Rationalisation of prima-facie adjustments during processing of return of income

Sub-section (1) of the section 143 provides for processing of return of income made under section 139, or in response to a notice under sub-section (1) of section 142.

Clause (a) of the said sub-section provides that at the time of processing of return, the total income or loss shall be computed after making the adjustments specified in sub-clauses (i) to (vi) thereof.

Sub-clause (vi) of the said clause provides for adjustment in respect of addition of income appearing in Form 26AS or Form 16A or Form 16 which has not been included in computing the total income in the return.

With a view to restrict the scope of adjustments, it is proposed to insert a new proviso to the said clause to provide that no adjustment under sub-clause (vi) of the said clause shall be made in respect of any return furnished on or after the assessment year commencing on the first day of April, 2018.

This amendment will take effect from lst April, 2018 and will, accordingly, apply in relation to the assessment years 2018-2019 and subsequent years.

[Clause 44]

Adjustment based on third party tax statements barred in return processing for returns furnished after commencement, altering section 143(1) treatment. The amendment adds a proviso to sub clause (vi) of clause (a) of sub section (1) of section 143 to prohibit adjustments during processing of a return based on income appearing in third party statements (Form 26AS, Form 16A, Form 16) for any return furnished on or after the assessment year commencing 1 April 2018; the change narrows prima facie adjustment powers and applies from the 2018 2019 assessment year onward.