Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley asked the Income Tax officials on Monday to deal with the tax evaders in a non- intrusive and fair manner but to deal firmly with the tax evaders.
The Minister also added that the officers should make serious efforts to unearth the black money within the country “which is quite large” and efforts being made by the government to bring back black money stowed abroad.
The Income Tax Department have to work with highest standard of ethics as the credibility of the department is the biggest asset.
The efforts is to usher in a tax-payer friendly image for the department as the government prepares to embark on the task of meeting tax revenue target against the backdrop of a challenging economic situation.
The finance minister acknowledged that the job of the officers was very difficult as they have to achieve the tax collection targets and also play the role of tax facilitator. The message from North Block to the senior tax officials was to be firm with evaders and work as facilitators for those trying to comply with rules.
Tax department officials have said there is a need to remove the perception that the authorities were unnecessarily going after individuals or companies. He also asked them to reduce tax litigation and avoid frivolous and avoidable litigation.
