CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) has introduced new income tax return forms (ITR forms) for the assessment year 2018-19 which seek more details from individual taxpayers about their salary structure, break ups and income from property.

It has also made mandatory for small businesses to report their goods and services tax identification number (GSTIN) and turnover reported under GST.

The new ITR forms require salaried taxpayers to disclose their salary break-up. Taxpayers will have to give details about allowances that are not exempt, value of perquisites, profit in lieu of salary and deductions claimed under Section 16. Typically, these are available in the Form 16 issued by the employer but do not have to be disclosed in the tax return.

Like last year, the one-page ITR-1, or Sahaj, form can be filled by salaried taxpayers having an income up to Rs. 50 lakh and one house property. Last year, 30 million taxpayers filled this form, the tax department said in a statement.

Businesses with a turnover of less than Rs. 2 crore can do away with the requirement of maintaining books of accounts and instead pay a tax on the basis of a certain percentage of their turnover. However, the government fears that there has been misuse of the scheme.

The forms give non-resident Indians (NRIs) some relief. They can now provide details of their foreign bank accounts to claim credit or refunds. Earlier, they could only provide details of bank accounts held in India.

However, NRIs will no longer be able to file returns using the simple income tax return (ITR)-1 form, which can now only be used by residents. NRIs will have to use ITR-2, which seeks more information.

Types of ITR forms

• ITR-1 SAHAJ– For individuals being a resident other than not ordinarily resident having Income from Salaries, one house property, other sources (Interest etc.) and having total income up to Rs.50 lakh
• ITR-2– For Individuals and HUFs not having income from profits and gains of business or profession
• ITR-3– For individuals and HUFs having income from profits and gains of business or profession
• ITR-4-Sugam– For Presumptive Income from Business & Profession
• ITR-5– For persons other than,- (i) individual, (ii) HUF, (iii) company and (iv) person filing Form ITR-7
• ITR-6– For Companies other than companies claiming exemption under section 11
• ITR-7– For persons including companies required to furnish return under sections 139(4A) or 139(4B) or 139(4C) or 139(4D) or 139(4E) or 139(4F)

The new ITRs have been uploaded on the official website of the department–incometaxindia[dot]gov[dot]in.

The last date for filing the ITRs is July 31.

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