The income tax department provides specific income tax return (ITR) forms for availing the tax filing and seeking eligible tax exemption benefits. Here are various income tax forms that seniors should know when they are going to file income tax.

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Exemption From Filing ITR U/S 194P

U/s 194P of the Income Tax Act, a senior citizen of 75 years or above having only pension income and no other income subject to the exception of interest income from a specified bank account may opt not to file the ITR. Such a senior may submit the declaration in form 12BBA to the specified bank where he receives the pension and interest income. On submission of the form, the bank deducts the income tax, which is computed based on the information provided in the form.

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Use Form 15H To Request Banks To Not Deduct The TDS

Usually, the banks deduct the TDS if the interest earned by a senior citizen individual exceeds the applicable threshold of Rs 50000 during the financial year. However, seniors can instruct their banks not to deduct the TDS, provided their income is below the taxable limit. Seniors can submit Form 15H to their banks to instruct them not to deduct TDS. However, seniors falling in the taxable category can’t submit the 15H to the bank.

Suitable ITR Form For Filing Taxes

Different ITR forms are applicable for filing taxes for seniors according to their income category. Pensioners with incomes less than Rs 50 lakh in the relevant financial year can file taxes through Sahaj, i.e., ITR 1. Pensioners with income from owned property or other sources or from capital gains have to file ITR-2. Pensioners having income from business or professions need to file ITR-3 or ITR-4.

Other Forms That Can Ease The ITR Filing For Seniors

Seniors with a salary income in the form of a pension are entitled to get Form 16 from the employer. Form 16 consists of a bifurcation of their salary structure along with the TDS detail for the relevant financial year. Seniors can get all the TDS information in a statement called form 26AS and use it to verify the TDS done on their income.

If you are confused or having difficulty filing taxes, you must consult your tax advisor immediately to get a quick and appropriate tax-related solution.

The author is an independent financial journalist.