The much delayed Centralised Processing Centres (CPCs) for bulk processing of I-T returns in the city is scheduled to commence next year.

According to officials from the Income Tax Department, the building is ready and everything should fall in place by April next year,’’ said an officer. The process has been delayed for the past eight months after the announcement in the budget.

The Income Tax Department had invited fresh bids for setting up centres for bulk processing of I-T returns in Manesar and Pune, said the officials. At present, a CPC which is functioning in Bangalore, processes 1.5 lakh returns in a day. Since there were no bidders for the city the project had been delayed.

The centre was to be set up in Kolkata too, but because of the delay in Pune and Manesar, even Kolkata will be delayed, said the officer.

The setting up of centre in the city can only be initiated after the completion of the Pune and Manesar re-tendering. The processing centres will have dedicated call centre where people can inquire about the status of their tax returns and refunds. Besides, it would also be equipped with a remote record storage unit aimed at reducing congestion in the I-T offices. (PTI)