Form 10BB Audit Report (AY 2023–24 Onwards): Filing Guide, Utility Download & Schema Details
Form 10BB is an important audit report under the Income Tax Act, 1961, specifically applicable to certain charitable institutions, trusts, educational bodies, and hospitals claiming exemption under section 10(23C) or section 12A. From Assessment Year 2023–24 onwards, it is crucial for smaller institutions whose income is below the basic exemption limit but who are still required to maintain audited records to file Form 10BB.
This detailed guide provides you with everything you need to know about Form 10BB – who needs to file it, when and how to file, download links for the latest utility and schema, how to avoid errors, and best practices for compliance.
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What is Form 10BB?
Form 10BB is an audit report under clause (b) of the tenth proviso to clause (23C) of section 10 and sub-clause (ii) of clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 12A of the Income Tax Act, 1961. It is meant for funds, institutions, universities, educational bodies, and medical institutions that fall under these provisions and are required to submit a simplified audit report.
This form is distinct from Form 10B, which is applicable when total income (before claiming exemption) exceeds the basic exemption limit. Form 10BB is typically used for cases where total income does not exceed the maximum amount not chargeable to tax.
Who Should File Form 10BB?
Form 10BB must be filed by:
- Funds, charitable trusts, or institutions that are registered under section 12AB and whose total income is below the basic exemption limit before claiming benefits under sections 11 and 12
- Universities and other educational institutions seeking exemption under section 10(23C)(iv), (v), (vi), or (via), where income remains below taxable limits
- Medical institutions and hospitals covered under similar exemption clauses
Even if these institutions are not liable to pay tax due to exemption, they must still maintain proper books of account and file this audit report to retain their status.
Due Date to File Form 10BB
The due date to file Form 10BB is aligned with the income tax return filing date, generally by 31st October of the relevant assessment year. Timely filing ensures uninterrupted exemption benefits and avoids non-compliance penalties.
It is highly recommended to complete the filing well before the deadline to accommodate time for corrections or revisions if needed.
Download Form 10BB Utility
The Income Tax Department provides an Excel-based offline utility for preparing and submitting Form 10BB audit reports. This tool helps generate a JSON file that can be uploaded directly to the income tax portal.
🔗 Download Link: Form 10BB Utility ZIP (Version 1.4) – 115 MB
Always download the latest version to ensure compatibility and avoid schema mismatches during upload.
Download Form 10BB Schema
The schema file outlines the data structure and validation rules for JSON submission. It's especially useful for developers and accountants to ensure their submissions meet technical standards.
🔗 Download Link: Form 10BB Schema ZIP – 17 KB
Download Schema Change Document
The schema change document helps users understand what modifications have been made to the structure of the form and ensures they are using the correct version for validation and submission.
🔗 Download Link: Schema Change Document PDF (Version 1.6) – 194 KB
System Requirements for Utility
Ensure your system is properly configured to run the utility without errors:
- Operating System: Windows 7 or later (64-bit preferred)
- Microsoft Excel 2010 or later (Excel macros must be enabled)
- Microsoft Edge browser must be installed on your system
- Active internet connection and latest Windows updates recommended
Extract the utility ZIP file before use, and avoid opening the file directly from the archive to prevent malfunction.
How to File Form 10BB – Step-by-Step Process
- Download and extract the latest utility from the official link above.
- Open the utility in Microsoft Excel and enable macros when prompted.
- Enter the assessment year and select the appropriate form type (Form 10BB).
- Fill in all necessary details about the trust/institution, including PAN, registration details, income particulars, and financial activities.
- Use the “Validate” option to ensure data accuracy.
- Generate a JSON file using the utility after successful validation.
- Login to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
- Navigate to “e-File” → “Income Tax Forms” → “File Income Tax Forms.”
- Select Form 10BB from the list and upload the generated JSON file.
- Submit the form using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Electronic Verification Code (EVC).
You will receive an acknowledgment upon successful submission, which should be saved for your records.
Key Components in Form 10BB
Form 10BB includes a condensed version of financial and statutory details compared to Form 10B, such as:
- Identification details of the fund or institution
- Sources and application of funds
- Compliance with conditions under Section 10(23C) or 12A
- Breakdown of income and expenditure
- Confirmation of objectives and activities carried out
Although simpler than Form 10B, accuracy is equally important to avoid rejection or future audit scrutiny.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using outdated utility versions — always download the latest version from the official portal
- Submitting incorrect or invalid PAN/registration details
- Skipping validation checks before generating the JSON file
- Not installing Microsoft Edge, which is mandatory for utility operation
- Uploading the wrong form type (Form 10B instead of 10BB)
Recheck your details thoroughly before final submission to avoid delays and penalties.
Consequences of Late or Non-Filing
If Form 10BB is not filed within the prescribed deadline:
- The entity may lose its tax-exempt status for the respective financial year
- Exempt income may become taxable
- The institution may become ineligible for future registration renewals under section 12AB
- Penalties under section 271B may also apply
Filing Form 10BB accurately and on time is therefore not just a formality but a legal requirement.
Form 10B vs. Form 10BB – Key Differences
Though similar in nature, these forms cater to different situations:
- Form 10B: Required when income before claiming exemption exceeds the basic exemption limit
- Form 10BB: Used when income remains within the exemption threshold
Make sure you select the correct form as per your institution’s financials and applicable law to avoid rejection.
Tips for Smooth Filing
- Maintain clean and organized accounting records throughout the financial year
- Reconcile all income and expenses with bank and donation statements
- Ensure all previous year’s audit reports have been filed
- Have your DSC or EVC ready and active before uploading the form
- Cross-verify PAN, registration dates, and exemption clauses before final submission
Having a professional chartered accountant prepare or review the form is highly recommended for accuracy and compliance.
Conclusion
Form 10BB plays a vital role for smaller charitable institutions and exempt organizations by helping them maintain compliance with the Income Tax Act without the burden of a full audit report like Form 10B. With the utility provided by the Income Tax Department and regular schema updates, the filing process has become smoother and more accessible.
Be sure to use the latest versions of utilities and schema files linked above. Filing on time, with proper validations, ensures continued exemption and avoids unnecessary penalties or scrutiny.
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