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Online filing of I-T returns on the cards

Filing income tax returns online is on the cards thanks to the ongoing computerisation of the various functions of the I-T department in the country, chairman of the Central Board of Direct taxes N Balasubramaniam said on Monday.

"Computerisation of the department's operations is going on at a fast pace with a view to ensuring international standards in the matter of tax payer services," he said in Madras.

He said computerisation with regard to processing of the income tax returns of salaried class was almost complete and in the coming phases, this would be extended to returns of business and trade followed by corporate houses. "The idea is to facilitate online facility for filing returns for all sections of tax payers at the earliest," he said.

Balasubramaniam said this year's tax collection target of Rs 720 billion, which was 29 per cent more than that of last year, was well within reach, mainly because of the increasing degree of compliance on the part of tax payers and efforts of the department staff to provide better services to the tax payer.

Balasubramaniam said due to the various measures being initiated by the department, especially relating to tax payer services, the tax payers base had more than doubled this year compared to last year, adding it was expected to touch at least 6 million by 2004.

On the issue of PAN cards, he said a total of 95 per cent applications received for the same had already been cleared.

"Now anyone who apply within the prescribed form could get his PAN card within five to 10 days anywhere in the country."

The Centre had set apart Rs 1 billion for acquiring or constructing new office accommodations and residential premises for staff. This was done to improve the facilities for I-T staff that, he said, was an essential pre-requisite for ensuring better services from them.

"We are expecting a similar allotment in the coming budget also," he said.

The Rs 154.3-million new income tax building was later inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for Finance Gingee N Ramachandran.

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