{"id":6958,"date":"2022-02-10T16:37:30","date_gmt":"2022-02-10T11:07:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/?p=6958"},"modified":"2022-05-25T18:18:00","modified_gmt":"2022-05-25T12:48:00","slug":"what-is-income-tax","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/what-is-income-tax\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Income Tax: Basics, Tax Slabs, IT Returns and E-Filing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In India, the tax structure is divided into direct and indirect taxes levied by the Central and State Governments. Corporate entities and individuals must pay direct taxes on their taxable income and deposit their taxes. On the other hand, the sale and provision of goods and services call for the levy of indirect taxes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The income tax is one of the major central taxes in India. It is a direct tax that the Central Government levies and collects.&nbsp;Let\u2019s explore this tax regime in detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_66_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/what-is-income-tax\/#What-is-income-tax-in-India\" title=\"What is income tax in India?\">What is income tax in India?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/what-is-income-tax\/#Who-is-liable-to-pay-income-tax\" title=\"Who is liable to pay income tax?\">Who is liable to pay income tax?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/what-is-income-tax\/#Types-of-income-liable-for-taxation\" title=\"Types of income liable for taxation\">Types of income liable for taxation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/what-is-income-tax\/#What-is-an-income-tax-return-ITR\" title=\"What is an income tax return (ITR)?\">What is an income tax return (ITR)?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/what-is-income-tax\/#What-is-ITR-filing\" title=\"What is ITR filing?\">What is ITR filing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/what-is-income-tax\/#Eligibility-for-income-tax-filing\" title=\"Eligibility for income tax filing\">Eligibility for income tax filing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/what-is-income-tax\/#Income-tax-slabs-for-AY-2021-%E2%80%93-2022\" title=\"Income tax slabs for AY 2021 &#8211; 2022&nbsp;\">Income tax slabs for AY 2021 &#8211; 2022&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/what-is-income-tax\/#1-Age-group-Less-than-60-yrs\" title=\"1. Age group: Less than 60 yrs\">1. Age group: Less than 60 yrs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/what-is-income-tax\/#2-Age-group-60-yrs\" title=\"2. Age group: 60+ yrs\">2. Age group: 60+ yrs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/what-is-income-tax\/#3-Age-group-80-yrs\" title=\"3. Age group: 80+ yrs\">3. Age group: 80+ yrs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/what-is-income-tax\/#Documentation-required-for-ITR-filing\" title=\"Documentation required for ITR filing\">Documentation required for ITR filing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/what-is-income-tax\/#Procedure-for-e-filing-ITR\" title=\"Procedure for e-filing ITR\">Procedure for e-filing ITR<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/what-is-income-tax\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-income-tax-in-India\"><\/span>What is income tax in India?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The income that individuals and businesses generate in a financial year is liable for taxation, known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/income-tax-return-last-date\/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=article\">Income Tax<\/a>. The Income Tax Act, 1961, is the statute that guides the administration, levy, collection, and recovery of income tax in India. It contains elaborate chapters, each dealing with particular aspects of taxation. The Finance Minister of India presents the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/budget-2022-smalltalks-experts-share-their-opinions\/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=article\">Annual Budget<\/a>, bringing amendments to make the Act more comprehensive and inclusive.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who-is-liable-to-pay-income-tax\"><\/span>Who is liable to pay income tax?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Income Tax Act classifies taxpayers into distinct categories with different tax rates applicable for each. The categories are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Individuals<br><strong>*<\/strong> Residents<br><strong>*<\/strong> Non-residents<\/li><li>Hindu Undivided Families (HUF)<\/li><li>Body of Individuals (BOI)<\/li><li>Association of Persons (AOF)<\/li><li>Firms<\/li><li>Companies<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types-of-income-liable-for-taxation\"><\/span>Types of income liable for taxation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Income Tax Department lays down five income heads that are subject to income tax. These are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Income from salary<\/li><li>Income from house property<\/li><li>Income from business or profession<\/li><li>Income from capital gains<\/li><li>Income from other sources (including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/alternatives-to-fixed-deposits\/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=article\">fixed deposits<\/a>, savings bank account interests, lotteries, etc.)<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"return\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-an-income-tax-return-ITR\"><\/span>What is an income tax return (ITR)?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Income Tax Return (ITR) is a form for reporting the taxable income, tax liability, and claiming any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/income-tax-deduction\/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=article\">tax deduction<\/a>. It is mandatory for salaried and self-employed individuals, HUFs, firms, and companies to file IT returns to the Income Tax Department of India. If your income is eligible for taxation, the next step is to file an ITR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"filing\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-ITR-filing\"><\/span>What is ITR filing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>ITR filing is the process by which you, as a taxpayer, will file a report of your total income in a financial year. With a few exceptions, online filing of ITR is mandatory for all taxpayers within a prescribed deadline. You can file your ITR for a financial year through the Government\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/income-tax-e-filling\/\">Income Tax e-Filing<\/a> Portal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tax\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Eligibility-for-income-tax-filing\"><\/span>Eligibility for income tax filing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Individuals fulfilling any of the following criteria have to file ITR:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>As per age group and gross annual income:<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Age of individuals&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Gross annual income<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Below 60 yrs<\/td><td>More than Rs. 2.5 lakh<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>60-80 yrs<\/td><td>More than Rs. 3 lakh<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Above 80 yrs<\/td><td>More than Rs. 5 lakh<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Individuals earning income from house property or other sources<\/li><li>Individuals earning from or investing in foreign assets<\/li><li>Individuals applying for a loan or visa<\/li><li>Firms and companies, regardless of the profit or loss<\/li><li>Individuals claiming a refund from the Income Tax Department<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"income\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Income-tax-slabs-for-AY-2021-%E2%80%93-2022\"><\/span>Income tax slabs for AY 2021 &#8211; 2022&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can opt for the existing tax regime or the new tax regime. While the latter has lower taxation rates, you will not be allowed certain deductions and exemptions the old regime offers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/income-tax-slab\/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=article\">slabs<\/a> for both the existing and new tax regimes are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-Age-group-Less-than-60-yrs\"><\/span>1. Age group: Less than 60 yrs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6961\" width=\"638\" height=\"545\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-Age-group-60-yrs\"><\/span>2. Age group: 60+ yrs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/image-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6964\" width=\"695\" height=\"590\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/image-1.png 828w, https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/image-1-300x255.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 695px) 100vw, 695px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3-Age-group-80-yrs\"><\/span>3. Age group: 80+ yrs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/image-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6965\" width=\"725\" height=\"622\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/image-2.png 828w, https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/image-2-300x258.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 725px) 100vw, 725px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"documentation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Documentation-required-for-ITR-filing\"><\/span>Documentation required for ITR filing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You need to collect the following documents for e-filing ITR:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Payslips\/salary slips<\/li><li>PAN Card<\/li><li>AADHAR Card<\/li><li>Bank statements<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/what-is-form16\/\">Form 16<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/form-26as\/\">Form 26AS<\/a><\/li><li>Interest certificates<\/li><li>Proof of tax deduction documents as applicable<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides, the Income Tax Department prescribes seven types of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/itr-forms\/\">ITR forms<\/a> depending on the taxpayer\u2019s type of income. Therefore, before e-filing your ITR, you must choose the form applicable to you. The ITR forms are ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5, ITR-6, and ITR-7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"procedure\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Procedure-for-e-filing-ITR\"><\/span>Procedure for e-filing ITR<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Given below is a step-by-step overview of how to e-file your ITR through the online government portal:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Visit the official e-filing portal of the Income Tax Department.<\/li><li>Register yourself if you are a new user or login if you are an existing user.<\/li><li>Click on <em>\u2018File Income Tax Return\u2019<\/em> under the e-file tab.<\/li><li>Select the necessary details on the Income Tax Return Page and click <em>\u2018Continue.\u2019<\/em><\/li><li>Fill in the mandatory fields in the online ITR form.<\/li><li>Choose any verification option from the <em>&#8216;Taxes Paid and Verification&#8217; <\/em>tab.<\/li><li>Click on <em>\u2018Preview and Submit\u2019<\/em> and verify your entered data.<\/li><li>Submit the ITR.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the online process is complete, the next step is verification as per the mode you chose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As a citizen of India, it is imperative that you pay your share of taxes. You must file an ITR stating your details and tax liabilities based on your income category. Before doing so, ensure you are familiar with the documentation, ITR forms, and e-filing process. You will have to pay hefty penalties if you fail to file your ITR within the due date. The GOI has again extended the due date to file taxes until 15 March 2022. Reach out to your CA or tax advisor for timely filing and professional guidance on taxes<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wondering what is income tax? Check out this detailed guide on income tax in India to know about tax slabs, tax refunds and find out how you can file the income tax returns!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":6071,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[173,964,1301],"acf":[],"modified_by":"Neera Bhardwaj","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/6.png?wsr","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6958"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6958"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6958\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8804,"href":"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6958\/revisions\/8804"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6071"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6958"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6958"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tickertape.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6958"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}