How to Apply for TAN and Why It’s Important for Businesses
Businesses and individuals responsible for deducting or collecting tax at source (TDS/TCS) are required by law to obtain a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN). This 10-character alphanumeric number is issued by the Income Tax Department of India and is essential for complying with TDS-related obligations. Whether you operate as a company, partnership firm, [...]
How to Check and Claim Your Income Tax Refund Online
Income Tax Refund An income tax refund arises when a taxpayer has paid taxes exceeding their actual tax liability. Refunds may pertain to various direct taxes such as self-assessment tax, advance tax, TDS (Tax Deducted at Source), or foreign tax credit. The refund is determined post the filing and verification of an Income Tax Return [...]
Form 16 for Salaried Employees: Meaning, Components & ITR Filing Guide for AY 2025–26
Form 16 is one of the most important tax documents for salaried individuals in India. Issued annually by employers, it acts as a TDS certificate that outlines the tax deducted at source (TDS) from your salary. Whether you're filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) or applying for a loan, understanding Form 16 is crucial for [...]
AIS & TIS Mismatch: How to Correct Before Filing ITR (FY 2025–26)
As tax compliance becomes more technology-driven, the Income Tax Department has introduced tools such as the Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS). These tools aim to make tax return filing more transparent and accurate by auto-populating taxpayer data from multiple sources. However, mismatches or inaccuracies in AIS and TIS are common and, if [...]
Advance Tax Payment Rules and Due Dates
Understanding Advance Tax Advance tax refers to the system of paying income tax in installments during the financial year instead of settling the entire tax liability at the end of the year. It is calculated based on the taxpayer’s projected income for the year. Any individual, business, or entity with a tax liability exceeding ₹10,000 in [...]
Understanding Income Tax Deductions Under Sections 80C to 80U
Effective tax planning is a vital component of sound financial management. The Income Tax Act, 1961, offers several deductions that help taxpayers reduce their tax burden. Among these, Section 80C is the most widely used, but several other provisions from Sections 80D to 80U also provide substantial tax-saving opportunities. Here’s a detailed overview of these deductions. Section [...]
TDS on Property Sale by NRIs: A Complete Guide
Selling property in India as a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) involves several regulatory and tax-related requirements, with Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) playing a pivotal role. This guide outlines how TDS works in property transactions involving NRIs, distinguishes it from capital gains tax, and provides steps to ensure smooth compliance. Understanding the Basics: TDS vs Capital [...]
Section 80C: Maximise Your Tax Savings Before March 31, 2025
Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, continues to be a key component of tax planning for individual taxpayers and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs). It allows deductions of up to ₹1.5 lakh per financial year from gross total income, through eligible investments or specified expenditures. However, this benefit is not available to companies, partnerships, [...]
Penalties for Late or Incorrect ITR Filing in AY 2025–26
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) accurately and within the prescribed timeline is not just a statutory obligation—it’s critical for maintaining financial compliance and avoiding avoidable penalties, interest, and complications in future assessments. For Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26, the Income Tax Department has laid down clear rules regarding penalties for delayed or incorrect return filings. [...]
Understanding the Old vs New Tax Regimes
Section 1: Overview of the Two Regimes Old Tax Regime: Allows a wide range of exemptions and deductions, including: House Rent Allowance (HRA) Leave Travel Allowance (LTA) Standard Deduction Section 80C deductions (e.g., PPF, ELSS, life insurance premiums) Medical insurance under Section 80D Home loan interest under Section 24(b) Best suited for individuals who actively [...]