Understanding IT Returns, PAN Numbers, and Interview Eligibility: A Comprehensive Discussion

Hi! Recently, I got an interview call from Accenture. Actually, I'm working on payroll and recently got a permanent position in my current company. I have no IT returns. I have 2 years of experience, earning 20,000 per month. I have genuine experience. I have everything (bank statements, offer letter, etc.) except IT returns.

Am I eligible to attend the Accenture interview? How will the background verification be conducted? I'm a genuinely experienced candidate. Will they accept me without IT returns?

Income tax returns are not a required document in an interview. In fact, I, for one, would not give my income tax returns in an interview. It is a personal document that the interviewer has no right to see.

Hello,

Income Tax return is not mandatory to file for those whose salary is below 500,000/- per annum. This rule applies only to salary income. Therefore, there is no requirement for an interview, and it is your personal decision whether you choose to file your tax return or not. The company cannot ask for it.

Dear Member,

Why are you panicking? The PAN card is a document that all companies normally ask for, as it is one of the identification proofs. Furthermore, it is one of the mandatory documents when someone wants to open a bank account. Since you are working in Payroll, you should be well aware of the importance of the PAN Card.

Go ahead and attend the interview. Best of luck.

Regards,
Preetam Deshpande

Dear V,

Preetam is right. You are panicking unnecessarily. I agree it's a dream job for you, but the guys there are also human. Whatever problem you have, you can tell them straight off.

Tell them your current salary is below the taxable limit and therefore you have not taken a PAN number or filed a return till now. If a PAN number is mandatory for this company, I will apply for it as soon as I get selected. I have other documents for ID and address proof, as well as my salary certificates/pay slip. In addition, if you wish to verify my salary, I can show you my bank statement where the salary was deposited (avoid giving a copy as, again, it's personal information, but if you have to, well, what difference does it make to you?)

Thank you.

Dear V,

Why panic? Submit your Form 16 issued by the earlier employer. That is sufficient proof for the IT. Despite that, the tax returns are required. You can file the same online based on the Form 16 you have.

Ramakant

Dear Vamshi,

There is nothing wrong in revealing your PAN or IT return if you have filed recently. Since your salary income is within taxable limits, you need not file the IT return. I presume, pardon me if I'm wrong, you are reluctant because you might have indicated your present salary much higher and are now afraid to reveal the real figure. If so, don't worry, just tell them "I have not filed because I need not." However, you cannot escape providing the PAN. Give it to them and be at peace; after all, you aspire for such a post and you can't afford to miss it. If your selection is being hindered because of the IT return, it's better to file it now and provide them with the acknowledgment sheet. Face it boldly. All the best, pal.

Kumar S.

I hope you have attended interviews by now. This is the first time I am hearing that an interviewer is asking for IT returns. Anyway, you can show them Form 16, or you can file the previous two years' returns now.

Dear,

If you have a PAN number, you should update it with your employer whether they ask for it or not (for TDS purposes). Additionally, inform your bank or post office where you deposit money. In the absence of a PAN, the bank or post office will deduct 20% TDS.

Dear Vamshi,

As you have mentioned that your profile is in payroll, then I believe you must be aware of why the company asks for the PAN of new joiners. Regarding IT returns, it is not mandatory to file for those whose annual income is less than 5 lakh, so do not worry.

Note: Since the 1st of November 2011, PAN Number is mandatory for all employees, irrespective of their income tax deductions, and this amendment has been made in section 197A of rule 31A.

Regards,
Pushkar Bisht

Hi,

It is not mandatory to file a tax return if your income is below the limit. However, filing a tax return provides sufficient information about you, which may prompt tax authorities to demand it. Therefore, you should file your return. It only takes a maximum of 30 minutes, and you will receive an acknowledgment instantly.

Dear Vamshi,

First of all, you should know there is no harm in providing your PAN number to your new employer. It is for the HR and Accounts departments to deduct tax liability in the midst of the financial year and to upload the TDS returns by the company.

Further, you might have already provided your PAN number to your mobile service provider. Relax.

Even though filing an Income Tax return is not mandatory until your annual income reaches 5 lakhs, it is advisable in your interest to file returns regularly. This will be useful when you are applying for any form of housing loan from financial institutions and for other government dealings.

Regards,
Ravi