In a major reshuffle, the Income Tax department has issued mass transfer and promotion orders to about 500 tax officials across the country. 

The transfers on Saturday, included officials of the rank of Commissioner of Income Tax, Director of Income Tax, Chief Commissioner, Director General, Principal Chief Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner. 

According to circular, passed by the Central Board of Direct Tax (CBDT), the transfer includes 49 principal chief commissioner and chief commissioner of Income Tax, around 465 Commissioner and Director of Income Tax and four additional joint commissioner of the revenue department. 

"The following officers are transferred and posted as indicates against names of each of them with immediate effect and until further order," the circular order signed by Brij Mohan, Under Secretary to Government of India said. 

"The transfers are part of cadre restructuring and the exercise will address increased work in load also provide better tax administration," said Sunil Kapadia, Partner & Tax Leader at EY. 

The development was on expected lines as the Department of Promotion Committee had convened a meeting way back in the first week of May, said people familiar with the development. (Economic Times)