The Income Tax department has launched a 'Tatkal' approval mechanism for those charitable and self-help organisations who desire to help the victims of the earthquake in Nepal.
"A special desk has been deployed at the back end of the I-T systems and they have been put on 'Tatkal' or quick service mode. As soon they get an application for seeking I-T exemption in this regard on the department's website, the case will be picked on priority and approval granted in two days," a senior I-T officer said.
A number of voluntary organisations are either wanting to or are in the process of pooling and channeling money for the victims of the Himalayan tragedy which has claimed over 5,000 lives and injured thousands others.
"So, if they want to claim an exemption under tax laws from this income, the I-T department will help them in this this endeavour," the officer said.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes, the apex policy making body of the department, had yesterday notified the new arrangement as it said it has decided to "fast-track all applications made by voluntary organisations or Trusts seeking approval under section 11(1)(C) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 for rendering help to the victims of earthquake in Nepal."
"Approval under this section is required by charitable institutions for application of their income outside India to promote international welfare."
"It will be the endeavour of the department to process these applications within two working days of receiving the completed applications. The details of documents required to be submitted along with such applications have been uploaded on the website-- www.incometaxindia.gov.in," the CBDT order had said.
Revenue Secretary Shaktikanta Das had also announced the decision yesterday through a tweet. "Charitable organisations under IT Act can render help to earthquake victims in Nepal. Applications to CBDT will be processed in two days," his tweet had said.