MHA offers window to NGOs to file missing IT returns (Lead)

New Delhi, May 16 :  The Union Home Ministry on Tuesday offered a one-time exemption relief to Non Government Organisations (NGOs) to file their "missing" Income Tax returns from May 15 to June 14.

A Home Ministry order said all such NGOs can upload their missing annual returns along with the requisite documents as mandated by the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act without being levied any compounding fee. 

"No compounding fee will be imposed on them (NGOs) for late filing of annual returns during this period," the order said. 

The order warned NGOs to not fall into any trap of any unscrupulous elements" and report the matter to the Joint Secretary in case any person asks for any facilitation fees or other charges. 

The warning comes at a time when the foreigners division has been battling continuous corruption charges and allegations that officials are holding back FCRA related clearances and asking NGOs for money. 

"The government has given one final opportunity to all associations and organisations which have applied for renewal of their registration under the FCRA but not uploaded their annual returns from financial year 2010-11 to 2014-15. This exemption is one time measure," the order said. 

The renewal of registration under FCRA cannot be granted unless the annual returns are uploaded by the organization, it said.

The Home Ministry in 2012 cancelled registration of 4,138 NGOs and in 2015 of 10,117, which failed to comply with the the provisions of the FCRA.

The acceptance and utilisation of foreign contribution is regulated under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA), and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rule, 2011 (FCRR).