Significant Changes in Income Tax w.e.f 1st April 2021



Quick Summary
From April 1st, 2021, significant changes to income tax regulations came into effect. These include the introduction of pre-filled Income Tax Return (ITR) forms, which will contain details like capital gains and dividend income. Tax will now be levied on interest earned from Employees' Provident Fund contributions exceeding £2.5 lakh. Furthermore, failure to link your Aadhaar and PAN by March 31st, 2021, could result in a £10,000 penalty and an inoperative PAN card. Non-filers of ITRs will face higher TDS/TCS rates, and specific conditions apply for claiming tax benefits under the LTC Cash Voucher Scheme.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN INCOME TAX THAT WOULD COME WITH EFFECT FROM 1ST APRIL 2021

Income Tax Changes from April 1st 2021: What You Need to Know

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Particulars

W.E.F 1st April 2021

1.

Pre-filled ITR Forms

A major change in ITR Form is expected as per Budget 2021 (Pre Filed ITR) will be introduced.

The Prefilled ITR Forms will have information of Capital Gains from Listed Securities, Dividend Income, Interest from Banks/Post Office, etc.

Earlier Pre-filed ITR form was available for Salaried employees where Income was reflected on basis of Form 16, but now the scope has become wide.

2.

Tax on Interest on PF

Interest earned from the Provident fund is exempt from Income Tax.

But, in Budget 2021 has proposed that Interest on Employee Contributions to Providend fund over Rs. 2.5 lakhs should Taxable.

3.

Penalty for Non-Linking of Aadhar & PAN

The Due Date for linking Aadhar and Income Tax PAN is 31st March 2021.

In case of non-linking, your PAN Card would become in- operative.

In case of Non-Linking, you may be Charged a Fine of Rs. 10,000 as per Section 272B of the Income Tax Act.

4.

High TDS/TCS Rate for Income Tax Return (ITR) Non-Filers

A new sec 206AB has been inserted in Income Tax Act as a special provision providing for higher rate for TDS for the non-filers of income tax return (ITR).

The Proposed Rate on Non-Filer is higher of the following:

  • 5%
  • Twice the rate specified in the relevant provision of the Act
  • Twice the rate or rates in force

Similarly, a new sec 206CCA has been inserted in Income Tax Act as a special provision providing for higher rate for TDS for the non-filers of income tax return (ITR).

The Proposed Rate on Non-Filer is higher of the following:

  • 5%
  • Twice the rate specified in the relevant provision of the Act

5.

Submission of bills under LTC Cash Voucher Scheme

To avail the tax benefit under the LTC Cash Voucher Scheme, ensure that required bills in the correct format containing GST amount and GST number of the vendor have been submitted to your employer (provided the employer is offering the scheme) on or before March 31, 2021. As per the  scheme, an employee is required to spend three times the amount deemed as LTA fare on goods and services attracting GST of 12% or more.

6.

No Tax Filing For Senior Citizens Above 75

Persons whose age is above 75 years and who has pension income and interest from fixed deposit comes in the same bank and who has only interest income, they need not file income tax return. Bank will deduct the income tax which he has to pay and deposit to the government. The condition is the person should have only pension income and interest from fixed deposit should accrue in the same bank.

FAQ :

From April 1st, 2021, pre-filled ITR forms are being introduced, which will include information on capital gains from listed securities, dividend income, and interest from banks and post offices.

Yes, interest earned on employee contributions to the Provident Fund exceeding £2.5 lakh will be taxable from April 1st, 2021.

If your Aadhaar and PAN are not linked by March 31st, 2021, your PAN card will become inoperative, and you may face a penalty of £10,000 under Section 272B of the Income Tax Act.

Yes, new sections in the Income Tax Act mean that non-filers of ITRs will be subject to higher TDS/TCS rates, which will be the higher of 5% or twice the specified rate.

To claim tax benefits, you must submit bills with the vendor's GST amount and number to your employer by March 31st, 2021. The spending must attract GST of 12% or more and be at least three times the LTA fare.

Senior citizens over 75 with only pension income and interest income from a fixed deposit in the same bank do not need to file an ITR. Their bank will deduct and deposit the tax payable.




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Finance news reporter covering taxation, GST, income tax, business compliance, and economy updates. I simplify complex financial topics into easy-to-understand articles for professionals, taxpayers, and business owners on leading finance and tax platforms.

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