Don’t get confused. Help is at hand
IN THE FIRST THREE YEARS OF FILING OF IT RETURNS, NO FEE WILL BE CHARGED BY THE TRP, DEPENDING ON CERTAIN CONDITIONS. AFTER THREE YEARS, THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT TO BE CHARGED IS ₹250
MUMBAI : Are you confused about the process of filing returns? Are your worried you will end up filing wrong details in the income-tax return (ITR) form? There are multiple ways to get assistance.
FROM THE TAX DEPT
Aware that a taxpayer may need help to prepare to file returns or to file returns, the income tax department has on its website put up a list of e-returns intermediaries (ERI) and also offers tax returns preparers scheme (TRPS). In the list ( https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/efiling/portal/staticpdf/list_of_eri.pdf?lang=eng), the income tax department provides name, address, mobile number, landline number and email ID of ERIS who can help you with the filing process.
You can also seek help under TRPS. As a tax-payer you can locate TRPS, register for home visit and also seek help online. In case of any complaint related to “Tax Return Preparer – TRP” or related to the services provided by a TRP for It-return filing, you can inform the IT department.
In the first three years of filing of It-returns, no fee will be charged by the TRP, depending on certain conditions. After three years, the maximum amount to be charged is ₹250 for an income tax return for an assessment year.
ONLINE SERVICE
You can also seek assistance from online portals such as Cleartax, H&R Block and Taxspanner. Like any other online service, you will have to register and create your account. Most of the online portals will ask you to upload your Form 16. If you don’t want to upload your Form 16, you can do it with your PAN details. You will have to pay a fee depending on the complexities. Usually it ranges between ₹150 to ₹5,000. For instance, if you only have salary income, you will be charged lower.
But say you have foreign income and foreign assets, you will have to pay more. If you ask for individual assistance from a CA, you will have to pay more.
PROFESSIONAL HELP
Most people prefer using the traditional route of filing returns through their chartered accountants.
You can also get in touch with a financial planner who will be able to help you file your returns.
You don’t want to give your details to someone who doesn’t know how to file the returns correctly. Ensure that you have a chat with the person.
Although you will be assigning the work to someone else, you still will have to do your basics such as collecting your documents and getting all your paperwork in order.