IT dept closely monitoring implementation of faceless assessment scheme

Since August 13, all Income Tax returns picked up for scrutiny, except those relating to search and seizure and international tax, are being assessed under faceless assessment

The Income Tax department is closely monitoring the implementation of faceless assessment of I-T returns picked up for scrutiny to ensure there is no increased compliance burden on the taxpayer, Finance Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey said on Friday.

Assuaging concerns of the industry on how a taxpayer would explain his/her position to the I-T department, Pandey said the provision of video conferencing would also be there under the faceless assessment scheme for cases which require "deeper engagements".

"We wanted a system where an honest taxpayer is not harassed even if his case is selected for assessment. If somebody has understated income, he