It’s that time of the year again! Filing your income tax returns can be a tricky task, but it’s crucial to do it right and on time. Missing the deadline can result in hefty fines and interest charges.
On the other hand, you can lower your taxable income and receive a refund by leveraging various deductions, credits, and exemptions. So, let’s dive in and make tax season less daunting and more rewarding!
With the help of an income tax course and careful planning, you can easily navigate the tax filing process and ensure that you receive the maximum refund possible. In this article, we’ll guide you through the tax filing process and provide tips for maximizing your tax refund in 2023.
In this article
How to File Your Taxes?
Filing taxes can be a challenging task for many people. However, the process can be much easier than expected with the proper guidance and understanding. Here is how to file taxes online. Login to the Income Tax e-Filing portal by entering your user ID (PAN), password, and Captcha code.
- Click on the ‘e-File’ menu and select the ‘Income Tax Return’ link.
- PAN will be filled automatically. After that, you have to select details for the year of assessment, and ITR From the Number.
- Once done, select the type of filing tax which can be ‘Original/Revised Return’, and ‘Submission Mode’ as ‘Prepare and Submit Online’.
- Once done press the ‘Continue’ button to go through the instructions.
- Fill in all the relevant and mandatory fields of the online ITR form.
- Select a verification option from the tab ‘Taxes Paid and Verification’.
- Click on the ‘Preview and Submit’ button, verify all the data entered in the ITR, and submit it.
How to Get Maximum Refund?
Tax planning is crucial in ensuring that you manage your tax liability effectively. One of the significant advantages of proper tax planning is that it can help you receive a refund if you have overpaid your taxes.
There are two main ways to save income tax & maximize refund: taking advantage of deductions available and claiming tax benefits from the deducted amount.
Taking Advantages of Deductions Available
The government encourages citizens to invest in tax-saving instruments to reduce their tax burden. Investment instruments such as Public Provident Fund, National Pension Scheme, National Savings Certificate, LIC premiums, etc. fall under section 80C of the Income Tax Act, which helps to minimize tax, hence maximizing refunds.
Another example of taking advantage of deductions is you can save on taxes by buying medical insurance under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act. You can claim up to Rs. 25,000 for yourself, your spouse, and dependent children, and up to Rs. 50,000 if you’re a senior citizen.
Claiming these different deductions can help lower your taxable income, increase your refund, and reduce your tax liability.
Claiming Tax Benefits from the Deducted Amount
To maximize your tax refund, it’s essential to claim tax benefits from the tax amount(TDS) deducted by your employer every month.
The TDS refund process is straightforward: visit the income tax portal, download the relevant form for an income tax refund, enter all the particulars, and submit the form.
If your employer deducted tax when you weren’t eligible for it, claim the amount by filing Income Tax Returns (ITR). The department will review the taxable amount before depositing the refund directly into your bank account.
Remember that TDS on salary is deducted every month, and it’s mandatory under Section 192 of the Income Tax Act for employers who pay a salaried income to deduct TDS on salary. So, if you’ve paid more TDS on salary than what you owe in a given year, you can claim the excess as a refund by showing it in the ITR you file.
Also if you are a professional that has paid advance tax more than required, you can claim a refund for the same, too.
Conclusion
You should also do tax planning to manage your personal finance. Investing in tax-saving instruments and taking advantage of the various deductions and exemptions available can significantly reduce your tax burden. However, it is important to ensure you file your taxes accurately and on time to avoid any penalties or interest charges.
Consider enrolling in an income tax course or online finance courses to understand tax planning and management better. With these tips, you can save income tax in 2023 and maximize your refund.
