PUNE: The Income Tax (I-T) Department over the years has achieved many milestones. The Pune region has added over 8 lakh new tax payers during the current fiscal year (2018-19), thus substantially widening the tax base, said Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax Pune Ashu Jain.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the zonal cultural meet of the Central Revenue Sports and Cultural Board for 2019 for West Zone. The programme was inaugurated by Jain, Prakash Chandra, CCIT, MV Bhanumati, Pr CIT 1 and renowned Kathak exponent Maneesha Sathe.
The meet includes Central Revenue Officers and officials from Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa. This will bring together talent from areas such as art, music and others on one platform.
“All-India direct tax collections increased significantly from Rs 6.38 lakh crore in 2013-14 to almost Rs 12 lakh crore this year. The Pune region was the 5th biggest contributor with direct tax collections of Rs 51,600 crore. The number of returns filed, at all-India level, has increased from 3.79 crore in financial year 2013-14 to 6.85 crore in financial year 2017-18 showing 80 pc growth in the tax base,” said Jain.
“To help the taxpayers and to minimise their visits to Income tax offices, e-assessment was implemented this year with 90 per cent of scrutiny assessments being completed electronically in the Pune region. Now, over 99 per cent returns are e-filed, which is higher than many developed nations. Various outreach programmes have also been conducted throughout the Pune region to create awareness among the taxpayers,” he said.
The zonal cultural meet has been scheduled on Tuesday and Wednesday, wherein around 150 revenue employees from the Income Tax and Customs and GST departments are showcasing their talent. The winners will be felicitated by Chief Commissioner of Customs and GST, Pune Vasa Seshagiri Rao and renowned stage and cine artiste Mohan Joshi.
