In an attempt to promote the ease of tax compliance with enhanced provisions to taxpayers, some significant changes were brought into income-tax laws through the Union Budget of 2025. Largely applicable to salaried persons, professionals, and businesses, say operating in Assam, the amendments took effect from April 1, 2025, i.e. AY 2025-26. Below is a brief summary of the major changes:
Extension Of ITR Filing Deadline
The ITRs for AY 2025-26 shall now be filed until September 15, 2025, whereas an earlier date was fixed on July 31, 2025. Such time shall facilitate the taxpayers, including those in Assam, for the preparation of documents and getting the returns filed legitimately with lesser chances of any error or penalty.
Filing Of Revised Return For Certain Previous Years
The Finance Act 2025 allows the filing of updated or revised returns for AYs 2021-22 and 2022-23, with the facility expected to be made functional shortly. Taxpayers would need to ensure that their bank accounts are validated for refund credits; this will expedite the entire process of refunds and henceforth ensure compliance with the law.
Enhanced e-Filing Features
The Income Tax Department has recently upgraded the e-filing portal to accommodate new functionalities. Now, taxpayers who receive notices under Section 158BC can file with Form ITR-B through the e-Proceeding tab. Further, the fee for Block Assessment taxes is collected through the e-Pay Tax option, which is made available pre-login and post-login, rendering easier compliance.
Professional Tax Deductions In Assam
In Assam, a professional tax under the Assam Tax on Professions, Trades, Callings, and Employment Act, 1947, continues to be a key deduction for salaried individuals. The tax, ranging from ₹150 to ₹2,500 a month based on income slabs, can be claimed as a deduction if one opts for the old regime while filing their ITRs. Online payments can be made on the portal of the Assam Commissionerate of Taxes to ease compliance.
Penalties For Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with deadlines for the payment of professional taxes in Assam may attract a penalty of 2% for every month, thus doubling the amount for considerable delays. This is a particular burden for the timely payers, especially for the employers and those self-employed.
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