Modi govt's promise on tax terrorism lies in tatters even after 4-year rule

Although most courts have ruled in favour of societies, tax department continues to tax the hardship allowance developers pay

One of the biggest promises made by the National Democratic Alliance government, in 2014, was the end of tax terrorism. Four years later, that promise lies in tatters. Even the most ardent followers would concede that the Income Tax Department has been given unreasonable targets, leading to high-pitched assessments for all tax payers. The basic idea is to force the tax payer to pay at least 20 per cent of the disputed demand, even as the appeal proceedings are held up 

indefinitely. 

In fact, the pressure to get revenue by any means is so great that the tax department is reportedly asking