Taxing times for I-T deptt; 3 crore returns, few officers

TAXING TIMES: The attrition rate in I-T department is faster than the recruitment rate.

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Bangalore: July 31 is the deadline for filing income tax returns and there is the usual last-minute rush. Over the years compliance has improved because of lower rates.

While returns filed have increased annually over the past four years by an average of 12 per cent, the number of officers has declined by 800, as the attrition rate is faster than the recruitment rate.

“We are hopelessly short of manpower,” says Member, CBDT, Ajai Singh.

Revenue Secretary PV Bhinde says returns have been made annexure-less, the number of refunds has increased by Rs 16 lakh over four years and there is intelligent selection of returns for scrutiny depending on revenue potential.

Yet the department is swamped. Last year 2.73 crore returns were filed. This year three crore are expected. In fact, as at the end of June, there was a backlog of 1.78 crore returns.

“That is because the software has not been developed. In the course of your discussion with the members of my board they might have impressed upon you the need to develop this software to address this problem. Precisely because of this we are looking for modern technology,” says Bhide.

The department is now engaged in selecting a consultant for the first bulk-processing centre in Bangalore, which will be like a factory with a capacity to process 60 lakh returns.

It will cater to the whole of Karnataka. If this facility succeeds, more would follow.

By taking the drudge work out, it will allow the officers to apply themselves to work that requires knowledge and experience.