Section 140B of the Income Tax Act: Everything You Need to Know About Updated Returns

Introduction

The Government of India enacted Section 140B of the Income Tax Act to govern the tax payment procedure for updated returns filed under Section 139(8A). This provision is intended to encourage voluntary tax compliance by allowing taxpayers to revise their income tax filings after the due date, subject to specified conditions and additional tax liabilities.

This page provides a thorough overview of Section 140B, including its application, tax computation under this section, and practical ramifications for taxpayers.

Understanding Section 140B

Section 140B specifies the mechanism for computing tax liabilities when an assessee makes an updated return under Section 139(8A). The goal is to ensure that every taxpayer who voluntarily declares extra income on an updated return pays the appropriate taxes and penalties in accordance with the law.

Applicability of Section 140B

Section 140B covers the following scenarios:

• When an assessee provides an amended return under Section 139(8A).
• When higher tax burden develops as a result of the increased income reported on the revised return.
• Individuals, corporations, companies, and other taxpayers who want to update their tax returns before the deadline.

Tax Calculation under Section 140B

When an updated return is filed, the taxpayer must calculate the tax liability in the following manner:

• Tax on additional income: Calculate tax on total income, including any new income declared on the amended return. Adjust for previously paid taxes (Advance Tax, TDS, Self-Assessment Tax, etc.).
• Additional Tax Liability (under Section 140B): If the revised return is filed within 12 months of the end of the relevant assessment year, additional tax equals 25% of the total tax and interest payable. If filed after 12 months but before 24 months, additional tax equals 50% of the total tax and interest payable.
• Interest under Sections 234A, 234B, and 234C: If a tax payment is late or there is a shortage in advance tax, interest is charged.
• Payment for Self-Assessment Tax: Before filing the revised return, the taxpayer must pay all outstanding taxes, including the additional tax required under Section 140B.

Conditions for Filing an Updated Return under Section 139(8A)

A taxpayer may submit a revised return only if:

• It is filed within 24 months of the end of the applicable assessment year.
• The return does not result in a lower tax liability or an increase in refund claim.
• The taxpayer is not subject to scrutiny, reassessment, or search actions under the Income Tax Act.
• Before submitting the return, ensure that any tax, interest, and additional tax owed under Section 140B have been paid in full.

Illustration of Tax Calculation under Section 140B

Example 1: An updated return filed within 12 months

• Original income declared: ₹10,000,000.
• Updated Income: ₹12,00,000
• Tax on an additional ₹2,00,000 income: ₹40,000 (assuming 20%).
• Interest (234A, 234B, and 234C): ₹5,000
• Additional tax: ₹11,250 (25% of ₹45,000).
• Total tax payable is ₹56,250 (₹40,000 + ₹5,000 + ₹11,250).

Example 2: An updated return filed after 12 months but before 24 months.

• Additional income: ₹2,00,000.
• Tax on additional income: ₹40,000
• Interest: ₹5,000.
• Additional tax: ₹22,500 (50% of ₹45,000).
• Total tax payable is ₹67,500 (₹40,000 + ₹5,000 + ₹22,500).

Benefits of Section 140B

• Provides an opportunity to correct errors in previous ITRs.
• Encourages voluntary tax compliance, which reduces the likelihood of penalties or judicial action.
• Helps taxpayers avoid scrutiny and penalties by proactively declaring increased income.
• Allows tax authorities to increase revenue collection without forcing reassessments.

Challenges and Considerations

• The increased tax liability (25%/50%) raises the expense of revising a return.
• The provision prohibits any reduction in stated income or increase in refunds.
• Cases being investigated, scrutinized, or reassessed are ineligible to file an updated return.
• Interest under Sections 234A, 234B, and 234C may add to the tax burden.

Conclusion

Section 140B is critical to the taxation of revised returns under the Income Tax Act. While it allows taxpayers to repair previous mistakes, they must be mindful of the higher tax liability involved. To prevent larger tax bills, it is usually essential to file proper returns by the original due date.

Consult a tax expert for professional assistance in filing an updated return under Section 139(8A) and computing tax under Section 140B, or use a trustworthy online platform like myITRonline for hassle-free compliance.

FAQs for Section 140B

Q1: Can I file an updated return after receiving a tax refund?

A: Yes, however you cannot receive an additional refund or reduce your declared tax liability.

Q2: What happens if I don't pay the additional tax under Section 140B?

A: Your revised return will be deemed invalid, and you may incur penalties or scrutiny.

Q3: Is there any penalty other than the additional tax under Section 140B?

A: There is no distinct penalty, although interest under Sections 234A, 234B, and 234C will apply.

Q4: Can I change an updated return submitted under Section 139(8A)?

A: An updated return cannot be revised once it has been filed.

Q5: How should I calculate tax before filing an amended return?

A: Calculate the tax on total updated income, including applicable interest and the additional tax (25%/50%) under Section 140B.

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