Any individual who has business income is said to be operating a proprietorship firm. Proprietorships operating in India are required to file income tax return each year. Since proprietorships are considered to be one and same as the proprietor, the income tax return filing procedure for a proprietorship is similar to individual income tax return filing.
All proprietors below the age of 60 years are required to file income tax return if total income exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakhs. In the case of proprietors over the age of 60 years but below 80 years, income tax filing is mandatory if total income exceeds Rs.3 lakhs. Proprietors over the age of 80 years and above are required to file income tax return if the total income exceeds Rs.5 lakhs.
The income tax rate for proprietorship is the same as the income tax rate for individuals. Unlike the income tax rate for LLP or Company which are flat rates, proprietorships are taxed on slab rates. The following is the income tax rate applicable for proprietorships for assessment year 2019-20, wherein the age of the proprietor is less than 60.
| Taxable Amount | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Rs. 0 - Rs. 2,50,000 | 0% |
| Rs. 2,50,001 to Rs. 5,00,000 | 5% |
| Rs. 5,00,001 - Rs.10,00,000 | 20% |
| Above Rs. 10,00,000 | 30% |
An audit would be required for a proprietorship firm if the total sales turnover is over Rs.1 crore during the financial year. In the case of a professional, audit would be required if total gross receipts is more than Rs.50 lakhs during the financial year under assessment.
The income tax return of a proprietorship that doesn't require audit is due on 31st July. In case the income tax return of a proprietorship needs to be audited as per Income Tax Act, then the return would be due on 30th September.
For the assessment year 2017-18 only, which relates to income earned in Financial Year 2016- 17, proprietorship firms would be required to file Form ITR-3 or Form ITR-4-Sugam. Form ITR-3 can be filed by a proprietor or a Hindu Undivided Family who is carrying out a proprietary business or profession. Form ITR-4-Sugam can be filed by a proprietor who would like to pay income tax under the presumptive taxation scheme.