Introduction
If you’ve received an advance salary or arrears, you might find yourself facing additional tax liabilities. The Income Tax Department provides relief from these liabilities under Section 89(1) of the Income Tax Act. Section 89(1) allows salaried individuals to claim tax relief on such delayed payments by filing Form 10E income tax. Here’s a comprehensive guide on Form 10E, its importance, and a step-by-step guide on how to file it
What is Form 10E Income Tax?
Taxpayers use Form 10E online to claim tax relief under Section 89(1) of the Income Tax Act. This section applies to arrears, meaning income that should have been paid in previous years. Filing Form 10E helps in recalculating tax liabilities by spreading the tax impact over the years it pertains to, thus avoiding the burden of higher tax liabilities due to delayed payments.
Form 10E is mandatory for salaried individuals working across various sectors, including government, private companies, universities, local authorities, and more. Part B of your Form 16 reflects the arrears you receive, and you must claim them through Form 10E in the year of receipt to get the tax benefit.
Section 89(1) of the Income Tax Act – Explained
To help taxpayers avoid inflated tax liabilities from delayed income, the government enacted Section 89(1) of the Income Tax Act. Normally, taxpayers pay taxes on income earned in the same year, but in some cases, they receive payments like bonuses, arrears, or past dues after the applicable year. Since tax rates often increase over time, paying tax on older dues at current rates can lead to higher tax liabilities.
Under Section 89(1), individuals can claim tax relief by apportioning the arrears to the years they belong to, calculating the tax applicable for each year, and claiming the difference in their current assessment year.
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How to Fill Form 10E?
To claim relief under Section 89(1), follow these steps to fill out Form 10E through the online income tax e-filing portal:
- Login to your e-filing account: Visit the official Income Tax India website and log in with your credentials.
- Navigate to e-file section: From the menu, go to ‘Income Tax Forms’ under the e-file section.
- Select Form 10E: Choose Form 10E to claim relief under Section 89.
- Choose the Assessment Year: Select the assessment year for which the form applies.
- Choose Submission Mode: After selecting the submission mode, click on ‘Continue’.
- Enter Required Details: Fill in the necessary details like income particulars, year-wise arrears, and other relevant information.
- Select Annexure-I for Salary Arrears: In cases of salary arrears, select Annexure-I and provide the details of the specific arrears.
- Preview and Submit: Double-check all entered details, preview the form, and then submit it.
Important Points to Remember about Form 10E
When filing Form 10E, keep these essential factors in mind:
- Mandatory Requirement: Filing Form 10E is compulsory for claiming tax relief under Section 89(1) and Section 192(2A).
- Online-Only Submission: Form 10E is only available through the e-filing portal; it cannot be downloaded or filed offline.
- Non-Filing Consequences: If you claim tax relief but fail to submit Form 10E, your relief may be denied.
- Record-Keeping: Although you don’t need to attach Form 10E with your tax return, it’s wise to keep a copy for your records.
- Ineligibility with VRS Exemption: If you’ve claimed tax exemption for compensation under Section 10(10C) for voluntary retirement, Section 89(1) relief doesn’t apply.
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Benefits of Filing Form 10E
- Reduced Tax Liability: By filing Form 10E, your tax burden is lightened as arrears are taxed according to the rates of their respective years.
- Legal Compliance: For salaried individuals receiving arrears, Form 10E filing is a legal requirement.
- Enhanced Financial Planning: Avoiding inflated tax liabilities allows for better financial planning and cash flow management.
Conclusion
Form 10E is a beneficial tool for salaried individuals who receive delayed payments or arrears. It ensures you pay taxes only on your actual yearly income instead of facing an inflated tax liability due to arrears. Filing Form 10E online is a straightforward process, and it’s essential for anyone looking to avail of tax relief under Section 89(1). Being diligent with Form 10E can help you claim tax savings and manage your finances effectively.