Rationalisation of time limits for completion of assessment of Income Tax Returns

By | March 1, 2018
(Last Updated On: March 1, 2018)

CBDT CIRCULAR NO.2/2018 [F.NO.370142/15/2017-TPL]DATED 15-2-2018

60. Rationalisation of time limits for completion of assessment, reassessment and re-computation and reducing the time for filing revised return.

60.1 The provisions of section 153 of the Income-tax Act specify the time limit for completion of assessment, reassessment and re-computation of cases mentioned therein.

60.2 In an effort to minimise human interface and move towards technology, massive computerisation has been carried out in the Department, which has translated into overall enhanced efficiency in the functioning of the Department. In view of the same, sub-section (1) of section 153 of the Income-tax Act has been amended to provide that for the assessment year 2018-19, the time limit for making an assessment order under sections 143 or 144 of the Income-tax Act shall be reduced from twenty-one months to eighteen months from the end of the assessment year, and for the assessment year 2019-20 and onwards, the said time limit shall be twelve months from the end of the assessment year in which the income was first assessable.

60.3 Sub-section (2) of section 153 of the Income-tax Act has further been amended to provide that the time limit for making an order of assessment, reassessment or re-computation under section 147 of the Income-tax Act, in respect of notices served under section 148 of the Income-tax Act on or after the 1st day of April, 2019 shall be twelve months from the end of the financial year in which notice under section 148 is served.

60.4 Sub-section (3) of section 153 of the Income-tax Act has also been amended to provide that the time limit for making an order of fresh assessment in pursuance of an order passed or received in the financial year 2019-20 and onwards under sections 254 or 263 or 264 of the Income-tax Act shall be twelve months from the end of the financial year in which order under section 254 is received or order under section 263 or 264 is passed by the authority referred to therein.

60.5 Applicability: These amendments take effect from 1st April, 2017.

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