The deadline for filing income tax approaches each day, underscoring the importance for senior and super-senior citizens to grasp the specific tax benefits available to them. Many senior citizens mistakenly believe that Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on their income automatically relieves them from filing income tax returns. However, this is not necessarily true.
Senior or super-senior citizen taxpayers need to understand that TDS serves as an advance payment towards their tax liability. It may not cover their entire tax obligation, especially if their total income exceeds the exemption limit or if specific deductions/exemptions have not been considered in the TDS calculation.
While Section 194P of the Income Tax Act provides an exemption from filing returns for senior citizens aged 75 years and above, this exemption is subject to specific conditions. The conditions stipulate
If these conditions are not fulfilled, senior citizens with TDS deducted may still be required to file a tax return.
To help senior citizens access these benefits, the department has introduced specialized income tax return (ITR) forms designed to streamline the filing process and ensure eligibility for income tax exemptions.
The ideal ITR form for senior citizens varies based on their particular sources of income. Here’s a breakdown of the most typical scenarios:
The ITR-3 form is designated for individuals who earn income from a business or profession, excluding income that falls under presumptive taxation. The ITR-4 form is intended for individuals who earn income from a business or profession that falls under presumptive taxation as per sections 44AD, 44ADA, etc.
The Income Tax Act, 1961 acknowledges the financial requirements of senior citizens and provides them with beneficial provisions to alleviate their tax burden. Moreover, the Department acknowledges the importance of ensuring accessibility in the tax filing process for senior citizens. Here’s how they have simplified it:
These options are aimed at simplifying the tax filing process for senior citizens and promoting their utilization of available tax benefits. If you’re a senior citizen unsure about which form to use or how to proceed with filing, seeking advice from a tax advisor can be highly beneficial.
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