For the first time, the
Income Tax department has decided to set up special 'tax kiosks' in residential areas and localities for facilitating a host of
taxpayer related services in view of the forthcoming tax returns filing season.
The
initiative will ensure that the taxpayers are not required to travel to
I-T offices or other special camps for performing tasks like filing of
returns, tracking refunds and applying for fresh PAN cards.
The
department has also decided to run and station 'mobile vans' in smaller
cities, manned by I-T trained personnel, who would help taxpayers
perform their tasks in view of the July 31 deadline of filing
I-T returns.
The
innovative measure has been taken by the
department after Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had recently asked
the I-T top brass, during their conference held here, to execute new and
innovative ideas for the welfare of taxpayers.
"The department
had run a pilot project in this regard last year. The plan will be
executed this year countrywide", a top I-T department official said.
The
department, in various cities in the country, will talk to the Resident
Welfare Associations (RWAs) and other such bodies for establishing
these temporary kiosks at apartment blocks, large office complexes and
other central locations of the city, the official said.
The 'mobile vans', in smaller cities, will act as a 'single window' for salaried and other small and marginal taxpayers.
Metros
and other big centres will have the 'tax kiosks'. These vans and
kiosks, which will be stationed at one location for 1-2 days, will be
manned by trained Tax Return Prepares (TRPS) who help the
taxpayers in filing returns.
The department will also issue advertisements in order to publicise the location and timing of these kiosks and vans.
Sources:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/personal-finance/tax-savers/tax-news/now-file-your-income-tax-returns-at-a-kiosk-mobile-van-near-you/articleshow/14388080.cms