Getting tax deduction certificate may get easier

The finance ministry has proposed amendments in the Income Tax rules for obtaining ‘no deduction of tax’ certificate electronically, a move aimed at minimising human interface and reducing compliance burden. The tax department has proposed to make changes in Form 13 and related rules under the Income Tax Act.

“In order to rationalise and make the process of issuance of a certificate for no deduction of tax or deduction/collection of tax at lower rate electronic, the existing Form 13 and relevant I-T Rules are required to be amended,” the revenue department said.

“This is vital for minimising the human interface and reducing the compliance burden on the applicant,” the department added, while seeking comments from stakeholders by September 4 on the draft notification in this regard. Naveen Wadhwa, DGM, Taxmann, said getting nil or lower deduction certificate from the Income Tax Department is burdensome for taxpayers, especially senior citizens who are required to submit Form 13 in hardcopy by visiting jurisdictional Income Tax Office.

“There is no centralised process to apply online for getting such certificate except in a few states such as Karnataka and Goa, which allow the filing of Form 13 electronically. Extending such benefits to all states will be a commendable step,” he said.