📢 Reporting to Indian Tax Authorities: A Practical Guide for Individuals, Businesses

Navigating tax compliance in India can feel overwhelming—but with the right documentation and timely filings, you can stay ahead of the game. Whether you’re an individual taxpayer, a small business, or an NGO, this guide breaks down all major reporting requirements to various Indian tax authorities, including Income Tax and GST. Let’s make sense of it all, step by step.

 Income Tax Reporting (Individuals, Firms, Companies)

📌 A. PAN & TAN – The Basics

• PAN (Permanent Account Number): Mandatory for filing income tax returns and TDS compliance.
  
• TAN (Tax Deduction Account Number): Required if you’re responsible for deducting TDS.
  

📄 B. Filing Your Income Tax Returns (ITRs)

Choose the right ITR form based on your income type:

• ITR-1 to ITR-7 depending on whether you’re a salaried individual, professional, or company.
  

🧾 Documents Checklist:

• Form 16/16A (Salary/TDS)
  
• Form 26AS & AIS – Your digital tax passbook
  
• Bank account statements
  
• Profit & Loss Account, Balance Sheet (for business or profession)
  
• Proofs of investments (80C, 80D, etc.)
  
• Rent receipts, home loan interest certificates
  
• Capital gains statements (stocks, mutual funds, property)
  
• Details of foreign income/assets (if applicable)
  

2️⃣ TDS/TCS Returns

🧮 Forms You’ll Use:

• Form 24Q: TDS on salaries
  
• Form 26Q: TDS on other resident payments
  
• Form 27Q: TDS on non-resident payments
  
• Form 27EQ: For TCS compliance
  

📄 Key Documents:

• TDS Challans (ITNS-281)
  
• Deductee details – Name, PAN, payment nature
  
• Payment proofs and supporting invoices
  

3️⃣ GST Reporting

Whether you’re a regular taxpayer or under the QRMP scheme, GST compliance is non-negotiable.

📄 Returns to File:

• GSTR-1: Report of outward sales
  
• GSTR-3B: Monthly/quarterly summary
  
• GSTR-9: Annual return
  
• GSTR-2B: Auto-generated ITC statement
  

📁 Document Checklist:

• GSTIN Certificate
  
• Sale & purchase invoices
  
• E-way bills
  
• Debit/credit notes
  
• ITC register & payment challans (PMT-06)
  

✅ Don’t forget your registers:

• Sales, Purchase, Expense, and Stock Registers
  

4️⃣ Tax Audit (Applicable under Sec 44AB)

If your turnover crosses the threshold, you’ll need to get a tax audit done.

📋 Forms to File:

• Form 3CA/3CB: Audit report based on audit criteria
  
• Form 3CD: Detailed statement of particulars
  

📂 Documents Needed:

• Trial balance & general ledgers
  
• Fixed asset register
  
• Loan and advance confirmations
  
• Bank statements
  
• Tax payment challans
  
• Notes to accounts
  

5️⃣ Transfer Pricing Compliance (International & Specified Domestic Transactions)

📄 Forms & Reports:

• Form 3CEB: Must be filed by a Chartered Accountant
  
• Transfer Pricing Study Report: In-depth analysis of international/domestic related-party transactions
  

📑 Documentation:

• Agreements with associated enterprises
  
• Invoices, payment records
  
• Functional & risk analysis
  
• FAR (Functions, Assets, Risks) study
  

6️⃣ Tax Payments & Other Forms

💸 Common Payment Challans:

• Advance/Self-Assessment Tax: ITNS-280
  
• TDS Payments: ITNS-281
  
• GST Payments: PMT-06
  

🧾 Other Must-Know Forms:

• Form 15CA/15CB: For foreign remittances—needs CA certification
  
• Form 10A/10AB: For trust and NGO registration under Income Tax Act
  

🔍 Quick Summary Table:- 

🎯 Final Thoughts

Preparing documentation for Indian tax compliance doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With organized records and timely filings, you can ensure smooth audits, timely refunds, and peace of mind. For further information consult your CA.