CBDT norms to address taxpayers' grievances

The government today laid down norms for dealing with taxpayers' grievances in the event of their returns statement being taken up for scrutiny by the income-tax department.

According to guidelines issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes, personal attendance would not be essential if the information and supporting evidence received in response to the scrutiny notice was sufficient.

All cases selected for scrutiny on the basis of annual information returns (AIR) filed during a month will be displayed by the 15th of the following month, an official release stated. The queries made on the basis of information contained in AIR will be specific.

Also, the scrutiny notice will have to mention that a written reply, along with supporting documentary evidence, will be sufficient compliance with the notice.

Chief commissioners and commissioners will fix a reasonable period everyday to hear grievances of such tax payers without prior appointment.

The senior tax officials could also hold open house meetings in this regard. Taxpayers who wish to file their grievance in writing would be able to drop their complaints in drop boxes, the release said adding that steps would be taken to redress such written grievances expeditiously.