CBDT, tax tools make e-filing of I-T returns simpler

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However, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), which has already simplified the process of filing I-T Returns by making it possible for taxpayers to submit their I-T Return forms over the internet, has made the process even simpler by saying in a release that annexures and certificates relating to tax deducted at source (TDS) like Form 16 will no longer be necessary.

The claim for TDS or tax collected at source (TCS) will be allowed on the basis of details furnished in the relevant schedules of the returns forms, subject to relevant instructions on verification of TDS claims, it said.

The assessing officer cannot disallow claims only on the ground that the TDS/TCS certificates have not been filed along with the returns, the statement said.

The same procedure shall also apply in respect of challans relating to Advance Tax and Self Assessment Tax, it added.

However, "Assessees are also advised to retain with themselves all annexures relating to computation of income, TDS/TCS certificates, counterfoil of challans relating to payment of advance tax and self assessment tax, audit reports and any other document which they would have otherwise liked to file in support of their claims," CBDT said, adding that the tax payer should be in a position to produce all original documents and certificates as and when demanded by the assessing officer.

CBDT also said that in the case of electronic return, the digital signature will be treated at par with the physical signature.

A digital signature, which is required to validate the electronic documents, can be obtained for a fee from any of the seven Certification Agencies (CAs), including TCS, National Informatics Centre and MTNL, which are authorized by the government to issue digital signatures. An individual taxpayer is required to obtain Class II/Class III digital signature certificates, which are issued after the submission of relevant identity and address proofs.

Usually, these are certificates issued with a validity period of 1-2 years, and need to be renewed thereafter. The process of obtaining a digital signature can take up to 1-2 weeks and the fees charged for issuing a digital signature depend on the vendor and the validity period. The cost of obtaining a Class II digital signature can range from Rs.300 to Rs.2000.

In case the digital signature is missing, the taxpayer who has filed the tax return will get an acknowledgment, which will contain the return receipt number. However, the taxpayer should fill and submit the ITR-V form (that would be generated) and return it to the tax department office within 15 days of e-filing the return. Only after receiving the ITR-V form, the tax officer will then begin assessing the return filed in the electronic form.

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