Income tax returns (ITR) filing: Big benefit likely soon for taxpayers

Income tax returns (ITR) filing: The finance ministry has proposed amendments in the Income Tax rules for obtaining 'no deduction of tax' certificate electronically, a move aimed at minimising human interface and reducing compliance burden.

The tax department proposes to make changes in Form No 13 and related rules under the Income Tax Act. Image source: Reuters

Income tax returns (ITR) filing: The finance ministry has proposed amendments in the Income Tax rules for obtaining 'no deduction of tax' certificate electronically, a move aimed at minimising human interface and reducing compliance burden. The tax department proposes to make changes in Form No 13 and related rules under the Income Tax Act.

"In order to rationalise and make the process of issuance of certificate for no deduction of tax or deduction/collection of tax at lower rate electronic, the existing Form No 13 and relevant IT Rules are required to be amended," said the revenue department.

"This is vital for minimising the human interface and reducing the compliance burden on the applicant," the department added while seeking comments from stakeholders by September 4 on the draft notification in this regard.

Naveen Wadhwa, DGM, Taxmann, said getting nil or lower deduction certificate from Income Tax Department is burdensome for taxpayers especially senior citizens who are required to submit Form 13 in hardcopy by visiting jurisdictional Income Tax Office.

"There is no centralised process to apply online for getting such certificate except in a few states like, Karnataka and Goa which allow filing of Form 13 electronically. Extending such benefit to all states will be a commendable step," he said.

The draft notification proposing the amendments is available on the website of the Income Tax Department.

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