I-T assessment may again miss its benchmark

Although the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has chalked out a detailed strategy on quality scrutiny assessment for the current fiscal year to avoid tax evasion and maximise revenue collection, income tax (I-T) employees raised doubts on whether the target would actually be achieved. 

Selection for scrutiny assessment, made under Sec 143(2) of I-T Act 1961, is a regular feature that aims to to find out whether the income declared in the I-T return (ITR) is correct and tax has been paid on the same.

"The CBDT has prepared a detailed strategy, which includes detailed questionnaire, in-depth investigation, monitoring, proper verification and equitable distribution of workload," a CBDT official told HT. 

The CBDT has also extended the assessment date from December 31 to March 31, 2013.

"How can there be equitable distribution of workload, as there is acute shortage of staff in the department?" said Ashok Kumar Kanojia, president, I-T Employees Federation ( Delhi).

Around 3% of the total ITRs filed should get scrutinised, but in reality it’s only 1%-1.5%.

In protest, I-T staff and officers have decided to boycott work by walk-outs on July 19 and 23. (Hindustan Times)