Document Collection: Gather all necessary documents including PAN, registration certificates (Trust Deed / Society / Section-8), 12A/12AB, 80G, FCRA (if applicable), audited accounts, Form-26AS, donation records, bank statements, and supporting vouchers.
Book Closure: Finalize the accounting books for the financial year and prepare the Balance Sheet, Income & Expenditure Statement, and Receipts & Payments Accounts.
Assess Need for Audit: Verify if the threshold under Section 12A(1)(b) necessitates a statutory audit; if so, engage a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) to conduct the audit.
Obtain Audit Report: Have the CA complete the audit and prepare Form-10B or Form-10BB, as applicable.
E-Filing Audit Form: Assign the audit report (Form-10B/10BB) to your CA on the e-filing portal to facilitate upload before filing the Income Tax Return (ITR).
Select Appropriate ITR: Choose ITR-7 for trusts, societies, or Section-8 companies claiming exemptions under Sections 11/12 or 10(23C).
Prepare and Submit ITR-7 Online: Log into the Income Tax e-filing portal, enter details of income, expenditure, donations, assets, liabilities, and audit particulars.
Attach Audit Details: Ensure that Form numbers, auditor information, and audit findings are accurately reflected in the return.
Verification: E-verify the return via DSC (preferred for organizations), EVC, or Aadhaar-based methods as permitted.
Adhere to Deadlines: File the return within the prescribed timelines (generally by 31 October for audited returns; verify current deadlines).
Record Keeping: Download and store the ITR acknowledgment, audit report, audited financial statements, and supporting documents for future reference and compliance.
Compliance with State Regulations: Fulfill any state-specific reporting or renewal obligations under the Nagaland Societies Registration Act or the Companies Act (for Section-8 companies).
Optional: Conduct a pre-filing review with your CA to ensure accuracy, compliance, and to safeguard exemptions.