Quicker tax refunds from this year: CBDT

Expect faster and accurate Income Tax refunds from this financial year as the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has begun a drive to clear tax payers grievances and expedite refunds.

Through the Arrear Demand Grievance Fortnight, which began on September 3, the CBDT has taken steps to mitigate hardships faced by tax payers and also introduced taxpayer-friendly services.

“Taxpayers’ refunds are taken up by us on top priority. The department is trying to sort out the glitches. The small tax payers will always be taken care of and their refunds will come in the bank accounts without any delay,” CBDT Chairperson Poonam Kishore Saxena said.

Saxena said she has asked officials to ensure timely refunds and hassle-free services for taxpayers, which are the major areas of grievance for a common man. She said she was confident that the direct tax target of Rs 5.70 lakh crore will be met this year.

According to a senior official, Saxena recently reviewed the progress of all I-T regions of the country and stressed that taxpayer services like filing of I-T returns and timely generation of refunds should be thrust of the department. She has also created a dedicated email account for department officials to get in touch with her.

Worried over falling direct tax contribution in India’s gross domestic product (GDP), Saxena said that the department will strive to make it better in the coming years.
India’s current tax to GDP ratio stands at 5.6 per cent. It has fallen from more than 6 per cent in 2007-08.