Crucial pieces of information that improves tax-experience

Arnav PandyaWith the income tax department moving to a system whereby they are increasingly making use of paperless and technological options to deal with the taxpayers there is a clear need for some thought on this part from the side of the taxpayer too. There are a few details that they should ensure is given correctly so that there is no delay in the receipt of the communication and that they are able to take the required action quickly. Non attention to this aspect can result in a lot of running around which is totally avoidable. Here is a detailed look at how attention to a few details can be rewarding for the taxpayer in terms of ease of communication.Email addressThere is often a lack of seriousness when one has to mention an email address in the tax return. Most people do not pay any attention to this aspect as they think that this is just a side detail with little relevance in the tax return filing process. However the truth is completely the opposite as the email address is now an integral part of the return filing process. The intimation of all the developments related to the return filing process is sent by email to the tax payer so they have an idea of the progress that has been made. Things like changes in the details registered with the income tax department, the actual filing of the return, receipt of the form ITR V at the central processing centre, Intimation of the refund, intimation of the assessment order etc are all done using the email address of the individual. Thus if the correct email address is given then the whole process of monitoring the progress in the tax returns becomes very easy. Now the tax department is also going to send scrutiny requirements on email. This increases the importance of the email address that is provided to the tax department at the time of filing returns and when registering for the online filing. Often the tendency is to give an email address that is not regularly used or checked and this can actually prove to be a negative factor as the main details that come with the return filing process can be missed out completely leading to problems as there could be a lot of running around to do in order to complete the requirements.Mobile numberJust like an email address the mobile number has now acquired an important role as far as the return filing process is concerned. All the details related to an individual tax filer is now provided both on the email as well as on the mobile phone so this becomes a tool whereby the taxpayer can keep track of what is happening with their returns. The details of receipt of the ITR V and the return with the tax department plus the intimation of the refund as well as of the assessment being complete are all given to the tax payer through intimation on the mobile. This is the reason why it is essential to ensure that the right number is given and that this is also tracked for what is actually happening.Bank accountThe refund process is an integral part of the tax filing activity and everyone wants to receive this quickly. A part of the process is to give the right bank details so that the amount can be transferred without any delay but this is where a bit of carelessness leads to a situation where the refund is held up. This is the reason why paying attention to the bank details and ensuring that this is correctly provided would prove to be beneficial for the tax payer.