Form No. 16 for Pensioners : Issue Certificate of Tax Deducted in Form 16 to the Pensioners

Form No. 16 for Pensioners : Issue Certificate of Tax Deducted in Form 16 to the Pensioners

Clarifications regarding use of Form No. 16 for pensioners where pensioners are drawing their pensions through banks – CBDT Circular No.761, dated 13.1.1998

1184. Clarifications regarding use of Form No. 16 for pensioners where pensioners are drawing their pensions through banks

1. The attention of the Board has been drawn to certain difficulties being faced by pensioners drawing their pensions through banks where the tax deduction at source certificate in the prescribed Form No. 16 is some-time denied to them on the ground that no employee-employer relationship exists between the banks and the pensioner. At times, objections have also been raised by the banks on the premise that Form No. 16 relates to deductions from salaries and not from pensions. In other cases, the certificates have been denied on the ground that the bank was not aware of any other income which the pensioner may have had.

2. The matter has been considered by the Board. It is hereby clarified that :—

(a) as per section 17(1)(ii) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, the term ‘salary’ includes pension;

(b) once tax has been deducted under section 192 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, the tax-deductor is bound by section 203 to issue the certificate of tax deducted in Form 16. No employee-employer relationship is necessary for this purpose;

(c) the certificate in Form No. 16 cannot be denied on the ground that the tax deductor is unaware of the payees’ other income.

3. These clarifications may be brought to the notice of all concerned, especially the banks in your region.

Circular : No. 761, dated 13-1-1998

Authority: Income Tax Department

Finance Minister conveys Government’s Appreciation to tax payers for their contribution towards Nation building

Income Tax Department Starts giving Certificate of Appreciation

Government of India 
Ministry of Finance 
Department of Revenue 
Central Board of Direct Taxes

New Delhi, 19th September, 2016.

Press Release

Sub: Finance Minister conveys Government’s Appreciation to tax payers for their contribution towards Nation building.

The Government acknowledges the contribution of individual tax payers in paying taxes within the prescribed time and prompt filing of Income Tax Returns. The Honourable Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley today handed over certificates of appreciation issued by CBDT honoring select tax payers for such contribution. While it is widely acknowledged that the Nation meets its obligations towards spending in various social sector and welfare schemes and infrastructure development out of revenues mobilized through tax payments by millions of honest tax payers, this step marks the first effort by the Government to directly communicate to the tax payer its appreciation for that contribution.

CBDT will be sending out such certificates of appreciation to individual tax payers by e-mail in various categories on the basis of the level of taxes paid by them for the current Assessment Year 2016-17 where taxes have been paid in full and tax payers have no outstanding tax liabilities and where the return is e-filed within the prescribed due date. The tax payers may display these certificates in their homes / offices.

The categories for individual taxpayers and the number of certificates being issued in the first round are:

1	Platinum	Tax  contributed Rs. 1 Crore and above
2	Gold	Tax contributed Rs. 50Lakh to Rs. 1 Crore
3	Silver	Tax contributed Rs. 10Lakh to Rs.50 Lakh
4	Bronze	Tax contributed Rs. 1Lakh to Rs.10 Lakh

 
The CBDT urges taxpayers to e-file their returns in time and verify their return by submitting the Electronic Verification Code online or sending their ITR-V within the 120 day period so that they can be also acknowledged for their contribution.

The Department is committed to continuous improvement of taxpayer services and seeks the cooperation of all taxpayers in contributing their fair share of taxes voluntarily.

sd/-
(Meenakshi J Goswami) 
Commissioner of Income Tax 
(Media and Technical Policy) 
Official Spokesperson, CBDT.

Source : http://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/

Inclusion of Interest Income in the Return of Income filed by Persons liable to Pay Tax

Inclusion of Interest Income in the Return of Income filed by Persons liable to Pay Tax

Information regarding interest earned by individuals and business entities on term deposit is filed with the Income Tax Department by banks including co-operative banks and other financial institutions and State treasuries etc. Form 26AS reflects only those payments on which tax has been deducted and it can be viewed by the individual tax payer by logging in to www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in. The information about interest payments without deduction of tax is also filed by the payer with the Department.

Central Board of Direct Taxes(CBDT) hereby informs the persons earning interest income that interest credited/received on deposits is taxable unless exempt under Section 10 of the Income-tax Act. Such interest income should be shown in the return of income even in cases where Form 15G/15H has been filed if the earning is not exempt under Section 10 of the Income-tax Act and the total income of the person exceeds the maximum amount not chargeable to tax.

Tax payers are advised to collect correct details of interest received or credited and

· file their return of income for assessment year 2014-15 (if not filed already) on or before 31.03.2016 in case their total income exceeds the maximum amount not chargeable to tax.

· revise their return of income for assessment year 2014-15/2015-16 if the return already filed does not include taxable interest income.

· file return of income for assessment year 2015-16, if not filed so far by including taxable interest income if any, on or before 31.03.2016 and avoid penalty u/s 271F.

For more details, you may contact your Assessing Officer or Toll free number 1800-180-1961.

Source: PIB News

Ration Money Allowance should be exempt from Income Tax – 7th CPC Report

Ration Money Allowance should be exempt from Income Tax – 7th CPC Report

Ration Money Allowance (RMA) : Ration Money Allowance (RMA) is paid to all personnel of Defence forces and nongazetted personnel of CAPFs, Delhi Police, IB, A&N police and such personnel of Indian Reserve Battalions (IRBn) as are posted in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and don’t dine in the mess. The existing rate of this allowance is ?95.52 per day for Non-Gazetted personnel and Rs.79.93 per day for Gazetted personnel.

There are demands to extend RMA to gazetted officers of CAPFs in line with Defence forces. Demands have also been received from some CAPFs that RMA should be exempted from the purview of income tax.

Analysis and Recommendations : Ration Money Allowance is revised periodically by Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Home for their personnel. Hence, it is proposed that status quo be maintained regarding the rates of this allowance.

However, regarding the admissibility of RMA, PBORs of CAPFs and Indian Coast Guard should be eligible to draw RMA irrespective of the place of posting (except when in receipt of the Detachment Allowance). Presently, officers of SSB who are posted in field areas at altitudes of less than 7000 feet are not eligible for RMA. This restriction of 7000 feet should be removed.

Regarding income tax exemption of RMA, the Commission, as part of its general approach, has refrained from making recommendations involving income tax. However, looking into the unique service conditions of CAPFs, the Commission is of the view that since RMA is granted in lieu of free rations, it should be exempt from income tax.

It is further recommended that the provision of free rations and the grant of Ration Money Allowance to officers of Defence forces posted in peace areas should be withdrawn.

Centre decides to withdraw tax on Provident Fund

Centre decides to withdraw tax on Provident Fund

News have surfaced that the Prime Minister has instructed the Finance Minister to put a hold on the proposed plan to impose taxes on PF withdrawals. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is expected to make an official announcement in this regard shortly.

Employee unions all over the country have been vehemently opposing the proposed tax on the withdrawals made on the most important savings of a worker, from the moment the announcement was made. Most employees depend on their provident fund savings to meet some of the most important expenses of their lives, like medical, marriages, building a house, etc. The decision to impose tax on these withdrawals was condemned by all.

Jaitley had announced a tax on 60 percent of the Employee Provident Fund, and Public Provident Fund. The government has now said that they had planned to impose tax only on the PF Interest. But, there was strong opposition for this too. Demands were made to withdraw this tax.

According to information available, Jaitley had informed at the meeting of the MPs that the Prime Minister will have to decide on this. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has recommended the Finance Minister to stop the tax on the PF withdrawals, and to conduct a thorough study on this. Arun Jaitley is expected to take the required action after consulting with the officials of his ministry. The Prime Minister’s intervention has restored the peace of mind of more than 60 lakh Government employees.

House Rent Paid : 80GG has also been raised to 60,000 from 24,000

House Rent Paid : 80GG has also been raised to 60,000 from 24,000 

The limit of deduction of house rent paid under section 80GG has also been raised to Rs. 60,000 from the existing Rs. 24,000 per annum to give relief to employees who live in rented houses.

Certain Tax Reliefs announced for small tax payers and others

While presenting the General Budget 2016-17 in Lok Sabha here today, the Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley said that the taxation is a major tool available to Government for removing poverty and inequality and this has to be cautiously exercised. But, he would like to give relief to small tax payers, the Finance Minister added.

Thus the ceiling of tax rebate under Section 87A of IT Act has been proposed to be raised to Rs. 5,000 from Rs. 2,000 for individuals with income less than Rs. 5 lakhs. He said that above 2 crore tax payers would get a relief of Rs. 3,000. The limit of deduction of house rent paid under section 80GG has also been raised to Rs. 60,000 from the existing Rs. 24,000 per annum to give relief to employees who live in rented houses.

Under the presumptive taxation scheme under Section 44AD of the Income tax Act, the limit of turnover or gross receipts has been raised to two crore rupees from the exiting one crore rupees to benefit about 33 lakh small business people. It frees a large number of such assesses in the MSME category from the burden of maintaining detailed books of account and getting audit done.

The presumptive taxation scheme is to be now extended to professionals with gross receipts up to Rs. 50 lakh with the presumption of profit being 50% of the gross receipts.

Annual Budget 2016 – Will the income tax slab increase? Or, will it not?

Annual Budget 2016 – Will the income tax slab increase? Or, will it not?

“It is important to keep in mind the expectations of Central Government employees, who accurately calculate and set aside more than their one month’s salary to pay income tax each year.”

The annual budget of 2016 is being presented today. Expectations are high that Modi Government will fulfill the requirements of the farmers, industrialists and Central Government employees.

There are conflicting rumours that the income tax slab is likely to be raised this year. Some say that it wouldn’t.

The Railway Budget was presented on February 25. The Annual Budget of 2016-17 will be presented at 12.00 PM today (February 29, 2016). This is the third general budget presented by the Modi Government’s Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

With the Government requiring more than Rs.1 lakh crore to implement the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, Arun Jaitley’s budget will reveal how the government intends to raise these funds, and for raising the capital required for the banks.

The minimum income tax slab for individuals is currently Rs.2.5 lakhs. With increasing prices, the salaried class is eagerly expecting an increase in the tax slabs. Therefore, announcements regarding this are expected in the Budget. With assembly elections scheduled to be held in five states in the near future, the chances of raising the tax slabs are bright.

With the subsidy burden increasing on the Government, the subsidies for those with annual income above a certain level, will very likely be cancelled. LPG subsidy is very likely to be stopped. And, the number of subsidized cylinders is also likely to be reduced.

Click to reading continue…

Deduction of Tax at source - Income Tax deduction from salaries during the Financial year -2015-16 under Section 192 of the Income Tax Act,1961

 Deduction of Tax at source - Income Tax deduction from salaries during the Financial year -2015-16 under Section 192 of the Income Tax Act,1961.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (Bharat Sarkar)

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAIL MANTRALAYA)

(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. F(X)I-2015/23/2

New Delhi, dated: 04.01.2016

As per Standard List I,II,III

Sub.: Deduction of Tax at source - Income Tax deduction from salaries during the Financial year -2015-16 under Section 192 of the Income Tax Act,1961.

Copy of Cicular No.20/2015 {(F. No. 275/192/2015-IT(B)} dated 02.12.2015 issued by Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) Central Board of Direct Taxes,on the above noted subject are enclosed for information and guidance.

2. It is further advised that in case more copies of the said Circular are required, these may be obtained from the website of Income Tax Department- www.incometaxindia.gov.in/communications/circular/circular20-2015.pdf.

3. please acknowledge recepit.

sd/-

(Niraj Kumar)

Director,Finance (Exp.)-I

Railway Board

Click Download the Original Order

Issue of Income Tax Refunds of Smaller Amounts

Issue of Income Tax Refunds of Smaller Amounts

In an initiative to reduce taxpayer grievances and enhance the taxpayer satisfaction, the Central Board of Direct Taxes had issued instructions to Central Processing Center (CPC), Bengaluru and the field officers in December, 2015 to issue refunds of amounts less than Rs.50,000/- expeditiously.

As a result of the special drive to issue smaller refunds, 18,28,627 refunds below Rs.50,000/- involving a sum of Rs.1,793 crore have been issued between 1st December, 2015 and 10th January, 2016. These refunds relate to Assessment years 2013-14 to 2015-16.

In order to further expedite the process of issue of small refunds, CBDT has also directed CPC-Bengaluru and the field units that refunds up to Rs.5,000/-, and refunds in cases where outstanding arrears are up to Rs.5,000/- may be issued without any adjustment of outstanding arrears. Office Memorandum F. No. 312/109/2015-OT dated 14th January 2016, conveying these directions of CBDT is available on the website of the Department www.incometaxindia.gov.in.

Raise saving allowance for income tax to Rs 2.50 lakh; bring back standard deduction for salaried employees: ASSOCHAM to Finance Minister

Raise saving allowance for income tax to Rs 2.50 lakh; bring back standard deduction for salaried employees: ASSOCHAM to FM

As Finance Minister Mr Arun Jaitley begins engagements with stakeholders for the ensuing Budget for 2016-17, ASSOCHAM has recommended to the government to increase the deduction for long term savings to Rs 2.50 lakh and re-introduce the concept of standard deductions for salaried employees who can then give a boost to consumption demand and boost economic growth.

In its pre-Budget memorandum to the Finance Ministry, the ASSOCHAM has also pitched for revision of the deduction of interest on housing loans to at least Rs three lakhs from the existing Rs two lakhs and a similar limit be set for principal loan repayment from Rs one lakh at present.

“Increase in the limit of the interest and principal repayment will give a boost to the real estate sector. Present limits are extremely low,” the ASSOCHAM’s comprehensive memorandum to the government said.

Similarly, explaining the rationale for its demand for standard deduction, it said, the salary of the employees has gone up moving along inflation and other cost factors. “So in order to benefit the salaried employees the standard deductions should be reintroduced as one-third of salary or Rs 200000 whichever is less”.

Likewise, in another measure to help the salaried earning tax-payers, the chamber has suggested a depreciation allowance for them in line with the professionals. “The deduction of depreciation is allowed under the head –Business and Profession. No tax benefit is accrued to the salaried employees when they add assets. Though the assets get depreciated when owned by an employee, tax laws do not recognize this”.

In another suggestion to help the salaried employees, the ASSOCHAM said the leave encashment exemption limit for tax calculation should be raised to Rs 10 lakhs. “The current limit of Rs three lakh was notified by the CBDT way back in 1998 and needs to be raised substantially,” the chamber President Mr Sunil Kanoria said.

Similarly, the monetary limits be re-fixed for HRA/transport allowance and children education. Expenses actually incurred in respect of these items have increased manifold in the past few years. Children education allowance is presently exempt from tax up to Rs 100 per month per child for a maximum of two children. It is suggested to increase this exemption limit to Rs 1,000 per month. Also, for the salaried employees, transport allowance is presently exempt from tax up to Rs 800 per month which should be raised to Rs 3,000 per month. “The limit for transport allowance was fixed in 1988-89. It needs to be revised due to the increased cost of transportation over the years”.

The ASSOCHAM pre-Budget memorandum to the Finance Ministry also suggested that a provision may be made in the Income Tax Act that any expenditure incurred by an employees for education of under-privileged children by making payment directly to a recognised school should be allowed as deduction from salary income up to Rs 1,000 per month for maximum of two children.

Source: ASSOCHAM

Setting-up of ‘Taxpayers Lounge’ at the IITF – 2015

Setting-up of ‘Taxpayers Lounge’ at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) – 2015

CBDT to set-up a ‘Taxpayers’ Lounge’ at the India International Trade Fair – 2015 to Highlight the Various Taxpayer-Friendly Initiatives Taken by the Department Among Others

The Income Tax Department will be setting-up a ‘Taxpayers’ Lounge’ at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) – 2015 at Pragati Maidan, in national capital from 14th to 27th November, 2015.

The theme of the Taxpayers’ Lounge this year would follow the theme of IITF 2015 i.e. ‘Make in India’ and aims to generate awareness in the public about the various taxpayer-friendly initiatives taken by the Department. Besides it, various tax payers services would also be provided at the Taxpayers’ Lounge for the benefit of people at large including e-filing of returns, viewing of tax credit through 26AS, applications for PAN and services of Tax Return Preparers among others. Services delivered at Ayakar Seva Kendras (ASK) will also be showcased to the public. The Lounge will also highlight the contribution of taxes and the Income Tax Department to nation building. Activities such as Nukkad Natak, Drawing Competition and Quiz Contest will be carried-out to engage with school children and youth, who are potential taxpayers of the future. The Lounge will also feature live caricatures by Shri B. Sajiv, Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax.

The Taxpayers’ Lounge will be inaugurated at Hall 12, Pragati Maidan on 14th November, 2015 at 4.00 pm by Ms. Anita Kapur, Chairperson,Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) in the presence of senior officials of CBDT and the Income Tax Department.

Income Tax Department issued an Advisory on Phishing, Fraudulent Refund E-mail

Income Tax Department issued an Advisory on Phishing, Fraudulent Refund E-mail

Taxpayers are requested not to respond to any email or any type of communication sent to them requesting them to furnish their personal particulars such as Bank account details, passwords, OTP etc. purported to be from the Income Tax Department.

The Income Tax Department does not seek any such information through email or any other mode of communication from the taxpayers.

If you have received any such fraud mails, kindly do not respond and register a complaint by forwarding the actual phishing email as per procedure and details given in http://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/Pages/report-phishing.aspx

Advisory :

If you receive an e-mail from someone claiming to be the authorized by Income Tax Department or directing you to an Income Tax website:

Do not reply.

Do not open any attachments. Attachments may contain malicious code that will infect your computer.

Do not click on any links. If you clicked on links in a suspicious e-mail or phishing website then do not enter confidential information like bank account, credit card details.

Do not cut and paste the link from the message into your browsers, phishers can make link look like real, but it actually send you to different websites.

Use anti-virus software, anti spyware, and a firewall and keep them updated. Some phishing e-mails contain software that can harm your computer or track your activities on the internet without your knowledge. Anti-virus & Anti-spyware software and firewall can protect you from inadvertently accepting such unwanted files.

Reporting:

If you receive an e-mail or find a website you think is pretending to be of Income Tax Department, forward the e-mail or website URL to phishing@incometax.gov.in. A copy may also be forwarded to incident@cert-in.org.in

You may forward the message as received or provide the Internet header of the e-mail. The Internet header has additional information to help us locate the sender.

After you forward the e-mail or header information to us, delete the message.

If you receive a phishing mail not pertaining to the Income Tax Department, forward the same to incident@cert-in.org.in​​​

Authority: https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/

Claiming of medical expenditure for tax purposes made easy

Claiming of medical expenditure for tax purposes made easy

One of the pillars of the of the taxation proposals included in the Finance Minister’s Budget Speech for 2015-16 was extension of benefits to the middle class. In this process, the Finance Minister announced extension of certain benefits in respect of medical treatment under section 80DDB. This section allows a deduction for expenditure incurred on treatment of specified ailments.

Taking the process forward, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued a Notification vide S.O. No.2791 (E) on 12th October 2015 amending Rule 11DD. The amended Rule relaxes the condition of obtaining the certificate for claiming expenditure under section 80DDB in respect of specified ailments from a specialist working in a Government hospital. As per amended Rule 11DD, the prescription can be issued by any specialist mentioned in the amended Rule. Henceforth, it will not be mandatory to obtain a certificate from a specialist working in a Government hospital.

The Notification is available on the website of the Income Tax Department www.incometaxindia.gov.in .

Source : PIB News

Grand Success of Income Tax Employees Strike held on 8.10.2015 – JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION (JCA) Circular

Grand Success of Income Tax Employees Strike held on 8.10.2015 – JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION (JCA) Circular

JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION

INCOME TAX EMPLOYEES FEDERATION & INCOME TAX GAZETTED OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION

A-2/95, Manishinath Bhawan, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi-110 027

Joint Convenors :

Rupak Sarkar

08902198000

itefcentral@gmail.com

Bhaskar Bhattacharya

089-021-98888

secgenitgoachq@gmail.com

No. N-1/2015-16

Dated: 09th October, 2015

To,

The Presidents/General Secretaries,

Of all the Units of ITGOA and ITEF.

Dear Comrades,

Sub: The call for Agitation

A Red Salute to all the members of JCA for making the Strike on 08-10-2015 a grand success in the entire Tax-India. The reports of the whole-hearted participation of members of ITGOA and ITEF from all regions across the country are very encouraging. The agony and frustration of our members were expressed against the indifferent and partisan attitude of the CBDT towards the just demands of 97% of officers/officials of the Department in a very disciplined and organised manner making virtual closures of the Income Tax Offices in the entire country. The Joint Council of Action felt that the agitation programmes and strike action are in the national interest in as much as early resolution to the problems by the intervention of the political authority will bring about a conducive climate to concentrate on tax collection and other statutory duties of the Department and this fact was properly been taken into the notice of the print & electronic media all over the country.

We, on behalf of the Central JCA, once again congratulate the leaders of all the Units/Circles of ITGOA/ITEF for their herculean efforts that has ensured such a grand success to the said strike.

With fraternal greetings,

Yours comradely,

(Bhaskar Bhattacharya) (Rupak Sarkar)

Joint Convenors

Source: www.itgoa.org

No Extension in Due Date of Filing of Returns and Audit Report - Income Tax Department

No Extension in Due Date of Filing of Returns and Audit Report – Clarified by Income Tax Department

No Extension in Due Date of Filing of Returns and Audit Report; Due Date Continues to be 30th September, 2015; Tax Payers and Practitioners are Advised not to give any Credence to any Fake or Fraudulent Order about Extension of Date

The Income Tax Department has clarified that circulation of Fake order dated 26.9.2015 for extension of due date for filing of Audit report and return of Income for Assessment Year 2015-16 is fraudulent. The Government has not extended the due date for filing of returns and audit report due by 30th September 2015. Tax payers and practitioners are advised not to give any credence to the fraudulent order.

It has been brought to the notice of the Government that a fake order dated 26th September 2015 supposedly under Section 119 of the Income-tax Act 1961 under the signature of one Upmanyu Reddy, Under Secretary to the Government of India is in circulation. The fake order extends the due date for filing of audit report under section 119 of the Income-tax Act to 15 October 2015.

It is clarified the order is fraudulent. The Government has not extended the due date for filing of returns and audit report due by 30th September 2015. Tax payer and practitioners are advised not to give any credence to the fraudulent order purportedly signed by one Upmanyu Reddy.

Central Board Direct Taxes extends due date for E-filing up to 7.9.2015

CBDT extends due date for E-filing up to 7.9.2015

Due-Date for E-Filing Returns of Income for Assessment Year 2015-16 Extended up to 7th September 2015 in Respect of all Taxpayers who were Required to E-File their Returns of Income by 31st August 2015

The Government has received various representations that tax payers have faced difficulties in E-filing of returns across the country due to slowing down of certain e-services on 31st August 2015.

Considering these representations, the Central Board Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the ‘due-date’ for E-filing returns of income from 31st August 2015 to 7th September 2015 in respect of all taxpayers who were required to E-file their returns of income by 31st August 2015.

Earlier, the ‘due-date’ for filing of Income Tax return for Assessment Year 2015-16 was extended till 31st August, 2015 in case of those taxpayers who were required to file their tax return by 31st July, 2015.

Source: PIB News

Government of India for the following fiscal benefits including tax rebate and relaxations

Tax Benefits to Tourism Industry

The Tourism Industry has requested the Government of India for the following fiscal benefits including tax rebate and relaxations:

i. Inclusion of tourism infrastructure like hotels/resorts/tourist lodges/banquet halls/convention and exhibition centres etc. for benefits of Section 32 AC of Income Tax Act 1961 by lowering the minimum threshold investment limit to Rs.5.00 crores.

ii. Extension of benefits under Section 35 AD of Income Tax Act 1961 to business concerns who are making capital investment in setting up of smaller category of hotels/guest houses/dharamsalas/tourist hostels/motels/wellness facilities/medical facilities and other associated infrastructure like installation of house boats/ adventure and leisure tourism facilities.

iii. Weighted deduction of 200% in line with Research & Development sectors in India for expenditure incurred towards marketing and promotional activities of the country as inbound tourism destination.

iv Establishment of special tourism zones in India.

v. Lower withholding of tax and interest paid to foreign banks or financial institutions for loan taken in tourism sector.

vi. Deduction in respect of profit and gains from taxable income for business of hotels, convention centres and other tourism specific infrastructure.

vii. Foreign exchange earning linked deduction on profits for Income Tax computation.

viii. Exemption on Service Tax from Heritage Hotels and Heritage Trains.

ix. Exemption on Service Tax on room tariff to be increased.

x. Service Tax to be exempted for unit to be set up within special tourism zones.

xi. Exemption on Service Tax on all the incidental activities or services like hotel stay, Rent a Cab, Tour Operators etc. if the main event is exempted by Government from the ambit of Service Tax.

xii. Extend CENVAT credit on the entire tourism components of Travel intermediaries on abated value (tour operators, travel agents, rent a cab operators) as against just on the same line of business.

In order to ascertain the incidence of high taxations on tourism sector and its impact in making Indian tourism industry products un-compatible, a study on Taxes levied on tourism sector vis-à-vis Export sector has been conducted, and the findings of the study have been shared with the stakeholders

This information was given by The Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahesh Sharma in reply to a starred question in the Rajya Sabha today.

Source : PIB News

IT Returns early to avoid the rush closer to the last date of filing – Income Tax Department

IT Returns early to avoid the rush closer to the last date of filing – Income Tax Department

Press Information Bureau 

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

01-July-2015 17:43 IST

Electronic Filing of Income Tax Returns for 2015-16 Commences; ITR 1-Sahaj, 2 and 2A can be Used by Individuals or HUF Whose Income Does not Include Income from Business;

ITR 4S – SUGAM can be Used by an Individual or an HUF Whose Income Includes Business Income Assessable on Presumptive Basis; Taxpayers Requested to E-File Their Returns Early to Avoid the Rush Closer to the Last Date of Filing.

The Income Tax Department has released the software for preparing the Income Tax Return forms 1- SAHAJ, 2, 2A and 4S- SUGAM for AY 2015-16. The e-filing of these return forms has been enabled on the e-filing website-https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in.

ITR 1-SAHAJ, 2 and 2A can be used by individual or HUF whose income does not include income from business. ITR 4S – SUGAM can be used by an individual or HUF whose income includes business income assessable on presumptive basis. The elaborate details of the persons who can use these forms are available in the instructions for filling the forms.

The facility for pre-filling of information for these return forms is available in the software for preparing the return forms. When the taxpayer exercises this option and just fills in his PAN, then personal information and information on taxes paid and TDS will be auto-filled in the form. Taxpayers are requested to use the return preparation software available free of cost under the ‘Downloads’ section on the home page of the Income Tax Department’s e-filing website-https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in. The use of Departmental software will ensure preparation of error-free returns thereby avoiding any need for future rectification due to data validation mistakes.

Taxpayers are requested to e-file their returns early to avoid the rush closer to the last date of filing.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes , Extended the due date of filing return of income for AY 2015-16 from 31st July 2015 to 31st August 2015

Extension of due date of filing return of income for Assessment Year 2015-16

G.I., Department of Revenue, Central Board of Direct Taxes, O.M.F.No.225/154/2015/TA.II, dated 10.6.2015

Order under Section 119 of the Income-tax Act 1991

Subject- Extension of due date of filing return of income for Assessment Year 2015-16 – regarding;

The Central Board of Direct Taxes, in exercise of powers conferred under section 119 of the income-tax Act. 1961, hereby extends the ‘due-date‘ for filing Returns of income, in terms of clause (c) of Explanation 2 to sub-section (1) of section 139 of the income-tax Act 1961, for Assessment Year 2015-16 from 31st July. 2015 to 31st August, 2015 in respect of income tax assessees concerned.

Authority : CBDT

Income Tax for Premature Provident Fund withdrawal of more than Rs.30,000

Premature Provident Fund withdrawal – Income tax will be imposed

Income Tax for Premature Provident Fund withdrawal of more than Rs.30,000

The Government has announced that income tax will be imposed if, at the time of premature withdrawal, the Provident Fund amount is in excess of Rs.30,000.

Finance Minister brought a new provision in his budget that allows for TDS on Provident Fund withdrawal before five years of continuous service. When calculating the period of continuous service of five years, the previous employment can also be included. The intention of this at promoting long-term savings. The amendment will come into force from June 2015.

“Taxes will be imposed if, at the time of closing or transferring the PF account, the amount is in excess of Rs.30,000, and, if the employee has been employed in the current job for less than five years. Tax rebates are applicable. In order to claim tax exemption, the person has to submit a copy of his/her PAN card and Forms 15G and 15H, accompanied by a signed and filled up Form 19.

“Failing to do so will attract maximum taxes of up to 34.61%. If the forms are submitted, only 10% taxes will be deducted. Taxes will not be imposed if an old PF account is being converted to a new PF account. If the employee has served for more than five years, then, at the time of closing his account, no taxes will be imposed.

“The PF amount will also not be taxed if the employee is unwell, if the company has closed down, if the employment contract comes to an end, or if the employee loses employment for reasons that cannot be attributed to him/her.”

Source: CGEN.in