Taxmen told to deal firmly with evaders

New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday asked tax officials to deal firmly with those who try to evade taxes and game the system but act as facilitators to those who want to pay taxes honestly.

The minister asked three investigating wings of the revenue department to share information among themselves to nab evaders.

Addressing officers at the Income Tax Day celebration here, Sitharaman said that efforts should be made to increase the tax base from 8 crore currently as desired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

She also said that the direct tax collection target of Rs 13.35 lakh crore for 2019-20 set in Budget was achievable, as the tax department has doubled the collection in the last five years.

Earlier, speaking at the event, Revenue Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey said the government would use data mining and risk profiling rather than intrusive methods for tax mop-up.

"We will use data mining, risk profiling and risk assessment rather than intrusive methods. Today, we commit to end the fear of notices and scrutiny, which can be achieved only through randomised faceless assessment and verification," Pandey said.

"The direct tax collection has been growing on an average double digit in last five-six years which is commendable. I am confident the department will achieve the budget target set for this fiscal," he added.

Pandey further said that the tax administration had undergone significant changes in recent years and the role of tax officers had changed from tax enforcers to that of a tax facilitator.