Bengaluru: Post-demonetisation, lakhs of city residents who have paid their annual Income Tax, but didn't submit their IT returns to the Income Tax department, now have reason to be nervous. For the last few days, they have been receiving e-mails from the Income Tax department over not submitting their IT returns for the financial year 2015-16 and warning of possible action against them by way of penalty.
According to the email sent by the IT department, these citizens have been informed: "As per the records, it is observed that you have not filed your Income Tax Return for Assessment Year 2015-16. Please submit your online response. Non-filers with potential tax liabilities are identified and monitored under Non-filers Monitoring System (NMS). A 'Step by Step Guide' for NMS is also available for detailed guidance on the e-filing portal home page under the 'Help' section. If you need any assistance in submitting the response, please call the e-filing toll free number 1800 4250 0025 or send an email on nms@incometax.gov.in."
Confusion
For several salaried employees who have paid their income-tax but weren't able to upload the returns online, this email has created a lot of tension. "On the Income Tax department website there is not much information about the penalty provisions. Moreover, most of those who have received the email belong to the salaried class who owe tax of just a few hundred rupees. It's a pity that everyone is being targeted in the name of income tax due," explained a state government employee who wished to be anonymous.
"Post-demonetisation the Income Tax department is scrutinizing each and every banking transaction. At this juncture, the department is also sending these emails to everyone, irrespective of whether they have paid their taxes or not. The IT department should not treat tax evaders in the same bracket as salaried people whose Income Tax is deducted at source," he signed off.
According to Kiran Shetty, a tax consultant, genuine tax payers need not worry at all. "Everyone can submit their returns online within five minutes. So all their fears are unfounded," he said.
