By addressing these common problems with detailed solutions, taxpayers can approach the income tax filing process with confidence and clarity. Remember, when in doubt, seeking professional advice
