Service providers will charge fees based on the complexity of the tax return

MANY people were not able to file their tax returns by July 31 because of the power failure in a few states and complexity involved in filing e-returns. The CBDT quickly realised the problem and extended the due date by a month to August 31.

Electronic filing: E-filing of returns requires a person to be slightly tech savvy. If someone is not tech savvy, he can get help from a chartered accountant or tax consultant to file his return at a nominal fee.

Those who want to file their returns themselves, can refer to the I-T department's comprehensive FAQs that explain the entire process of return filing. Taxpayers can also read the online demo of `how to e-file of your income tax returns'.

Both of these are acc essible at http://www.income tax india.gov.in. Taxpayers can also get the help from private websites, or, tax return preparers (TRPs), who are trained by the I-T department.

Helping hand: Under the Tax Return Preparer Scheme (TRP Scheme), new initiatives have been taken, such as registering for a home visit and online tax help.

When registering for a home visit, the individual can indicate the help required and indicate a convenient time an d date on which a TRP will visit the person at home.

Using online help, a person can send a query online that will be resolved by an ex pert within 24 hours via an email or by phone. Such services can be used by visiting the website ww w.t r p sch em e.com. This will ease the process of filing tax returns. Individuals can get help from tr ained profe ssio nals under the TRP scheme. TRP scheme.

There are many private tax consultants who can help in filing a return. The fees for these services typically depend on the complexity of your return. You can either directly con tact them or log on to their websites. Such con sultants will ask for all details that are necessary for preparing your tax re turn. You are then re quired to send them the relevant documents. The consultant will prepare and file your tax return on the basis of the details provided.

The service providers will charge fees based on the complexity of the tax return. The fee charged is in the range of Rs 250 per return and approximately Rs 2,000. However, the cost of hiring a TRP is Rs 250 per return, subject to certain conditions.

The above initiatives will help many individuals file their tax return in time and increase in the number of tax return filers is a healthy sign for the nation.