INCOME TAX

Issue of certificates of TDS under the provisions of the IT Act, 1961--Replacement of the unified Form No. 16 with new Forms Nos. 16, 16A and 16B--Acceptance of TDS certificates in unified Form No. 16 in lieu of Form No. 16B till 31-12-1991

Circular No. 607

Dated 4/7/1991

Reference is invited to Board's Circular No.605, dated 12th June, 1991, conveying the Board's decision that in view of the shortage of the new Form No.16B, the Assessing Officers may accept the TDS Certificates in the old Form No.16 also in respect of deductions of tax at source under sections 194A, 194B, 194BB, 194C, 194E, 195 and 196A of the Income- tax Act, 1961, for the assessment year 1991-92.

2. Despite measures taken to make Form No.16B available in adequate numbers at all places, the shortage of these forms is still continuing. The Board have, therefore, decided that TDS certificates issued in the old Form No.16 may also be accepted by the Assessing Officers in lieu of Form No.16B in respect of tax deducted at source up to 31st December, 1991. Simultaneously, the field officers may also sell the existing stock of Form No.16 lying with them, till 31st December, 1991.

3. It may be clarified here that the old Form No.16 shall be accepted only for the categories of TDS for which the new Form No.16B has been prescribed. Form No.16B shall also remain in force along with the old Form No.16 and the tax deductors can use either of the two forms.

4. The Chief Commissioners and Directors-General of Income- tax are requested to inform all the officers in their regions and also to give wide publicity to this decision amongst trade circles, financial institutions, public sector undertakings and Government departments, etc.

(Sd.) V.K. Bhatia

Director (Budget)