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What is Financial Year: Importance, Tax Filing Deadlines & Usage

The 12-month period from 1st April to 31st March is termed as the financial year. Governments, businesses, and even individuals use this time frame to calculate their expenses, income, and related tax obligations. It is essential to understand the importance of the financial year in order to plan a budget, maintain accounts, attend legal meetings, fulfil tax responsibilities, and so on. 

The financial year is quite helpful when it comes to assistance and compliance of the ITR Filings (Income Tax Returns). Whether you are an individual or an entity, it is crucial to be aware of the financial year obligations to avoid penalties and maintain better financial health. Read on as we discuss all about the financial year concerns in India. 

Understanding Financial Year (FY)

In India, the Financial Year (FY) refers to a 12-month period that begins on April 1st and ends on March 31st of the following year. This time is very important for firms, people who pay tax, and the government to check income, plan budgets, and look at money results. The FY is the same all over the country to keep things clear in counting money, checking records, and following tax rules.

Key features of Financial Year:

  • Duration: From April 1st to March 31st.

  • Purpose: Used for figuring out income, keeping track of business, and checking taxes.

  • Importance: Matches with money cycles and helps in clear and fair financial reports.

  • Mandated by: The Indian Government, based on the Income Tax Act of 1961.

  • Impacts: Individuals with salaries, companies, large firms, and the planning of government funds.

 Source: Investopedia

Financial Year vs Assessment Year (AY)

Financial Year (FY) is the year when income is accrued, and Assessment Year (AY) is the subsequent year when income is assessed and is charged a tax by the government.

Criteria

Financial Year (FY)

Assessment Year (AY)

Definition

The year when money is earned

The year when money is assessed

Duration

1st April – 31st March

Next 1st April – 31st March

Usage

Income recording and reporting

Tax assessment and filing

Example (2023–24)

Income earned from Apr ‘23 – Mar ‘24

Assessed during Apr ‘24 – Mar ‘25

Source: Income Tax Department of India

Importance of Financial Year for Indian Taxpayers

All income tax calculations, planning, and declarations are done based on the Financial Year. It enables the taxpayers and institutions to monitor their income, make deductions, and abide by the timeframes set by the government.

Why FY matters for taxpayers:

  • Tax planning:

    Allows making proactive investment choices to get maximum tax benefits, as in Sections such as 80C, 80D, etc.

  • Compliance:

    Compliance ensures that the details of the income are filed on time to avoid any penalty.

  • Financial clarity:

    Assists in keeping clear annual records of income, expenditure, and savings.

  • Loan and creditworthiness:

    Banks and other lenders frequently check financial history to dispense loans or grant credit.

  • Government budgeting:

    FY information is input to the Union Budget and fiscal policies.

Under Section 80C, individuals can get a tax break of up to ₹1.5 lakh each year. They need to put money into things like PPF, ELSS, and fixed deposits that help save on tax.

Source: Livemint

Tax Filing Deadlines Aligned with Financial Year

The Financial Year is related directly to tax filing timelines. Failure to meet such deadlines can be subject to a penalty and interest.

Key FY-related tax filing deadlines:

  • 31st July: Last day for people and workers to file their ITR (no audit needed)

  • 31st October: Final date for firms and workers who need an audit

  • 30th November: Due date for those who must report for global or special deals

  • 31st March (AY): Final date to file late or changed returns

  • Advance Tax Dates: 15th June, 15th September, 15th December, 15th March

The Income Tax Department data shows that 7.41 crore ITRs were filed till October 26, 2023 (including those filed up to the due date of July 31, 2023) in AY 2023-24.

Source: PIB

Key Terms Related to Financial Year

Understanding key financial terms helps individuals and businesses comply better with tax laws and plan finances efficiently.

Here are some essential FY-related terms:

  • AY (Assessment Year): This is the year when income in the last tax year is taxed.

  • ITR (Income Tax Return): This is a form used to show income and how much tax is owed.

  • TDS (Tax Deducted at Source): This is tax taken away before income is paid.

  • Form 16: Employers to issue TDS certificates.

  • Section 80C: This rule gives a tax break of up to ₹1.5 lakh for some types of investment.

  • Capital Gains: This is the money made when selling things like land or stocks.

  • PAN (Permanent Account Number): One of the requirements is a unique identifier for any financial transaction.

  • GST Return: A Tax return that is required to be filed by a business that is registered for GST

Source: Livemint

Financial Year Usage in Other Countries

Countries define financial years based on local policies, seasonal factors, and economic needs.

Country

Financial Year Duration

Notes

India

April 1 – March 31

Standardised to individuals and companies

USA

October 1 – September 30

In the case of the Federal government, individuals adhere to the calendar year

UK

April 6 – April 5 (following year)

Historical tax year method

Australia

July 1 – June 30

Aligned with the Southern Hemisphere’s seasons

Japan

April 1 – March 31

Same as India

Source: Investopedia

How Financial Year Affects Investments and Deductions?

The role of Financial Year planning cannot be undermined in maximising investment benefits and tax savings.

Effect of FY on Investments:

  • Timing of investments: Investments done before March 31st can get deductions for that FY.

  • Eligibility: Tax Exemption Contributions made towards PPF or ELSS, or life insurance during the FY are deductible under Section 80C.

  • Capital gains accounting: The sale of assets is calculated for tax at the time of the sale.

  • Claiming deductions: Medical insurance, education loan interest, and home loan interest are linked with the FY.

Reason Behind Assessment Year in ITR Form

The concept of Assessment Year exists to give taxpayers and the income tax department sufficient time to evaluate and assess the income earned during the Financial Year. Since income generation occurs across a full year, assessment logically follows after that period ends.

This approach enables:

  • Accuracy in Reporting:

    Time for employers to issue Form 16 and banks to finalize interest statements.

  • Taxpayer Convenience:

    Individuals can organise documentation, investments, and deduction claims.

  • Government Processing:

    Enables systematic review and auditing of returns, especially for high-income earners or cases involving scrutiny.

  • Revisions and Corrections:

    The AY allows filing revised returns or correcting previously filed data.

The Income Tax Act, 1961, formalises this timeline to maintain fairness, transparency, and orderliness in taxation. It supports annual fiscal planning while balancing administrative workload.

Source: Income Tax Department

Conclusion

The Financial Year is a pillar of Indian taxation and economy. It dictates the way income is traced, taxes computed, and investments organised. Unlike the Assessment Year, it helps bring transparency and sanity in the financial reporting of both individuals and businesses.

Being aware of the consequences of the Financial Year would enable taxpayers to decide wisely, avail the maximum deductions, and keep abreast with the legal requirements. With the changing fiscal laws and the ease of compliance through digital mediums, FY timelines and terminologies are more important than ever to all the stakeholders of the financial ecosystem in India.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Bajaj Broking Financial Services Ltd. (BFSL) makes no recommendations to buy or sell securities

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