Frequently Asked Questions - Tax on Income

How does the Government collect Income Tax?

Taxes are collected by three means:

How will I know how much Income tax I have to pay?

The rates of income tax and corporate taxes are available in the Finance bill [commonly called budget] passed by Parliament every year. You can also refer our Tax Info section for income tax rates.

Does every person have to keenly follow the annual Finance bills?

You need not do so. You can take professional help or the help of Public Relation Officer [PRO] in the local Income Tax Department office. You may also take assistance from Tax Return Preparers [TRP]. Alternatively, you can visit http://eLagaan.com and get all your tax queries clarified.

When do I have to pay the taxes on my income?

Generally the tax on income crystallizes only on completion of the previous year. However for ease of collection and regularity of flow of funds to the Government for its various activities, the Income tax Act has laid down payment of taxes in advance during the year of earning itself. Taxes may also be collected on your behalf during the previous year itself through TDS and TCS.

What is the procedure for depositing tax?

A form called Challan available in the Income Tax department, in banks and on the IT department web site should be filled up and deposited in the bank along with the money. Taxes can also be paid on-line. You can also download it from eLagaan website (Downloads section).

In the challan there are terms like Income tax on companies & Income tax other than companies. What do they mean?

The tax to be paid by the companies on their income is called corporate tax and in the challan it is mentioned as Income tax on Companies. Tax paid by non-corporates is called Income tax and in the challan it is identified as Income tax other than Companies.

How is advance tax calculated and paid?

It is paid in installments. The amount payable is to be calculated as per the table below. The deposit of advance tax is made through challan by ticking the relevant column.

What is regular tax and how is it paid?

Under the Income tax Act every person has the responsibility to correctly compute and pay his due taxes. Where the Department finds that there has been understatement of income and tax due, it takes measures to compute the actual tax amount that ought to have been paid. This demand raised on the person is called Regular Tax.

What are the precautions that I should take while filling up the tax payment challan?

Clearly mention these details:

Do I need to insist on some proof of payment from the Banker to whom I have submitted the challan?

The filled up taxpayers counter foil will be stamped and returned to you by the bank. Please ensure that the bank stamp contains BSR[Bankers Serial number code], Challan Identification Number , and the date of payment.

How can I know that the Government has received the amount deposited by me as taxes in the bank?

The NSDL website provides online services called Challan Status Enquiry. You can also see your tax pass book, an online tax credit viewing facility in the same website. Visit https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/oltas/index.html for challan status enquiry.

What is the procedure to be followed to view my Tax passbook/Tax statement?

You must first register your PAN by logging into the online service called view tax credit in the NSDL website [http://www.tin-nsdl.com]. Thereafter your PAN registration must be authorized by visiting the nearest TIN [Tax Information Network] facilitation center of NSDL or getting their representative to call upon you. These are paid services.

What should I do if my tax payment particulars are not found against my name in your website?

For payments deposited by you into the bank you will have to contact your bankers if the credit has not been given even after three days. In case of TDS or TCS you will have to contact the concerned deductor /collector after the due date for filing the quarterly TDS/TCS return by them is over.

Is my responsibility under the Income tax Act over once taxes are paid?

No. You are thereafter responsible for ensuring that the tax credits are available in your tax passbook, TDS/TCS certificates are received by you and that full particulars of income and tax payment along with necessary proof is submitted to the income tax department in the form of Return before the due date.

What can I do to reduce my tax?

The tax can be reduced by making investment in approved schemes and also by making donations to approved charitable institutions.