File your I-T returns at these counters

Following tremendous success last year, the Income Tax (I-T) department has set up nearly 100 special counters at the Palace Grounds to accept I-T returns this year.

The counters which opened on Wednesday will function till July 31.

Suresh Babu, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax III, Bangalore, said the counters had been set up for easy and hassle-free filing of returns. Besides, ten separate bulk counters, three counters for senior citizens and 16 verification counters have been set up, he added.

“There will also be automated teller machines (ATMs), debit/credit card swipe machines and bank extension counters at the venue,” Babu said, adding that the tax volunteers and tax return preparers will also be on hand to help the citizens.

Income Tax department  officials said the residents of the IT City were more comfortable with filing the returns manually.

The counters will remain open between 9.30 am and 5 pm and will function even on Saturdays and Sundays with over 200 Income Tax department officials supervising them.

Besides, a large screen displaying the procedure of filling the forms, adequate parking space, a food court, drinking water and toilet facilities have been provided.

Tax collection

The Income Tax department  is confident of collecting Rs 53,430 crore as income tax this financial year in the Karnataka region, Satyanarayana K, Chief Commissioner of I-T,
Bangalore-I said on Wednesday.

Stating that the department has already collected Rs 8,870 crore, he said: “The collection last year was Rs 45,819 crore and the number of assessees, 19.7 lakh (as on April 1, 2012).”