Life becomes more complex for the average tax payer
The Income Tax department has in a phased manner made it mandatory for different categories of tax payers to file online tax returns over the past four years. Now it is mandatory for every individual also to file returns online. One would think that this saves paper, is eco-friendly and tax payer friendly as he now does not have to stand in an unending queue or be asked to go from one department office to another to file his tax return. It’s as simple as logging into http://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/portal, logging in and uploading your tax return – well that’s what you thought. Till last year that is what was required of a tax payer, and the printed signed copy needed to be filed with the Income Tax Department in the ward of the assessee in his city of residence. The tax payer could get a copy of the acknowledgement stamped for hi/her record, which everyone concerned was now comfortable with. Guess what? New rules have been framed – which makes filing of your tax returns a tad more...