Paying income tax is the responsibility of salaried taxpayers in order to avoid the IT Department following. But, many taxpayers find some ways through which they can hide their original taxable income and pay fewer taxes. If we pay a close look at the figure, it is not that much high as compared to their earnings but the problem is that they consider their hard-earned money to be taken by the government in form of the income tax. However, they do not understand that the government needs funds too in order to maintain the social and economic structure and the government has expenses as well.
Moving forward, are you one of the taxpayers who conceal their income? Then, this post is certainly going to help you a lot. It will show you common errors to avoid and do not become a victim of smart-minded people who advise you to save tax and take their fees in return.
The IT dept has informed salaried-class taxpayers to avoid illegal ways of income tax returns (ITRs) filing. It is strictly mentioned that such violators will not only be taken to the court but also their employers will be taken into consideration for guilty.
A PTI report mentions, the Central Processing Centre (CPC) of the I-T Dept in Bangalore, also suggested not falling into an illegal tax net trapped by the false people in order to obtain an income tax advantage. Under the Income Tax Act, all practices such as not reporting full details of income or showing escalated exemptions or deductions to save tax are punishable offences. As mentioned by the CPC advisory, the tax department will use an extensive risk analysis system to track those non-compliant and go for ITR details check while examining high-risk cases.
So, now being tax compliant as well as filing the true IT return are important. Former Akhil Chandna, Director, Grant Thornton India LLP said, “After the Income Tax Department’s cautionary advisory issued recently, all salaried taxpayers will have to pay additional attention and ensure that there are no under the report of income or excessive/false claims of deductions from their salary income.”
Read Also: Important Steps for Beginners to Filing Income Tax Return
Doing purposely mistakes is another thing and a mistake arriving mismatch is another. But, it can be a matter of concern if some kind of mismatch occurs in filing returns. So, here are the most common mistakes done by salaried taxpayers and it is advisable to consider those to avoid any kind of delay and mismatch.
Bogus Bills For HRA Claims
It is the practice of employees to submit fake bills for HRA Claims without a relevant document in support. They just mention lease agreement and rent outflow, but there is no such kind of transaction from their account. These sorts of actions are punishable under the Income Tax Act.
Tax Escape On Interest From Bank Accounts
The amount of tax mismatch can directly be gauged from the person’s account and Form 26AS. Head of Tax Research, H&R Block India says, “Non-reporting / under-reporting of these amounts are apparent cases of tax evasion and calls for further investigation. Further, at times taxes are also deducted from interest income and hence, the mismatch of income by non-reporting are easily identified.”
Show Income From All Employers
The Tax Department has details about the income of all employers, so whether you switch jobs or earn part-time from two or more employers, you are required to pay the tax accordingly. The tax department has information regarding these based on the TDS return filed and any mismatch can lead to an inquiry against you.
Misuse Of Chapter VI-A Deductions
Some professionals make the taxpayers save high taxes and in return charge 10-25% of the refund amount. These professionals generally make false claims such as Education loan interest – u/s 80E, Tax Saving Investment u/s 80C, Deduction form Mediclaim policies – u/s 80D, Donations – u/s 80G, 80GGA, 80GGC, medical treatment of certain illnesses – u/s 80DD, 80DDB, 80U, and deductions relating to disability. But with the attachment of Aadhar and PAN now, the tax department can track the truth.
Chandak says, “In case of any discrepancy it can start an investigation against the taxpayer. Recently the Tax Department has notified Centralised Communication Scheme, 2018 as per which Centralised Communication Centre shall issue a notice to any person requiring him to furnish information or documents for the purpose of verification of information in his possession. Based on this inquiry conducted, the Centralised Communication Centre may forward the outcome of such inquiry to the Assessing Officer for further action and if the AO is convinced that you have made a false claim, then you may have to face penalties and prosecution under the I-T Act.”
Misuse of 80C Form
The salaried taxpayers claim fake 80C deductions such as Mediclaim deductions and LIC bills, in this way, they escalate the fixed deposits without real outflow. Chandna says, “As payments made to this under this investment schemes are directly mapped to employees Form 26AS which are available with the tax department, such manipulations are evident and subject to severe prosecutions as employees are time and again indulging in such frauds despite endless reiterations.”
Fake Claim Under Section 10
Many salaried taxpayers make fake claims under Section 10 regarding LTA, HRA, and medical reimbursement. Now, the tax department matches Form 16A, Form 26AS, and Form 16 to compare with the report.
Wrong Claims On Capital Gains
Taxpayers make wrong claims using u/s 54, 54F, 54EC on capital gains in order to save tax. Now, the ITR asks for the details of the investment as well to check the truthiness. Chandak informs, “Further with the linkage of Aadhaar and PAN with property transactions and the financial account, it would be easy for the tax department to verify your claims electronically and if those are found incorrect, it can result in severe action against you.”
Escalating Home Loan Interest
For the people, who are planning to escalate home loan interest in order to fool the government, it is advisable not to do this as your claims can be rejected in case of an insufficient document and strict action could be taken against you.
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