The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has announced an important update through Notification No. 01/2024-25 dated 24.06.2024, mandating the electronic filing of specific forms under the Income-tax Rules, 1962. The notification, effective from June 27, 2024, aims to improve efficiency, reduce paperwork, and ensure quicker processing of applications.
The Director General of Income Tax (Systems), with the Board’s approval, has issued this directive under sub-rules (1) and (2) of Rule 131 of the Income Tax Rules, 1962. The forms outlined in the notification are primarily applications for project approvals, safe harbour provisions, and tax-saving investment vehicles. These forms must now be submitted electronically, ensuring that taxpayers follow a standardized process and comply with the verification methods specified under the Income-tax Rules.
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The following table provides an overview of the forms specified under the new notification and their respective purposes:
| Sl. No | Form | Description |
| 1 | 3CN | Application for notification of affordable housing project as specified business under section 35AD of the Income-tax Act |
| 2 | 3CS | Application for notification of a semiconductor wafer fabrication manufacturing unit as a specified business under section 35AD |
| 3 | 3CEC | Application for a Pre-filing meeting |
| 4 | 3CEFB | Application for Opting for Safe Harbour in respect of Specified Transactions |
| 5 | 59 | Application for approval of issue of public companies under section 80C(2)(xix) of the Income-tax Act |
| 6 | 59A | Application for approval of Mutual funds investing in the eligible companies under section 80C(2)(xx) of the Income-tax Act |
The notification instructs that all specified forms be filed through the e-filing portal, with verification processes to be followed as prescribed.
To ensure broad awareness, the CBDT has directed the circulation of this update among its officers, including Principal Chief Commissioners and Director Generals, and requested an advertisement campaign for public awareness. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is also requested to host the information on its official platform. Additionally, the notification is accessible on the official websites of incometaxindia.gov.in, the Income Tax Business Application (ITBA), and DG Systems Corner.
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