I-T in revamp mode to boost its revenues, efficiency level

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has started functional restructuring of  the income tax department to boost efficiency and revenue collections. This follows a revamp of the department involving creation of new posts, transfers etc., implemented during January to July this year.

Steps taken to put in place a new functional order are assignment of new jurisdiction at levels from chief commissioners to commissioners, creation of two new directorates for  international taxation and research & infrastructure, and chalking out plans to maximise revenue collections.

A new human resource management division is also being created within the existing directorate of the organisation & management systems of the I-T department. Concurrence of the expenditure department for creation of these new directorates and division is being obtained.

A standing group comprising three income tax commissioners has been set up under the chairmanship of CBDT chairman O.P. Srivastava to monitor progress and implementation of the restructuring, I -T officials said.

To maximise revenue collections, some areas have been identified for close monitoring.

These are: dealing with stop-filers (persons who have stopped filing returns though required by the law to do so), disposal of pending income tax assessments, increase in number of first appellate authorities and tax recovery officers, and early issue of refunds to reduce interest burden.

Often when additional tax is demanded from assessees after assessment, they appeal to the first appellate authority and obtain a stay on tax recovery during the pendency of the appeal.