Hyderabad: Pilgrims who performed Haj in 2020 are in a dilemma as to whether or not to file income-tax returns (ITR). There is no clarity whether they have been exempted under the new Finance Bill (amended), which made it obligatory to all those who undertake journey outside the country and incur expenditure above `2 lakh, to file their income-tax return.
The last date for filing of the ITR, January 10, is approaching.
State Haj committee Chairman Masihullah Khan said, "The Haj Committee of India has already addressed a letter to the Union ministry of finance, requesting it to exempt Haj pilgrims from the mandatory filing of ITR. However, as per my knowledge, the ministry did not issue any order to this effect."
In the absence of any response from the ministry, Hajis have to file the ITR on their own, he said and advised them to meet income- tax consultants or advocates.
Every year, about two lakh pilgrims perform Haj from India through the Haj Committee and private tour operators. Many poor pilgrims also perform the Haj. They save for the pilgrimage over several years.
