Form 12B

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Introduction

Form 12B, under Rule 26A, is a crucial income tax document for salaried employees in India who switch jobs mid-fiscal year. It provides essential information about the individual’s previous employment income, helping the new employer compute the total tax liabilities accurately and avoid any tax discrepancies. The form includes details on prior salary, tax deductions, and any benefits received. While it’s not mandatory to submit a Form, doing so aids in streamlining tax deductions and ensures a smooth income tax return process for the employee.

Key Points on Form 12B

Purpose

Form 12 discloses the income earned from a previous employer. When a salaried employee joins a new organization mid-year, they can submit a Form to the new employer, allowing for accurate tax computation by combining incomes from both employers.

When to Submit Form 12B

Employees should submit the Form as soon as possible after joining a new employer. While not legally mandatory, it simplifies tax calculations and provides clarity on income and deductions. Self-employed individuals are exempt from submitting it.

Contents of Form 12B

Employees are required to fill in the following details on Form 12:

Previous employer’s name, location, PAN, and TAN.
Detailed breakup of salary components (Basic + DA, HRA, Leave Travel Allowance, Provident Fund deductions, etc.).
Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) by the previous employer, professional tax, and any other deductions under the Income Tax Act (Sections 80C, 80G, 80D, etc.).

Importance of Form 12B

For the Employee: Facilitates smooth tax calculation and prevents the chances of over- or under-taxation.
For the Employer: Simplifies TDS computation for new employees and provides an accurate annual salary breakdown for tax purposes.

How to Fill Form 12B

Filling Form 12 requires accurate information from the previous employment period:

Name of the previous organization and its location.
PAN and TAN of the previous employer (found on payslips or Form 16).
Duration of employment.
Details of salary components, tax deductions, and tax savings under various sections of the Income Tax Act.

Detailed Breakdown of Form 12B Requirements

Form 12B requires employees to provide details on prior salary components and deductions. Key information includes:

Previous Employer Information: Employer’s PAN, TAN, and location.
Salary Components: Basic Salary + DA, HRA, and benefits like Leave Encashment, Leave Travel Allowance, etc.
Provident Fund Contributions: Details of provident fund contributions and professional tax paid.
Tax Deductions: Eligible deductions under Sections 80C, 80G, 80D, 80E, and 24.
Tax Withheld at Source: Details of TDS on the salary from the previous employer.

What Happens After Submission of Form 12B?

After receiving the Form, the new employer will consolidate the income details from the previous employer for accurate tax deductions through Form 16. The consolidated Form 16, issued at the end of the year, provides a complete breakdown of earnings and tax paid, enabling accurate tax filing by the employee.

Difference Between Form 12B and Form 12BA

While both Form 12B and Form 12BA serve to inform the employer about the employee’s financial details, they are distinct:

Form 12B: Submitted by the employee to the new employer, detailing income from a previous employer.
Form 12BA: A comprehensive statement issued by the employer, itemizing perquisites, allowances, and benefits beyond the basic salary.

Conclusion

Form 12B ensures transparency in an individual’s tax liability by consolidating income details for employees joining mid-year. Though not mandatory, submitting a Form reduces the chances of under-reporting income, ensuring accurate TDS, and avoiding tax liabilities during return filing. Both employees and employers benefit from the Form, as it supports accurate tax calculations and smooth tax compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Form 12B mandatory for new employees?

No, Form 12B is not mandatory. However, it is highly recommended for those joining a new employer mid-year to ensure proper tax deductions.

What is the difference between Form 12B and Form 12BA?

Form 12B is a statement provided by the employee to disclose previous employment income, while Form 12BA is a statement from the employer detailing non-salary income components like perquisites.

Can I submit Form 12B if I am self-employed?

No, Form 12B is only applicable to salaried individuals who have switched employers mid-fiscal year.

What should I do if my previous employer did not provide a PAN or TAN?

You may request this information from the previous employer’s HR or finance department, as it is necessary for Form 12B.

When should Form 12B be submitted to the new employer?

Form 12B should ideally be submitted as soon as possible after joining the new organization to streamline the tax calculation process for both employee and employer.