Terms for filing IT returns relaxed

CHANDIGARH, Nov 20: Some of the provisions of the "One-out-of-Six" scheme regarding fulfilling conditions for filing Income Tax (I...

CHANDIGARH, Nov 20: Some of the provisions of the "One-out-of-Six" scheme regarding fulfilling conditions for filing Income Tax (IT) returns have been relaxed.

Commissioner of Income Tax Chandigarh A.K. Luthra said here today that as per revised provisions, it is not mandatory for Non-Resident Indians to file IT returns (Form 2-C) on the basis of income received from immovable property or on the basis of being a member of a club where the entrance fee is above Rs 25,000.

Also, senior citizens above the age of 65 years who are not engaged in any business or profession, are not required to compulsorily file returns (Form 2-C), provided they fulfil no other conditions except owning a house or subscribing to a telephone only. As per earlier provisions under Section 139 (I) of the Income Tax Act, it was mandatory to file IT returns if an individual owned, rented or leased out real estate, subscribed to a telephone, or was a member of a club where the membership fee is above Rs 25,000.

Travel to places of pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia on Haj organised by Central Haj Committee or to China on Kailash Mansarover organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, shall not be considered as foreign travel for the purpose of filing returns.

Similarly, travel to neighbouring countries including Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka will not be counted as foreign travel towards filing returns. The pre-revised notification made it mandatory for any person incurring expenditure on foreign travel for self or any one else, to file IT returns.