Taxpayer Charter | Know what is the specialty, duties and rights of officials and taxpayers

 

The government announced the implementation of the taxpayer charter on August 13, 2020, taking important steps towards tax reforms. It clarifies the rights of taxpayers along with the duties of officers of the tax department. The tax department will treat each taxpayer as an honest taxpayer until something is proved wrong and provide them fair, courteous and appropriate services. This arrangement is given in the Taxpayer Charter, announced on August 13, 2020. Also, the charter also requires that taxpayers pay taxes on time, be honest and comply with the rules.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'Transparent Taxation - Honoring the Honest' platform, advancing reforms in the tax system. Under this, a faceless assessment and taxpayer charter has been introduced between taxpayers and officials. It has also announced a faceless appeal which will come into effect from September 25, 2020.

 

The taxpayer charter defines the tax department's commitment and expectations from taxpayers. Tax officials will now commit to a 14-point charter which only includes a collection of arrears (tax) as per law. At the same time, taxpayers will also have to fulfil their responsibility and they will have to meet the six-point requirements of the Income Tax Department, including honesty and compliance with rules.

 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the 2020-21 budget that the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) would bring a taxpayer charter. This will ensure trust between the taxpayers and the tax department and remove various kinds of problems. Will also increase the efficiency of the department. The charter states that the Income Tax Department will hold its officers accountable for their actions. The department will provide fair, courteous, prompt and fair treatment as well as professional support to the taxpayers. According to this, unless the officer has a sound basis for disturbances, the taxpayers will be treated as honest taxpayers. The charter prohibits tax authorities from disclosing information about taxpayers and emphasizes respect for their privacy. However, tax authorities can give information about the taxpayer if required under the law.