Form 15G is a document that must be submitted to ensure that TDS is not subtracted on your come provided you are eligible for the same. Form 15G is valid for one financial year, and eligible individuals must submit them every year.
Taxes form an integral component of every working individual’s life, constantly reminding him/her about his duty towards the nation, a duty expected to be fulfilled by paying tax. TDS can be a taxing term for us, with most of us planning ways to reduce the amount we pay in the form of TDS. Clear vision and a basic understanding of procedures can go a long way in helping you save some of your hard earned money.
Form 15G is a critical tool in the income tax arsenal of our country, designed to aid taxpayers when it comes to TDS. In essence, it is a form which is used to request the Income Tax department not to deduct tax or TDS for a particular instance. Tax free income from certain investments can be taxed if this form is not filled, making it a crucial money saving asset. In simple terms, this is a self-declaration form an individual is expected to furnish to the relevant authority to avoid TDS on interest in case of fixed and recurring deposits.
When to use Form 15G?
This form can be used when an individual hopes to avoid TDS on interest in case of securities, Provident Fund, NSS, bank/company deposits, etc. One cannot use this form to save TDS from any other source of income, making this an extremely specialised form.
Who can Submit Form 15G?
Form 15G can be submitted by individuals who wish to save TDS on the interest earned through certain investments. One should have a valid investment, in order to be eligible to use this form. Other factors one should consider are mentioned below.
Indian resident – You should be an Indian resident in order to be able to use the provisions under Form 15G. NRIs cannot avail these benefits.
Age – Form 15G is directed towards a particular age group and only individuals below the age of 60 years can use this form.
HUF/trust – Apart from individuals, Hindu Undivided Families and trusts can use this form to save on TDS.
Interest – This form can be used when the interest on your deposits exceeds Rs 10,000 in a financial year. One should also keep in mind that the total aggregate of the income plus the interest in a financial year should be under the exemption limit of the Income Tax Slabs.
Mr. Ram, aged 43 years and residing in Delhi has an annual income of Rs 1.2 lakh from his job and he also earns Rs 60,000 as interest from various deposits, making his total income Rs 1.8 lakh. He is eligible for deductions worth Rs 1 lakh, taking his total income after deductions to Rs 80,000. He can use Form 15G to avoid TDS on the interest as his total income prior to deductions falls under the exemption limit according to the tax slabs.
Individuals filing Form 15G should keep the following points in mind.
Where should you submit Form 15G?
It can happen that you are at a loss after filling the form, unsure as to where to submit it. These forms need not be directly submitted to an income tax office. Forms can be submitted to your bank, post offices or the company you work for.
For how long is Form 15G valid?
The validity of Form 15G is limited to the financial year in which an individual has filed and furnished this form. It is valid for 1 financial year only and an individual is expected to furnish a new form for a different year.