CBDT Introduces New Measure, I-T Surveys To Be More Transparent

Taxpayers can now breathe a sigh of relief. Instances of bullying of assesses by I-T officers during income tax surveys have been reported in the past. In case of a survey, the authority in the hands of the tax officials are limited and do not include seizure of cash, other assets, etc. However, junior officials often use the permission to survey for twisting the arm of taxpayers.
To curb this, the CBDT has issued an order with a view to make survey operations transparent. The surveying team will now have to provide the details of its senior officers like names, designations and contact numbers, to the tax payer. The tax payer will be informed that he can contact any senior officer in case of any grievance or otherwise.
The order provides a right to the taxpayers to complain in case of any harassment by surveyors. However, this order does not apply in case of any search and seizure made by the senior officers.