For the first time, the Income Tax department has decided to set up special 'tax kiosks' in residential areas and localities for facilitating a host of taxpayer related services in view of the forthcoming tax returns filing season.

The initiative will ensure that the taxpayers are not required to travel to I-T offices or other special camps for performing tasks like filing of returns, tracking refunds and applying for fresh PAN cards.

The department has also decided to run and station 'mobile vans' in smaller cities, manned by I-T trained personnel, who would help taxpayers perform their tasks in view of the July 31 deadline of filing I-T returns.

The innovative measure has been taken by the department after Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had recently asked the I-T top brass, during their conference held here, to execute new and innovative ideas for the welfare of taxpayers.

"The department had run a pilot project in this regard last year. The plan will be executed this year countrywide", a top I-T department official said.

The department, in various cities in the country, will talk to the Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and other such bodies for establishing these temporary kiosks at apartment blocks, large office complexes and other central locations of the city, the official said.

The 'mobile vans', in smaller cities, will act as a 'single window' for salaried and other small and marginal taxpayers.

Metros and other big centres will have the 'tax kiosks'. These vans and kiosks, which will be stationed at one location for 1-2 days, will be manned by trained Tax Return Prepares (TRPS) who help the taxpayers in filing returns.

The department will also issue advertisements in order to publicise the location and timing of these kiosks and vans. (PTI)