Economy

Taxpayers alert! Incorrect late fees and interest will be refunded

The income tax department had launched a new e-filing portal on 7th June 2021, which had faced several technical issues since its launch. However, recently, the department announced that many of the errors had been addressed, and the vendor is working to fix the persisting issues. 

To offer compliance relief to the taxpayers during the pandemic, the last date for filing the income tax return for the financial year 2020-21 has already been extended from 31st July 2021 to 30th September 30, 2021.

However, some taxpayers who filed their ITR after 31st July (initial due date) complained that they were charged late filing fees and interest thereon. 

On Wednesday, the income tax department stated that it would refund the excess late fees and the interest mistakenly charged from the taxpayers due to software error while filing ITR for 2020-21. 

The department tweeted that the ITR software glitch was rectified on 1st August itself, and the incorrect computation of interest u/s 234A and late filing fees u/s 234F was fixed. 

The tweet further advised taxpayers to use the latest version of the ITR Utility (preparation software) or file online. 

The department confirmed that if such incorrect interest or late fees were levied while filing a return, the same would be correctly calculated while processing the ITR. The excess amount, if any after the correct computation, will be refunded to the taxpayers. 

For any clarifications/feedback on the topic, please contact the writer at jyoti.arora@cleartax.in

Share

Recent Posts

Mutual Funds: SIP Inflows Breach Rs 19,000-Crore Mark for the First Time in February ’24

The systematic investment plan (SIP) contribution in February 2024 has crossed a new milestone. The monthly contribution tipped at Rs…

10 months ago

Income-Tax Return: A Brief Note on Annual Information Statement (AIS)

The Income-Tax (I-T) Department has directed taxpayers to access the Annual Information Statement (AIS) via the e-filing official portal and…

10 months ago

Mutual Funds: All About SIP and Market Fluctuations

Considering the vagaries of the stock market, investors often ponder over reevaluating their strategies. Whether to continue to remain invested…

10 months ago

Income-Tax Saving Through Strategic Life Insurance Planning

Financial planning is beyond just investing wisely to save on taxes; it's also related to protecting oneself and one's loved…

10 months ago

Income-Tax Return: Here’s a Note on Tax-Saving Avenues

A salaried individual earning up to Rs 5-15 lakh as net salary on an annual basis must first take stock…

10 months ago

A Quick Take on Equity-Linked Savings Scheme

Equity-linked savings schemes (ELSS), also referred to as tax-saving schemes, are equity funds that invest a significant portion of their…

10 months ago