Guide to Form 61: Filling, Submitting, and Understanding
What is Form 61?
Form 61 is a declaration used by individuals in India who do not have a Permanent Account Number (PAN) but need to undertake certain financial transactions. It is primarily for individuals whose only source of income is agricultural and who do not have any other taxable income. This form acts as a substitute for a PAN card for specific transactions as outlined in Rule 114B of the Income Tax Rules.
Key Transactions Requiring Form 61
- Purchase or Sale of Immovable Property: Exceeding ₹5,00,000.
- Purchase or Sale of Vehicles: Excluding two-wheelers.
- Fixed Deposits: Exceeding ₹50,000 with banks or post offices.
- Contracts for Specified Securities: Purchase or sale over ₹10,00,000.
- Opening a Bank Account.
- Installing a Telephone Connection: Including cellular phones.
- Payments to Restaurants and Hotels: Exceeding ₹25,000.
- Investments in Mutual Funds.
- Life Insurance Premiums.
- Buying Bank Drafts, Pay Orders, or Traveling Abroad.
- Payments for Stock Acquisitions, Credit/Debit Card Requests, Debentures, Bonds, and Shares.
- Remittance or Purchase Transactions Outside India.
How to Fill Form 61
Online Submission:
- Visit the e-Filing Portal: Go to the Income Tax e-Filing website.
- Register: Create an account for the Income Tax Department Reporting Entity Identification Number (ITDREIN).
- Log In: Use your credentials to access the portal.
- Select Reporting Portal: Under the 'My Account' tab, choose 'Reporting Portal'.
- Enter Details: Provide information such as the category, reporting person's address, and form type.
- Provide Principal Officer’s Information: Complete the required fields.
- Create ITDREIN: Notifications will be sent to the Principal Officer’s email and mobile number.
Offline Submission:
- Download and Print Form 61: Obtain the form from official sources.
- Fill in Personal Details: Include name, address, transaction particulars, and proof of address.
- Sign and Date: Ensure all information is accurate.
- Submit the Form: Hand over the completed form to the transaction handling authority (e.g., bank manager).
Documents Required with Form 61
Applicants must provide proof of address along with Form 61. Acceptable documents include:
- Aadhaar Card
- EPIC (Electoral Photo Identity Card)
- Ration Card
- Driving License
- Passport
- Identity Card Issued by an Institution with Address Details
- Recent Utility Bills (up to 3 months old)
- Communication from State or Central Government with Residential Address
Note: The proof of address must be self-attested.
Difference Between Form 60 and Form 61
Form 60:
- Used by individuals who do not possess a PAN and wish to engage in transactions specified in Rule 114B, especially when paying in cash.
Form 61:
- Specifically for individuals with agricultural income who do not receive other taxable income, used for transactions under Rule 114B.
Common FAQs
- What if I file Form 61A with incorrect details?
- Report the issue to the Income Tax Authority within 10 days of submission. You have 30 days from the submission date to correct the details.
- Who can file Form 61A?
- Eligible taxpayers earning taxable income can file Form 61A.
- What is the due date for filing Form 61A?
- Form 61A should be filed within 30 days of receiving a notice to file the statement.
- What is Rule 114E?
- Rule 114E outlines the requirement for submitting financial transaction statements under Section 285BA of the Income Tax Act in Form 61A.
- Is it mandatory to file Form 61A?
- Filing Form 61A is not mandatory but required if you choose to file it. Ensure all details are accurate.
- Can I submit Form 61 without an Aadhaar Card?
- Yes, you can submit Form 61 with alternative address proof such as a voter ID card, passport, or driving license if you do not have an Aadhaar card.
For further details, you can download Form 61 and Form 49A from official Income Tax resources.