Income Tax Return Filing (ITR) for an LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) company in India is a crucial process for tax compliance and business operations. Below is a detailed guide on how to file ITR for an LLP company, including the required forms, documentation, steps, and common mistakes to avoid.
An LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) is a type of business structure that combines the flexibility of a partnership with the limited liability of a corporation. In an LLP, the partners are not personally liable for the debts of the business, making it a popular choice for small and medium-sized businesses. LLPs are required to comply with the Income Tax Act, similar to other forms of companies.
Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) is essential for every LLP, regardless of its size or revenue. Here’s why filing ITR is crucial:
Legal Requirement: Filing ITR is a statutory requirement under the Income Tax Act for all LLPs, regardless of the amount of income or profit.
Maintaining Business Credibility: It ensures that your business is tax-compliant and avoids penalties or legal action.
Claiming Tax Benefits: Filing ITR allows an LLP to claim eligible tax benefits, deductions, and exemptions.
Audits and Loan Approvals: ITR serves as proof of income, which is required when applying for loans or facing business audits.
An LLP is typically required to file ITR using ITR-5. This form is specifically designed for LLPs, firms, and other similar entities that are not required to file ITR-7 (for charitable organizations, trusts, etc.). The ITR-5 is applicable for filing tax returns for business income, rental income, capital gains, and other sources.
ITR-5
ITR-5 is the most common form for an LLP. It is used by businesses, firms, LLPs, AOPs (Association of Persons), BOIs (Bodies of Individuals), and cooperative societies.
This form is used to report the income and expenses of the LLP, such as income from business or profession, interest income, capital gains, etc.
LLPs must file ITR-5 even if their income is below the taxable limit (₹2.5 lakh for individuals under 60 years of age).
All LLPs, whether profitable or not, must file ITR if they meet the following criteria:
Income Taxable: Any LLP earning taxable income, including business income, capital gains, rental income, etc., must file ITR.
Filing Period: LLPs must file their ITR annually for the previous financial year.
Audit Requirement: If the turnover exceeds ₹1 crore (or ₹50 lakh for professionals), the LLP is required to get its accounts audited under Section 44AB of the Income Tax Act, and the audited financials must be submitted along with ITR.
Before beginning the filing process, gather the following documents:
PAN (Permanent Account Number): PAN card of the LLP and its partners.
Aadhar Card: Aadhaar number of the LLP’s authorized signatory.
Partnership Deed: The deed that governs the operations of the LLP.
Financial Statements: Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss Account, and Cash Flow Statement (for the relevant financial year).
Tax Audit Report (if applicable): If the LLP’s turnover exceeds the prescribed limits, the LLP must get its financials audited.
Bank Statements: The LLP’s bank statements to report interest income and other bank-related transactions.
GST Returns (if applicable): Details of GST returns filed by the LLP.
TDS Certificates: Any Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) certificates received by the LLP.
Details of Capital Gains and Other Income: Report any capital gains, interest income, or other income earned by the LLP.
Here’s a step-by-step process for filing ITR for an LLP in India:
Users should access the e-filing system of the Income Tax Department through their official website www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in.
Use the LLP’s PAN number and password to log in.
After logging in, select ITR-5 for LLPs.
Ensure that all relevant details (such as the financial year, LLP name, and registration details) are pre-filled correctly.
Income Details: Provide details about the LLP’s income, including income from business, profession, and capital gains.
Expenditure Details: Report any business expenses, such as salaries, rent, utilities, etc.
Profit & Loss Account: If applicable, fill in the profit & loss account with the business's financials.
Partnership Details: Report the details of the partners, their share of profit, and capital contributions.
If the LLP’s turnover exceeds ₹1 crore (or ₹50 lakh for professionals), upload the tax audit report in the required format.
The audit report is typically prepared by a Chartered Accountant (CA), confirming the correctness of the financial statements.
Provide details of deductions the LLP is claiming under sections like Section 80C, Section 80G (donations), etc.
Ensure that all deductions are properly supported by documentation.
Carefully review all entered data for errors.
If everything is correct, click Submit to file the return.
If there is any outstanding tax payable, make the payment using the e-payment facility available on the portal.
The payment must be processed through appropriate accounting categories.
The due date for filing ITR for LLPs is 30th September of the assessment year, if the LLP is required to get its accounts audited.
For LLPs not required to get audited, the due date is usually 31st July of the assessment year.
If an LLP fails to file its ITR on time, it may face the following penalties:
Late Filing Fees: Under Section 234F, if the ITR is filed after the due date, a late filing fee of up to ₹10,000 may be imposed.
Interest on Tax Payable: Interest under Section 234A, 234B, and 234C will be levied for late payment or non-payment of taxes.
Audit Requirement: If the LLP has not filed the return on time, it may still be liable for audits, which can lead to further complications.
Incorrect Form Selection: Ensure that you are filing ITR-5 for an LLP. Using the wrong form can lead to rejection or penalties.
Missing Income Details: Ensure all income, including capital gains, interest, and any business-related income, is disclosed.
Incomplete Financials: Failing to report accurate financial data or neglecting to upload the audit report (if required) can lead to errors.
Failure to Claim Deductions: Many LLPs miss out on tax-saving deductions. Make sure all eligible deductions are properly claimed.
Filing ITR for an LLP is a vital part of tax compliance and business operations. By ensuring that the correct form is filed, necessary documents are submitted, and deadlines are met, an LLP can avoid penalties and legal issues while claiming the benefits of eligible tax deductions. Given the complexities involved in accounting and taxation for LLPs, it is often beneficial to consult with a Chartered Accountant to ensure that the ITR is filed accurately and efficiently.
The information provided in this blog is purely for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, reliability and completeness of the content presented, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, for the same.
We expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from or in connection with the use of or reliance on this information. This includes, but is not limited to, any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damage.
Further, we reserve the right to make changes to the content at any time without prior notice. For specific advice tailored to your situation, we request you to get in touch with us.