CBDT asks officials to step up

New Delhi, Feb. 25: Faced with a daunting target of ` 10.05 lakh crore, the apex decision making body for direct taxes CBDT has asked its field officers to step up efforts and put more focus on better performing zones.

In the Budget, the government has hiked the direct tax, which includes personal income tax and corporate tax, collection target to ` 10.05 lakh crore, from ` 9.80 lakh crore budgeted initially.

In a review meeting earlier this month, the CBDT has set higher target for zones which are performing well.

“We are looking at better advance tax collection for January- March quarter. If the trend of October- December quarter continues, we will be able to achieve the landmark ` 10 lakh crore target,” an official said.

The focus areas of the department for stepping up tax collection will be to follow up with entities which are currently giving taxes on the basis of self- assessment. “We will check if the tax assessment matches the income profile,” he said, adding that refunds will also be closely monitored.

Also taxmen have been advised to ensure Tax Deducted at Source are duly deposited to the central exchequer and follow up on arrears. “Higher targets have been set for zones which are on track to achieve their initial target,” he said.

The official further said demonetisation data is being scrutinised to check if based on the tax returns filed, some taxes could be recovered in current fiscal itself.