Tax scrutiny has dropped to 0.26% of all returns: PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi (File image)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said tax returns scrutiny had fallen to 0.26 percent of all returns in 2018-19.

"In 2012-13, 0.94 percent of all tax returns were scrutinised. In 2018-19, this figure came down to 0.26 percent.This means, case scrutiny has reduced about four times," PM Modi said.

On August 13, PM Modi launched the Transparent Taxation platform, which would have faceless assessments, faceless appeal and taxpayer charter.

"With faceless assessment, the taxpayer is assured of fair, courteous and rational behaviour," PM Modi said.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) will also launch faceless appeals beginning September 25, as part of the process to reduce physical interface between tax officers and taxpayers.

In the Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced that CBDT will adopt a "taxpayer charter" which will ensure trust between a taxpayer and the administration and reduce harassment, as well as increase efficiency of the department.

(With inputs from PTI)