📰 EasyPeasyTax Latest News

📄 New Unified Declaration Form (Form 121)

Updated:

🔄 Replacement of Forms:
A new Form 121 has been introduced, replacing existing Form 15G and Form 15H.
It will be used by taxpayers to declare that their income is below the taxable limit and to avoid TDS deduction.
📌 Purpose:
To prevent deduction of TDS on:
  • Bank interest (FD/RD)
  • Other specified incomes
🆕 Additional Requirement:
Taxpayers must now disclose past Income Tax Return (ITR) filing details while submitting Form 121.
This increases transparency and reduces misuse of declarations.
📊 Impact:
  • More detailed compliance for taxpayers
  • Reduced chances of false declaration
  • Better tracking by Income Tax Department
💡 Key Insight: Form 121 simplifies declaration by combining 15G & 15H, but introduces stricter reporting requirements.
🏢 Corporate Tax Update (MAT Changes Effective 01 April 2026)

Updated:

📉 MAT Rate Reduced:
The Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) rate has been reduced from 15% to 14%.
This provides slight tax relief to companies liable under MAT provisions.
🚫 MAT Credit Restriction:
From 01 April 2026, no new MAT credit will be allowed to accumulate.
Companies will only be able to utilise existing MAT credit carried forward from earlier years.
📊 Practical Impact:
  • Lower MAT liability due to reduced rate
  • No future benefit of MAT credit accumulation
  • Existing MAT credit becomes more valuable
⚠️ Planning Required:
  • Review current MAT credit balance
  • Plan utilisation before expiry
  • Compare MAT vs normal tax liability
💡 Key Insight: While MAT rate reduction provides immediate relief, removal of future MAT credit makes long-term tax planning crucial for companies.

📊 “Tax Year” Concept Introduced (From 1 April 2026)

Updated:

Old System:
Previous Year (PY) → Income Year
Assessment Year (AY) → Filing Year
New System:
Single term: Tax Year
1 April – 31 March
Example:
Income from 1 April 2026 – 31 March 2027 → Tax Year 2026–27
💡 Now you earn and file taxes under the same “Tax Year” — no confusion.

Businesses Struggle with Cash Flow & Uncertainty

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Companies across sectors are facing serious cash flow challenges due to unstable market conditions. Payment delays, cancelled orders, and fluctuating currency rates are affecting financial planning. CEOs report that managing daily operations has become increasingly difficult amid uncertainty. Businesses are focusing on liquidity management and reducing non-essential expenses. Many firms are postponing hiring and expansion decisions. Financial stress is particularly high among small businesses. Experts suggest proactive risk management to navigate this crisis.

Supply Chain Crisis Deepens Across Industries

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The war has severely disrupted global supply chains, affecting industries from automobiles to FMCG. Shortage of key raw materials like aluminum, fuel derivatives, and fertilizers is impacting production capacity. Many factories in Asia and Europe are operating at reduced levels due to limited supplies. Businesses are facing delays, order cancellations, and increased dependency on alternate suppliers. Packaging, plastic, and chemical industries are among the worst affected. This disruption is forcing companies to rethink global sourcing strategies. Supply chain instability is expected to continue if the conflict persists.

Global Businesses Hit by War-Induced Cost Surge

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The ongoing Middle East war has significantly increased costs for businesses worldwide, especially due to rising oil and energy prices. Disruptions in key routes like the Strait of Hormuz have affected nearly 30% of global oil supply, pushing fuel costs sharply higher. As a result, transportation, manufacturing, and logistics expenses have surged across industries. Many companies are struggling with shrinking profit margins and unstable pricing strategies. Inflationary pressure is forcing businesses to increase product prices, impacting demand. Experts warn that prolonged conflict could lead to slower global economic growth. Businesses are now focusing on cost control and alternative sourcing strategies.

GST Notices Increasing for ITC Mismatch

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GST department is issuing notices where Input Tax Credit (ITC) does not match with GSTR-2B. Businesses must ensure that claimed ITC is reflected in supplier filings. Mismatch may lead to ITC reversal along with interest. Regular reconciliation with purchase records is essential. Vendor compliance also plays a crucial role. Ignoring notices can lead to serious consequences. Proper documentation helps in defending claims.

New Focus on Digital Payments Reporting

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Authorities are increasingly tracking digital transactions including UPI, wallets, and online platforms. Businesses and professionals must report correct turnover including digital receipts. Any underreporting can trigger notices and penalties. Reconciliation between bank statements and books is essential. Digital trail makes it easier for authorities to verify income. Proper accounting practices help avoid compliance issues. Transparency in reporting is now mandatory.

High-Value Transactions Under Reporting

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The Income Tax Department continues to monitor high-value transactions through SFT reporting. Cash deposits, credit card payments, property transactions, and large investments are tracked. Any mismatch between declared income and transactions may lead to scrutiny. Taxpayers should ensure proper disclosure in ITR. Maintaining financial records is now more important than ever. Avoid cash transactions beyond prescribed limits. Transparency helps prevent notices and penalties.

GST Year-End Checklist 2026

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As the financial year ends, businesses must complete important GST reconciliations. GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B should be matched to ensure correct reporting of sales and tax liability. Input Tax Credit (ITC) must be verified with GSTR-2B to avoid excess claims. Any mismatch should be corrected before filing returns for March. Non-compliance can lead to notices, penalties, and ITC reversals. Maintaining proper records and timely filing is crucial for smooth compliance. A proper year-end checklist helps businesses stay audit-ready.

AIS Mismatch Notices Increasing

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The Income Tax Department is increasingly relying on AIS (Annual Information Statement) data for scrutiny. Any mismatch between reported income and AIS data may trigger notices. Common mismatches include interest income, stock transactions, and high-value purchases. Taxpayers must reconcile AIS and TIS before filing their returns. Ignoring discrepancies may lead to penalties or reassessment. It is recommended to download AIS from the portal and verify all entries. Professional guidance can help in resolving mismatches effectively.

GST Fraud Enforcement: Big GST Invoice Scam Bust in Visakhapatnam

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In a major enforcement action, GST authorities have busted a large-scale fake invoice racket in Visakhapatnam involving fraudulent Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims reportedly exceeding ₹80 crore.

Officials stated that the accused created multiple shell firms and issued bogus GST invoices without actual supply of goods or services. The fake invoices were allegedly used to pass on wrongful ITC benefits to various beneficiaries, causing significant revenue loss to the government.

The action was carried out by officers under the Central GST (CGST) department as part of ongoing nationwide drives to curb tax evasion and strengthen compliance monitoring.

Authorities have reiterated that strict action will continue against entities involved in fake billing, circular trading, and fraudulent ITC claims. Businesses are advised to conduct proper vendor due diligence and ensure compliance with GST provisions to avoid penalties and prosecution.

Compliance Advisory: Taxpayers should regularly reconcile GSTR-2B, verify supplier filings, and maintain proper documentation to safeguard legitimate ITC claims.

GST Rate Cut Triggers 50% Surge in Health Insurance Demand

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A recent GST rate rationalisation on health insurance premiums has led to a sharp rise in policy purchases, with industry reports indicating nearly a 50% surge in new demand.

The move follows recommendations of the Goods and Services Tax Council (GST Council) aimed at improving affordability and expanding insurance penetration. Lower GST directly reduces the total premium payable by policyholders, making coverage more accessible for middle-income families and senior citizens.

Insurance companies have reported increased inquiries across metro as well as Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Experts say the tax cut, combined with growing health awareness and upcoming income tax reforms under the Income-tax Act, 2025, has strengthened consumer confidence.

The development highlights how indirect tax changes can significantly influence market behaviour, boost financial security adoption, and support the broader healthcare ecosystem.

Global Crypto Tax Rules Enforcement Begins in 2026

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From 1 January 2026, the UK and 47 other countries will begin enforcing new tax reporting obligations for cryptocurrency under the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF).

These rules require all registered crypto exchanges to:

Key Change: Beginning in 2027, crypto transaction data will be automatically shared across participating countries to curb cross-border tax evasion.

This marks one of the most significant global shifts toward tax transparency, compliance, and regulation in the crypto ecosystem.

PAN–Aadhaar Linking Rule – Deadline & Consequences

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Starting 1 January 2026, the Income Tax Department will treat any PAN that has not been linked with Aadhaar as inoperative.

The official PAN–Aadhaar linkage deadline was 31 December 2025.

⚠ Post 1 Jan 2026, an inoperative PAN cannot be used for:
  • Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR)
  • Claiming refunds
  • Opening bank accounts
  • Investments (mutual funds, demat, IPO, bonds)
  • Salary credits and SIP transactions

👉 If your PAN is not linked, link it immediately. If already inoperative, it can be reactivated by linking Aadhaar and paying the applicable penalty.

Impact on Taxpayers
Reminder: Valid PAN is mandatory for almost all major financial transactions.

GST 2.0 Sparks 22% Jump in E-Commerce Trade

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According to a report in The Times of India, e-commerce trade experienced nearly a 22% increase in the period from 22 September to October 2025. The Ministry of Finance attributes this surge to the implementation of the revamped GST 2.0 regime.

The simplified structure appears especially beneficial for small and midsized e-commerce sellers — but it also brings new compliance considerations as trade volume rises.

What This Means for You

📢 GSTR-3B Due Date Extended to October 25 2025

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The Ministry of Finance has officially extended the GSTR-3B filing due date for the tax period of September 2025 to October 25, 2025. This extension applies to both monthly and quarterly taxpayers across India.

The move provides relief to businesses and professionals whose filing schedule coincides with the Diwali festival season. Normally, GSTR-3B is due by the 20th of the following month (or 22nd/24th for QRMP filers). The new extended deadline offers additional time for reconciliation and error-free filing.

📊 Revised Income Tax Slabs under New Regime (FY 2025–26 / AY 2026–27)

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The government has notified new income tax slabs under the revised new regime, effective from FY 2025–26 (AY 2026–27).

Income Range (₹) Tax Rate
Up to 4,00,000 Nil
4,00,001 – 8,00,000 5%
8,00,001 – 12,00,000 10%
12,00,001 – 16,00,000 15%
16,00,001 – 20,00,000 20%
20,00,001 – 24,00,000 25%
Above 24,00,000 30%

✅ These revised slabs apply only under the new tax regime. The old regime (with exemptions/deductions) continues to be available as an option.

🔗 Real-time PAN–Bank Account Linking Enabled via NPCI APIs

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The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has enabled real-time PAN–bank account linking through APIs integrated with the Income Tax Department.

✅ This move is expected to ensure faster validation of taxpayer details and enable quicker refund processing directly into verified bank accounts.

⚠️ Taxpayers are advised to verify that their PAN is correctly linked with their active bank account on the official Income Tax e-filing portal to avoid refund delays.

📢 Deadline for Income Tax Audit Reports Extended to 31 October 2025

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The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the due date for furnishing Income Tax Audit Reports under various sections for FY 2024–25 (AY 2025–26).

✅ The deadline has been extended from 30 September 2025 to 31 October 2025, providing additional time to taxpayers and professionals.

⚠️ Please note: This extension applies only to Tax Audit Reports. The due date for filing the Income Tax Return (ITR) where audit is applicable remains unchanged as of now.

⚠️ Minor software glitches reported—taxpayers must cross-check refund amounts carefully.

Updated:

The Income Tax Department has reported minor refund miscalculations in the latest return processing software. Taxpayers are advised to verify refund amounts carefully before accepting or raising any claims.

✅ EasyPeasyTax recommends cross-checking your refund status on the official Income Tax Portal and contacting your Chartered Accountant or tax advisor in case of discrepancies.

ITR-6 & ITR-7 Excel Utilities Released (AY 2025-26)

Updated: · Source: Income Tax Dept.

The Income Tax Department has released the Excel Utilities for ITR-6 (companies) and ITR-7 (trusts, charitable/religious institutions, political parties, universities, hospitals, etc.). Prepare returns offline, validate, and upload on the portal for AY 2025-26.

💡 ITR-5 Excel Utility Released for AY 2025–26.

The Income Tax Department has released the ITR-5 Excel utility for Assessment Year 2025–26 on August 9–10, 2025.

This utility is designed for:

💡 The Income Tax Department has officially enabled online filing for ITR-3 for AY 2025–26.

From 30th July 2025, Eligible taxpayers can now prepare, validate, and submit their ITR-3 entirely online—without having to rely solely on offline utilities.

📈 UPI Continues Explosive Growth

In June 2025, UPI handled a staggering ₹24 lakh crore across 18.39 billion transactions, marking a ~32% jump year‑over‑year.

🧾 GSTN Update – Rapid Growth in GST Taxpayers

According to SBI, five states—Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka—together account for nearly half of active GST taxpayers. UP leads with 13.2% of registrations, while the average collection continues to rise, reflecting growing formalisation.

🧾 GSTN Update – GSTR-1 Auto-population Improved

GSTN has enhanced auto-population of B2B invoices in GSTR-2B from GSTR-1 uploads, improving reconciliation and reducing mismatch errors. Businesses are advised to file timely and accurate returns.

🔍 TDS Compliance Alert

TDS returns for Q1 (April–June 2025) are due by 31st July 2025. Delayed filing attracts penalties. Ensure all PANs are validated and challans correctly linked.

📰 Aadhaar Mandatory: Required for all new PAN applications.

Starting July 1, 2025, Aadhaar is mandatory to apply for a new PAN. Other documents will no longer be accepted.

🗂️ ITR Deadline Extended: Now 15 Sept 2025 for non-audit taxpayers.

The deadline for filing tax returns for FY 2024‑25 (Assessment Year 2025‑26) has been extended from July 31 to September 15, 2025, for non‑audit taxpayers.

💸 July 2025: GST Amnesty Scheme Extended

The GST amnesty scheme has been extended until July 31, 2025, allowing businesses to file pending returns with reduced late fees.

🧾 July 2025: New GST Invoice Format Advisory

CBIC issued a clarification on QR codes and dynamic invoices for B2B transactions exceeding ₹50,000.

🔍 TDS: Section 194Q Updates

Clarification issued on applicability of TDS under Section 194Q for digital transactions exceeding ₹50 lakh annually.

📰 June 2025: GST Late Fee Changes

Late fees revised. NIL filers: ₹500, others: up to ₹5,000.

🗂️ ITR Filing AY 2025–26

Latest utilities launched with schedule updates for capital gains, etc.