09 Jun
How to File ITR for Freelancer and Application of ITR Filing
How to File ITR for Freelancer and Application of
ITR Filing
India ranks as the fastest-growing freelance market in the
world. Freelancing is now more fruitful as income tax for freelancers in India
is very lucrative with many favourable tax rules and savings opportunities.
Just like any other person earning income has to pay tax, the freelancer has to
pay tax and file an income tax return according to IT law.
The process of filing income tax returns for freelancers in
India is slightly different from that of salaried individuals. In this article,
we will learn more about tax implementation for freelancers, the freelance
income tax process and ways to save tax.
What is 'freelancing' according to income tax rules?
Under Indian income tax law, any income generated by an
individual executing their manual or intellectual skills is considered
"business and profit in business". From a tax standpoint, freelancing
is considered a business and a profession. Various consultants and business
freelancers like Blog Consultancy, Software Developer, Content Writer, Web
Designer, Tutors, Fashion Designers etc. are qualified.
Filing income tax for a freelancer can be a bit complicated
due to the income from many sources.
Application of tax and ITR filing for a freelancer
Freelancers in India come under the ambit of income tax and
GST (goods and services tax). If the total turnover of a freelancer in one year
is Will be more than Rs. 20 lakhs (Rs. 10 lakhs for northeastern and hill
states) must be registered under GST. For most services, an 18% GST rate is
applicable. Depending on the goods and services offered by the freelancer, GST
rates may vary.
Freelancers will also have to pay income tax at the
applicable rate. The following income tax rates apply to freelancers under the
age of 60:
According to the old tax system
Annual
Income |
Tax
Rate |
Below
2.5 Lacs |
0 |
Between
2.50 lacs to 5.00 lacs |
5% |
Between
5.00 lacs to 10.00 lacs |
20% |
More
than 10.00 lacs |
30% |
According to the New tax system
Annual
Income |
Tax
Rate |
Below
2.5 Lacs |
0 |
Between
2.50 lacs to 5.00 lacs |
5% |
Between
5.00 lacs to 7.50 lacs |
10% |
Between
7.50 lacs to 10.00 lacs |
15% |
Between
10.00 lacs to 12.50 lacs |
20% |
Between
12.50 lacs to 15.00 lacs |
25% |
More
than 15.00 Lacs |
30% |
Depending on which tax system the freelancer chooses, tax
deductions can be claimed. Freelancers can use the estimated taxation scheme
under section 44ADA of the Income-tax Act, 1961 and pay tax on freelance income
at half of their total annual income if the total income for the year is less
than Rs. 50 lakhs Will be less than.
If the total annual income is Rs 1 crore will be more, a
business income tax audit is required
Each time the freelancer pays professionals who pay more
than Rs. 30,000 (FY total), TDS is
applicable at the rate of 10%. Freelancers can file income tax returns under
the estimated tax assessment scheme using the ITR-4 form. Freelancers who do
not avail of the benefits of the Presumptive Taxation Scheme can file their
returns using the ITR-3 form, which is applicable for business or professional
income. The last date for filing ITR for FY 2021-22 and AY 2022-23 is 31st July 2022.
Procedure for filing income tax for a freelancer
Here
are some simple steps you can take to begin the process of preparation for ITR.
· Visit Income-tax
· Download
ITR-4 under the 'Downloads' tab
· Fill
in all the details in the ITR-4 form.
· These
include general information filing, total gross income, deductible and taxable
gross income, details of business and business income, details of TDS (tax-deductible
source) and advance tax and self-assessment tax.
· Calculate
your taxes using Form 26AS. Tax deductions and rebates can be claimed under
various sections to save tax. Taxes such as property rent, repair costs, travel
expenses, local taxes on commercial property, main registration costs, etc.,
can be claimed for any expenses incurred solely and exclusively for the freelancing
work done during the year.
Some applicable deductions
Section |
Deductions |
80C |
up to
Rs 1.5 lakh. On investing in ELSS, ULIP, Insurance, FDs etc. |
80D |
Health
Insurance |
80E |
Education
Loan |
80G |
Donations |
You can file a tax return in
two ways:
1. Download the ITR-4 form,
fill it out offline, save the generated XML file and then upload.
2. Fill out the ITR-4 form
online on Income Tax e-Filing Portal and submit it after e-Verification.
The total tax liability of a
freelancer in a tax year is If more than Rs. 10,000, he/she will have to pay
advance tax every quarter. Here's a simple process of paying taxes in advance
Click on the link below to pay
the tax
https://www.alltaxfin.com/blog/how-to-pay-taxes-online
Knowing the benefits of tax
rules and estimated tax plans can help freelancers save tax costs and file
income tax returns more easily.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can salaried persons, who
are engaged in freelancing work in their spare time, get benefits under the
estimated tax scheme?
A: Yes. Income tax is levied
on both salary income and freelance income. Salary income will be calculated
regularly and the benefit of the estimated taxation scheme will be available
only for independent income.
Q: How can I calculate the
total turnover to register for GST?
Ans: -According to the GST
Act, the total turnover can be calculated by the taxable sale price, free sale
price, export of goods and services and inter-state supply through business.
Q: Does a freelancer need Form
16 when filing an income tax return?
A: - Form 16 issued by the
employer helps the salaried person to file his income tax return. However,
freelancers have multiple sources of income and are taxed under 'Business and
Profit from Business'. They can refer to Form 26AS for income tax calculation
and Form 16 is not required for ITR filing.
Q: - As a standard deduction
applicable for freelancer salaried person Rs. Can claim 50,000?
A: No, there is no provision for claiming a
standard deduction of Rs. 50,000
Alliance Tax Experts helping freelancers
with Accounting, GST Compliances and Income Tax Filing, and TDS refunds for the
last 8 years. if you have any questions contact us at 9769201316
or santoshpatil@alltaxfin.com
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