Income Tax Return Forms

• ​What are the different modes of filing the return of income?

​The return of income can be filed with the Income-tax Department in any of the following modes (*): –

• • By furnishing the return in a paper form.
  • By furnishing the return electronically under digital signature, i.e., e-filing with digital signature.
  • By furnishing the return electronically and thereafter submitting the hard copy of ITR-V with signature of authorized person, i.e., e-filing without digital signature ($).
  • By furnishing a Bar-coded return.
  •  Where the return of income is electronically filed without digital signature, then the taxpayer should take two printed copies of Form ITR-V. One copy of ITR-V, duly signed by the taxpayer, has to be sent (within the period specified in this regard, i.e., 120 days) by ordinary post or speed post to “Income Tax Department – CPC, Post Bag No. 1, Electronic City Post Office, Bengaluru–560100 (Karnataka). The other copy may be retained by the taxpayer for his record.
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• ​For whom e-filing of return is mandatory?

Following taxpayers shall file their returns of income only through e-filing mode:

(1) Every company shall furnish th​e return of income electronically under digital signature. In other words, for corporate taxpayer e-filing with digital signature is mandatory.

(2) A firm or an individual or a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) whose books of account are required to be audited under section 44AB shall furnish the return of income electronically under digital signature. In other words, in such a case, e-filing with digital signature is mandatory.

(3) A resident and ordinarily resident individual/HUF having any assets (including financial interest in any entity) located outside India or signing authority in any account located outside India shall furnish the return of income electronically with or without digital signature.

 (4) Taxpayers [other than covered under (1) and (2) above] having total income of more than Rs. 5,00,000 shall furnish the return of income electronically with or without digital signature.

(5) Taxpayers claiming relief under section 90, 90A or 91 shall furnish the return of income electronically with or without digital signature.

(6) A person who is required to file ITR-5 shall file the same electronically with or without digital signature. However, a firm liable to get its accounts audited under section 44AB shall furnish the return electronically under digital Signature

(7) A taxpayer  who is required to furnish a report of audit under section 10(23C)(iv)​, 10(23C)(v), 10(23C)(vi), 10(23C)(via), 10A, 10AA, 12A(1)(b), 44AB, 44DA, 50B, 80-IA,80-IB, 80-IC , 80-ID, 80JJAA , 80LA, 92E, 115JB or 115VW​shall furnish the return of income electronically with or without digital signature.

(8) A political party who is liable to file return of income shall file the same electronically with digital signature.

(*) Where the Return of income is furnished electronically without digital signature, then the taxpayer should take two printed copies of Form ITR-V. One copy of ITR-V, duly signed by the taxpayer, has to be sent (within the period specified in this regard, i.e., 120 days) by ordinary post or speed post to “Income Tax Department – CPC, Post Bag No. 1, Electronic City Post Office, Bengaluru–560100 (Karnataka). The other copy may be retained by the taxpayer for his record.​

• ​Is it necessary to attach any documents along with the return of income?

​​ITR return forms are attachment less forms and, hence, the taxpayer is not required to attach any document (like proof of investment, TDS certificates, etc.) along with the return of income (whether filed manually or filed electronically). However, these documents should be retained by the taxpayer and should be produced before the tax authorities when demanded in situations like assessment, inquiry, etc.

As discussed above, no documents are to be attached along with the return of income, however, in case of a taxpayer who is required to furnish a report of audit under section​ 10(23C)(v),10(23C)(vi), 10(23C (via), 10A, 10AA, 12A(1)(b), 44AB, 44DA, 50B,80-IA, 80-IB, 80-IC , 80-ID, 80JJAA , 80LA, 92E, 115JB or 115VW​​​shall furnish it electronically on or before the date of filing the return of income.

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Where and how am I supposed to file my return?

​Return of income can be filed either in hard copy at the local office of the Income-tax Department or can be electronically filed at www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in 

To file your tax return, please visit www.agmont.in . Prior making any decisions on the basis of this article the readers are requested to consult a qualified Professional. The author does not take any responsibility for misrepresentation or interpretation of article. The author would not be liable either for the loss or damage of any kind arising out of information in this document or for any action taken in reliance there on.