Late Fee Levy u/s 234E for TDS Returns Prior to June 2015 Invalid: ITAT

ITAT invalidates late fee under Section 234E for TDS returns filed before June 2015, ruling the provision non-retrospective. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that late fees under Section 234E of the Income Tax Act cannot be imposed for Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) returns filed before June 1, 2015. The tribunal clarified that the amendment to Section 200A, which granted the power to impose such fees, was prospective in nature, effective only from June 1, 2015. This ruling provides significant relief to taxpayers who faced demands for late fees for TDS returns filed prior to this effective date.