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The Sections of A Tax Return

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Understanding Tax Returns

In the United States, tax returns are filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or with the
state or local tax collection agency (Massachusetts Department of Revenue, for example)
containing information used to calculate taxes. Tax returns are generally prepared
using forms prescribed by the IRS or other relevant authority.

In the U.S., individuals use variations of the Internal Revenue System's Form 1040 to file federal
income taxes. Corporations will use Form 1120 and partnerships will use Form 1065 to file their
annual returns. A variety of 1099 forms are used to report income from non-employment-related
sources. Application for automatic extension of time to file U.S. individual income tax return is
through Form 4868.1 2 3

Typically, a tax return begins with the taxpayer providing personal information, which includes
their filing status, and dependent information. 

The Sections of a Tax Return


In general, tax returns have three major sections where you can report your income, and
determine deductions and tax credits for which you are eligible:

Income
The income section of a tax return lists all sources of income. The most common method of
reporting is a W-2 form. Wages, dividends, self-employment income, royalties and, in many
countries, capital gains must also be reported.4

Deductions
Deductions decrease tax liability. Tax deductions vary considerably among jurisdictions, but
typical examples include contributions to retirement savings plans, alimony paid, and interest
deductions on some loans. For businesses, most expenses directly related to business operations
are deductible. Taxpayers may itemize deductions or use the standard deduction for their filing
status. Once the subtraction of all deductions is complete, the taxpayer can determine their
tax rate on their adjusted gross income (AGI).5

Tax Credits
Tax credits are amounts that offset tax liabilities or the taxes owed. Like deductions, these vary
widely among jurisdictions. However, there are often credits attributed to the care of dependent
children and seniors, pensions, education, and many more.3

After reporting income, deductions, and credits, the end of the return identifies the amount the
taxpayer owes in taxes or the amount of tax overpayment. Overpaid taxes may be refunded or
rolled into the next tax year. Taxpayers may remit payment as a single sum or schedule tax
payments on a periodic basis. Similarly, most self-employed individuals may make advance
payments every quarter to reduce their tax burden.6

Types Of Interest Under The Income Tax Act


Broadly speaking there are the following 4 types of interest levied on a taxpayer for a default:
1. Section 234A- Interest due to delay in filing of income tax return
2. Section 234B-  Interest due to delay in payment of the advance tax
3. Section 234C-  Interest due to deferment in payment of the advance tax

In this article, we will cover interest under section 234A along with illustrations on the same.
Section 234A Of Income Tax Act
When a taxpayer does not file the income tax return within the due date, then interest under
section 234A is applicable to the taxpayer. In other words, if a taxpayer file ITR after the due
date of filing a return, he/ she will have to pay interest. 
Now, even if you file your income tax return after the due date of filing, you will fall under any
of the following situations:

1. You have an outstanding tax amount payable to the income tax department
2. You are eligible for a tax refund
3. You have no outstanding tax payable and no refund receivable from the income tax
department

The interest payable on account of delay depends on the situations mentioned above. 

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