The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has taken a significant step by enabling taxpayers to file their Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the FY 2023-24 starting from April 1, 2024. What is special about this year’s ITR e-filing? This marks a departure from previous practices. CBDT enables ITR filing on the first day of this new financial year. The availability of commonly used ITR forms, such as ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-4, and ITR-6, on the e-filing portal streamlines the process and promotes ease of compliance.
Key Highlights| E-Filing of Income Tax (AY 2024-25)
- CBDT enables taxpayers to file Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for AY 2024-25 from April 1, 2024 onwards.
- Functionalities for commonly used ITRs – ITR-1, ITR-2, and ITR-4 – made available on the e-filing portal from April 1, 2024.
- Companies can file ITRs through ITR-6 starting April 1, 2024.
- CBDT notified ITR forms early, with ITRs 1 and 4 on December 22, 2023, ITR-6 on January 24, 2024, and ITR-2 on January 31, 2024.
- JSON Schema for ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-4, and ITR-6, and Schema of Tax Audit Reports available for AY 2024-25.
- CNBT enables ITR filing for ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-4, and ITR-6 for AY 2024-2025 on the e-filing portal from April 1, 2024.
- Approximately 23,000 ITRs for AY 2024-25 filed to date.
- Facility to file ITRs 3, 5, and 7 will be available shortly.
- First time in recent times that Income Tax department enables taxpayers to file Returns on the first day of the new financial year.
Record Number of ITR E-Filing
As per the latest publication, CBDT has already received 23000 ITRs for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Simplified Forms for Taxpayers
The Income Tax department’s move aims to streamline compliance and improve taxpayer services. Forms like ITR-1 (Sahaj) and ITR-4 (Sugam) cater to small and medium taxpayers, while ITR-2 is designed for those earning income from residential property.
- Individuals who are residents (excluding those not ordinarily resident), with total income up to Rs. 50 lakh, earning income from one house property, salaries,or other sources (such as interest) should file ITR 1.
- Individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) without income from profits/ gains of business or profession should file ITR 2.
- Individuals, HUFs, and firms (excluding Limited Liability Partnerships) who are residents with total income up to Rs. 50 lakh and income from profession and business computed under sections 44AD, 44ADA, or 44AE, along with agricultural income up to Rs. 5 thousand, should file ITR 4.
- Companies, excluding those that claim exemption under section 11, should file ITR 6.
Facilitated ITR E-Filing Process
The CBDT facilitated the filing process for taxpayers by making ITRs 1, 2, and 4 available on the e-filing portal from April 1, 2024. Additionally, companies can file their returns using ITR-6 from the same date.
Continued Support for Taxpayers
CBDT’s proactive approach ensures that taxpayers have access to necessary forms in a timely manner. As of now, taxpayers can file ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-4, and ITR-6 for the assessment year 2024-25 through the e-filing portal.
The department plans to make filing options for ITRs 3, 5, and 7 available soon.
Conclusion
As CBDT enables ITR filing for FY24. It marks a significant step towards enhancing taxpayer compliance and services. This early initiative signifies a promising start to the new financial year. As a responsibile tax payer, make sure you file your ITRs in time to avoid penality.
Source- pib.gov.in
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