Home / Health Insurance / Articles / Income Tax / The Complete Guide to ITR-2 Form
TeamAckoOct 23, 2023
Navigating the maze of income tax returns can be daunting. This article aims to demystify the ITR-2 Form, a critical document for certain categories of taxpayers in India.
Contents
Not every taxpayer needs the ITR form 2. It's designed for individuals and HUFs who have incomes other than income from business and profession. This includes income from salary, multiple house properties and other sources such as capital gains.
The form accommodates various types of income:
Income from Salary: For the salaried individual.
Income from House Property: Includes rent and property loss.
Income from Capital Gains: Covers both short-term and long-term capital gains.
Other Sources: Includes dividend income, interest income, and even lottery winnings.
There are two ways to file ITR-2: online and offline. Online filing is mandatory if the total income exceeds ₹5 lakhs. Offline filing is permitted only for those with income less than ₹5 lakhs and who are above 80 years old.
Login to the Portal: The first step is to log in to the income tax e-filing portal. New users need to register.
Select the Form: Choose ITR-2 from the list of ITR Forms available.
Complete the Form: Fill in all the relevant details, including details of income, deductions under Chapter VI-A, and tax credits.
Submit the Form: After verifying all the information, submit the form. It can be verified using a digital signature or an electronic verification code.
Download the Form: The form can be downloaded from the income tax portal.
Complete the Form: Fill in all the required information.
Submit the Form: The completed form can be submitted at the nearest income tax department office.
Filing ITR-2 is a straightforward process if one understands the form well. This guide aims to provide that understanding, making the task of filing ITR-2 less daunting for taxpayers.
Agricultural Income
Agricultural income is exempt from income tax but must be declared as it is used for rate purposes in the calculation of tax liability. This income is reported under the section for exempt income.
Dividend Income
Dividend income from mutual funds and shares should be reported. The tax treatment varies depending on the source and the duration for which the investment was held.
Income from Retirement Benefits
Retirement benefits like provident fund and pension funds are usually exempt but must be reported. They fall under the category of income from salary for the purpose of ITR-2.
Statement of Deductions
Deductions under Chapter VI-A, such as those for insurance premiums and educational loans, are listed in Schedule VI-A. These reduce the total taxable income.
Details of Tax Credits
Tax credits for TDS and advance tax payments are to be filled in the 'Tax Details' section. This helps in the computation of tax credit available against the tax liability.
Statement of Losses
Losses under various heads of income, including current year capital losses and unabsorbed losses, are to be reported. This is crucial for the computation of total taxable income.
Carry Forward of Losses
ITR-2 allows for the carry forward of certain types of losses, like house property loss and capital loss, to subsequent years. These are to be reported in the relevant schedules.
Overview of Schedules
The ITR-2 Form is divided into various schedules that help in organising different types of income, deductions, and details. These schedules include:
Schedule S: Details of income from salary.
Schedule HP: Income from house property.
Schedule CG: Income from capital gains.
Schedule FA: Details of foreign assets and income.
Schedule VI-A: Deduction details under Chapter VI-A.
Each schedule is designed to capture specific types of income or deductions, making it easier for the taxpayer to provide accurate information.
Key Components
Personal and Contact Information: Includes complete address, email address, and Zip code.
Income Details: Comprehensive list of all sources of income, including salary income, income from house property, and capital gains.
Deductions: Details of deductions claimed under Chapter VI-A.
Tax Details: Information about tax liability, Advance Tax and Self-Assessment Tax paid.
Summary of Income: Aggregate of incomes from all sources, leading to the computation of total taxable income.
Computation of Tax Liability: Final figure of tax payable, including any relief from taxation.
Understanding these components is crucial for accurate and efficient filing of the ITR-2 Form.
Incorrect Information
One of the most common mistakes is providing incorrect or incomplete information. This includes errors in the details of income, deductions, or tax credits. Such mistakes can lead to a mismatch with the records of the income tax department.
Ignoring Additional Income
Taxpayers often forget to declare additional sources of income such as interest from savings accounts, income from mutual funds, or income from rent. Ignoring these can result in penalties.
Not Verifying the Form
Before submitting, the form must be verified. This can be done using a digital signature or an electronic verification code. Failure to verify the form can lead to its rejection by the income tax department.
By being cautious and avoiding these common pitfalls, taxpayers can ensure a smooth and error-free filing process.
Receipt of Acknowledgment
Once the ITR-2 Form is successfully submitted and verified, the income tax department sends an acknowledgment. This acknowledgment serves as proof that the tax return has been filed.
Verification Methods
Verification can be done in two ways:
Digital Signature: A digital signature certificate can be used to verify the form.
Electronic Verification Code (EVC): An EVC can be generated through the income tax e-filing portal and used for verification.
It's crucial to keep the acknowledgment safe as it may be required for future reference.
Filing the ITR-2 Form is a straightforward process when done with a clear understanding of its various components and schedules. From detailing multiple income sources to claiming deductions and tax relief, the form serves as a comprehensive document for taxpayers who do not have income from business or profession.
Crucial Points to Remember:
Eligibility: Designed for individuals and HUFs with diverse income types.
Components: Includes schedules for various income sources, deductions, and foreign income.
Common Mistakes: Providing incorrect information and not verifying the form are pitfalls to avoid.
Verification: Digital signature and EVC are the two modes for verifying the form.
By following this guide, taxpayers can navigate the complexities of the ITR-2 Form and complete their tax filing with confidence.
Schedule 5A is used for apportionment of income between spouses governed by Portuguese Civil Code, also known as the community of property.
Schedule FSI is used for detailing the relief sought from double taxation on foreign income.
Capital gains, both long-term and short-term, are detailed in Schedule CG. Information like the cost of acquisition and sale considerations are included here.
Schedule FA is for declaring foreign assets and income, including details of bank accounts and properties owned outside India.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes.
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