The Ministry of Finance recently reported a significant achievement in the realm of tax compliance. More than 30.75 lakh audit reports, encompassing approximately 29.5 lakh Tax Audit Reports (TARs), have been successfully filed for the assessment year 2023-24. These filings were made on the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal, and they were completed by the due date of September 30, 2023. This remarkable feat reflects the commitment of taxpayers and tax professionals to adhere to regulatory requirements and deadlines.
In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this achievement, highlighting the efforts made to facilitate the filing process, the role of outreach programs, and the seamless experience provided by the e-filing portal.
Detailed Analysis:
Outreach Programs: To ensure that taxpayers were well-informed and prepared to meet the deadline for filing audit reports, extensive outreach programs were conducted. More than 55.4 lakh outreach activities were carried out using various communication channels, including emails, SMSs, and social media. Information messages on the Income Tax portal played a crucial role in creating awareness among taxpayers regarding the filing of Tax Audit Reports (TARs) and other audit reports in Form No. 29B, 29C, 10CCB, etc. Additionally, user awareness videos were made available on the Income Tax portal to provide step-by-step guidance to taxpayers and tax professionals.
Smooth Filing Experience: The e-filing portal’s capacity to handle the substantial traffic generated during the filing period ensured a seamless experience for taxpayers and tax professionals alike. The efficient handling of the filing process received accolades from professionals on various platforms, including social media. This success can be attributed to the robustness of the e-filing system and the collaborative efforts of taxpayers and the Income Tax Department.
Helpdesk Support: The e-filing Helpdesk team played a pivotal role in assisting taxpayers and tax professionals. During the month of September 2023, the team addressed approximately 2.36 lakh queries, providing proactive support and guidance. The assistance was delivered through various channels, including inbound calls, outbound calls, live chats, Webex sessions, and co-browsing sessions. The Helpdesk team also engaged in Online Response Management (ORM) to resolve queries received on the Department’s Twitter handle, offering near real-time assistance to stakeholders. Furthermore, the Department conducted informative webinars aimed at guiding tax professionals through the process of filing audit forms.
Gratitude to Tax Professionals: The Ministry of Finance expressed its gratitude to all tax professionals and taxpayers for their unwavering support in achieving this milestone in compliance. Their dedication and commitment have contributed significantly to the successful filing of audit reports within the prescribed deadline.
Conclusion:
The successful filing of over 30 lakh audit reports, including nearly 29.5 lakh Tax Audit Reports, on the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal for the assessment year 2023-24 is a testament to the dedication and compliance-oriented approach of taxpayers and tax professionals. The combined efforts of outreach programs, a user-friendly e-filing portal, and proactive helpdesk support have resulted in a seamless experience for all stakeholders.
This accomplishment reflects the commitment of taxpayers to fulfill their regulatory obligations promptly. The Ministry of Finance acknowledges and appreciates the invaluable contributions of tax professionals and taxpayers in achieving this significant milestone. It reinforces the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring efficient tax compliance and administration.
