Though our government has extended the deadline for ITR (Income Tax Return) till 30th June, 2020, start looking for a professional offering tax services instead of waiting for the deadline. The impact of coronavirus on income tax deadlines and penalties for taxpayers has been quite drastic. Our government has offered numerous relaxations under the Income Tax Act. The objective was to help taxpayers and ease their financial burden during the coronavirus pandemic.
They now have more time to file income tax returns. During a recent press meet in New Delhi, our finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has reduced penalties and delayed the due dates for numerous direct taxes. The novel coronavirus outbreak has not only been declared as a pandemic but has already infected thousands of Indians in the last few weeks. The lockdown imposed by our Government has shut down numerous businesses temporarily all over India.
Lower Interest Rates
Not only did our Finance Minister extend the last date to file income tax returns from March 31st to June 30th but even the interest rate you have to pay for delaying advanced taxes payment has been lowered. Other types of taxes where the interest rates have been lowered are tax collected at source, tax deducted at source and equalisation levy. Earlier, the interest rates were between 12 to 18 percent. It has now been reduced to 9 percent.
How Did The Extension Help?
The extension of the deadline and decrease in interest rates have become a blessing in disguise for thousands of taxpayers during the pandemic. Tax experts and professionals offering tax services in Kolkata feel that the reduction in interest will help taxpayers preserve their liquidity during the economic crisis. The last day for linking Aadhaar with PAN card was extended from March 31 to June 30th.
Changes In The ‘Vivaad Se Vishwas’ Scheme
Earlier, a taxpayer had to pay 10% interest if he made payment under the tax dispute resolution mechanism after 31st March. Since India is under complete lockdown till 30th April, our Finance Minister has declared that taxpayers don’t have to pay any additional interest if they made the payment till 30th June. The relaxation and extension of the ‘Vivaad Se Vishwas’ scheme with benefit businesses with past liabilities, especially those with high-interest liabilities.
COVID-19 has disrupted almost every business operations with decrease in cash flows. If you are also one of those business owners who could not make the payment till March 31st, get in touch with an experienced professional offering tax services and he will let you know what you should do next to prevent fines.
Time Limit Extension Under Direct Tax Statuses
Few events for which the Indian Government has extended the due dates are intimation to the tax department, issue of notice, returns under various direct tax statutes and filing of appeals, among others. The time limit has been extended for other direct tax statues as well, get in touch with a tax expert to know more. The announcement made by our financial ministry will be implemented by making some necessary amendments and issuing circulars.