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Everything to Know About Income Tax Clearance Certificate

Updated on: 04 May, 2024 11:17 AM

Income Tax Clearance Certificates were used in the past for many transactions like bidding for government projects, registering real estate purchases, renewing an import/export license, or obtaining a shipping license. The introduction of PAN has limited the use of Income Tax Clearance Certificates, though they are still mandatory in many places. Let us check out where and what is the importance of ITCC.

What is an Income Tax Clearance Certificate?

Income Tax Clearance Certificate is a document that verifies that the individual has cleared all their tax duties and is not responsible for paying any taxes, and will take incharge of any tax liabilities that may occur in the future. The state government’s revenue department issues this document and confirms that the company or the person has complied with their tax obligations as of a specific date.

The certificate may cover sales tax, use tax, the franchise of corporation tax, unemployment tax, etc., depending on the state’s tax regulations.

If the income tax officer is satisfied with the information provided, ITCC will be issued in form 30B. This document will also contain information about ITCC’s validity.


Who needs an IT Clearance Certificate?

Individuals not settled in India are issued an ITCC as per IT laws. These individuals derive income from India through business, employment, or other professional purposes. They need to require IT clearance before leaving India.

Hence, these three criteria are:-

  • Individuals who are not Indian citizens
  • Visiting the country for business, employment, or professional purposes
  • Has derived income from any source in India

Please Note:-ITCC document is required for non-domicile individuals and not Indians while traveling abroad unless specifically ordered by the IT department to receive one.

An Indian citizen will require an IT clearance certificate under the following circumstances.

  • The person involved in tax irregularities and required for investigations by the IT or the Wealth-tax department.
  • The person has outstanding direct tax arrears exceeding Rs 10 lakh, not canceled by the Direct Tax department.

The majority of Indian citizens and residents do not require to have an Income Tax Clearance Certificate; a person may be ordered to obtain an Income Tax Clearance Certificate if they are suspected of engaging in serious financial irregularities, their presence is required for legal investigation, and a tax demand may become real.


How to receive an Income Tax Clearance certificate?

Individuals need to file a proclamation with their employer or the source from which they are receiving income. An undertaking needs to be submitted by the non-resident Indians in the required format, Form 30A. Further, a commitment is required from the employer or the source from whom the individual has received the income that he will take care of any taxes that may become due by the ex-pat after leaving the country.

If the income tax officer is satisfied with all the information provided, they will issue ITCC on form 30B.


What happens when the income tax clearance certificate is not submitted?

The carriage owner, such as an aircraft or ship, is responsible for verifying that the passenger possesses a valid Income Tax Clearance Certificate. If the passenger is found to have outstanding taxes, the carriage owner may be held responsible for paying these taxes on their behalf.

Furthermore, in the case of a chartered ship or plane, the owner is responsible for paying all taxes owed and obtaining the necessary Income Tax Clearance Certificate. Please do so to avoid the government treating it as a tax arrear and seeking to recover the owed amount. Carriage owners must comply with all relevant tax regulations to avoid potential legal and financial consequences.

The Income Tax Return e filing process has already been started for AY 2024-25. Do not wait until the last date to file ITR. FIle it today, and if you need assistance, book eCA to maximize your tax savings.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q- What is an Income Tax Clearance Certificate?

An Income Tax Clearance Certificate is a document that certifies that an individual or entity has paid all his tax dues and has no outstanding tax liabilities.


Q- Who needs an Income Tax Clearance Certificate?

Anyone who is not an Indian citizen is present in the country on business, employment, or other official business and derives any income from India must acquire an Income Tax Clearance Certificate before departing the country or returning home.


Q- How can I obtain an Income Tax Clearance Certificate?

Obtaining an Income Tax Clearance Certificate may vary depending on the jurisdiction. Typically, it involves filing the necessary paperwork and providing evidence that all taxes have been paid.


Q- How long does it take to obtain an Income Tax Clearance Certificate?

The time it takes to obtain an Income Tax Clearance Certificate may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the complexity of the individual's or entity's tax situation. It may sometimes take several weeks or months to receive the certificate.


CA Abhishek Soni
CA Abhishek Soni

Abhishek Soni is a Chartered Accountant by profession & entrepreneur by passion. He is the co-founder & CEO of Tax2Win.in. Tax2win is amongst the top 25 emerging startups of Asia and authorized ERI by the Income Tax Department. In the past, he worked in EY and comes with wide industry experience from telecom, retail to manufacturing to entertainment where he has handled various national and international assignments.