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Published on: Sep 15, 2026

Form 65 - Tonnage Tax Scheme Application

Application for Exercising/Renewing Option for the Tonnage Tax Scheme under Sub-Section (1) of Section 115VP or Sub-Section (1) of Section 115VR of the Income Tax Act, 1961

To download the official Form 65 for the Tonnage Tax Scheme in PDF format, Click Here.

Introduction to Form 65

The Tonnage Tax Scheme under the Income Tax Act, 1961, provides a beneficial tax regime for qualifying shipping companies. By filing Form 65, companies can apply to exercise or renew their option for this scheme, effectively managing their tax responsibilities. Understanding the intricacies of this process is essential for compliance and maximizing tax benefits.

Eligibility for the Tonnage Tax Scheme

Companies involved in the operation of qualifying ships can opt for this scheme. The primary eligibility criteria include regulatory compliance and adherence to operational standards. For more tailored tax advice, explore our services tailored for businesses, such as CA for Business ITR Filing.

Benefits of Filing Form 65

Engaging with the Tonnage Tax Scheme can potentially reduce your overall tax burden. This is an attractive option for companies seeking operational efficiency and tax optimization. To calculate your potential savings, use our Income Tax Calculator.

Steps to File Form 65

Filing Form 65 involves several steps:

  • Assess eligibility based on shipping activities.
  • Gather necessary documentation and financial records.
  • Complete and submit Form 65 to the appropriate Income Tax department.
  • For detailed guidance on filing, check our Income Tax Filing Services.

Additional Resources

Considering the complexities of tax filing, exploring various resources and expert consultations can be beneficial:

Contact Us

For further assistance in filing Form 65 or any other tax-related queries, feel free to reach out to our team of experts for personalized advice. Our comprehensive tax filing services ensure compliance and optimize tax savings.

Maximize your benefits under the Tonnage Tax Scheme by leveraging Capital Gains Tax Strategies tailored to your business needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Form 65 Tonnage Tax Scheme Application.

Form 65 is the prescribed form for companies to apply for exercising or renewing their option for the tonnage tax scheme under sections 115VP or 115VR of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This scheme allows shipping companies to pay taxes based on tonnage instead of profits.
Any company who owns or charters a qualifying ship and fulfills the conditions laid out in Chapter XII-G of the Income Tax Act can apply for the tonnage tax scheme using Form 65.
Companies need to submit Form 65 whenever they want to exercise the tonnage tax option for the first time or renew their existing option upon expiry.
Form 65 requires details like the company's name, address, permanent account number (PAN), information about qualifying ships, the scheme option being exercised or renewed, and declarations from authorized signatories.
No, there is no fee prescribed for filing Form 65 as per the Income Tax Rules.
The duly filled Form 65 has to be submitted to the jurisdictional Assessing Officer having jurisdiction over the company's case.
No, once Form 65 is submitted, it cannot be revised. Companies will have to apply afresh with a new Form 65 if they need to make any changes.
For exercising a new tonnage tax option, Form 65 needs to be submitted on or before the due date of filing the tax return for that assessment year. For renewals, it needs to be submitted at least 3 months prior to the start of the relevant previous year.
Companies need to attach certified copies of qualification certificates for ships, registration certificates, and declarations from directors/partners along with Form 65.
If the Assessing Officer finds Form 65 defective or incomplete, they may provide an opportunity to rectify the defects/omissions. However, if not rectified within the given timeframe, the application may be invalidated.