Section 206: Tax Deduction Responsibilities and Return Filing Rules Simplified, Including 15-Day Rectification for Defective Returns.

Section 206 of the Income Tax Act outlines the responsibilities of individuals and entities required to deduct tax at source (TDS) and furnish prescribed returns. Before April 1, 2005, various entities such as government offices, companies, local authorities, and private employers were required to prepare and submit returns to the income-tax authority. Post-April 1, 2005, these returns could be submitted on computer media, which are admissible in proceedings without further proof. If a return is found defective, the responsible party has 15 days to rectify it, failing which it is deemed invalid. Circulars clarify that returns filed by a head or branch office need not be duplicated elsewhere.