Page 14 - NIS English Jul 16-31 2024

Cover Story

government has made big plans for the welfare of the Filing returns made easy
citizens and is making record investments in modern
infrastructure. Also, with the reforms, undertaken when n The use of technology has made the
the honest taxpayer of the country sees that his money is process of filing income tax returns (ITR)
being used properly he is ready to pay tax. Therefore, the easier, due to which there is a record
number of taxpayers has been increasing continuously in increase in the number of returns.
the past years. That is, whatever the Central Government
has taken from the public, it has dedicated it for the n Detailed guidelines have been provided
development of the masses. This is good governance, for filling out all types of ITR forms.
this is the message of Ram Rajya.
n Guidelines for the process of filing
returns and answers to frequently asked
Enhancing efficiency
Tax reform is witnessing increased transparency. questions (FAQs) were provided.
Taxpayers are experiencing a more equitable, efficient n
and transparent tax system. The PAN database of more To make tax compliance more
than 65 crore reflects the efficacy of linkages between convenient, pre-filled income tax
various compliances viz GST, Banks, credit ratings, returns are made available to individual
property transactions etc. Similarly, TAN database of taxpayers, which makes it easier to file ITR.
more than 75 lakh deductors reflects the reach and n In the financial year 2023-24, 82 webinars
depth of information capturing capacity of the Income were organized for the guidance of
Tax Department. Refunds, which used to take months,
are now processed within weeks. Today, refunds are taxpayers and tax professionals, while
being issued to more than 3 crore taxpayers through in the financial year 2024-25, seven
online mode. When taxpayers see the department itself webinars have been organized till
taking the initiative to resolve longstanding disputes, June 30.
they feel encouraged towards voluntary compliance. n 7,392 Webex sessions have been
Faceless appeals and consistent reductions in income organized for taxpayers and tax
tax contribute to a sense of transparency. Prime Minister professionals in FY 2023-24 while 1,139
Modi himself notes that earlier there were complaints
and terms like "tax terrorism" which were common. Webex sessions have been conducted in
Today, however, the country is moving towards tax FY 2024-25 till June 30.
transparency. This change has come because the n The department is providing real-time
country is now moving forward with the vision of reform, support to taxpayers' queries and issues
perform, and transform. There are reforms in rules and through Online Response Management
processes, in which a lot of help from technology has (ORM) on its X handle.
been taken. Today, the Central Government is performing
in every direction because the intentions are clear which
is transforming due to clear intent of purpose.

Respecting honest taxpayers
Along with the reduction in tax and simplification in the
process, the biggest reforms that have been done are
related to the dignity of honest taxpayers, saving them
from trouble. Today, India is among those few countries
in the world where both the rights and duties of the
taxpayer have been converted into codes and have been
given legal recognition. This is a big step for restoring
trust between the taxpayer and the tax collector, for
transparency. The Central Government has given respect

12 New India Samachar July 16-31, 2024