Chartered Accountants Association Advocates for Timely Resolution of Income Tax Appeals
In a formal communication addressed to the Honorable Minister for Finance, Govt. of India, the Chartered Accountants Association, headquartered at C R Building, Model Town Road, Jalandhar, expressed deep concern regarding the persistent backlog of Income Tax Appeals with the Commissioner of Income Tax.
The association, representing Chartered Accountants as a constituent body under the societies act, is actively involved in organizing talks, workshops, seminars, and conferences. These events aim to keep members informed about developments in the ever-evolving professional landscape and facilitate representation before various authorities.
Despite the commendable shift towards faceless procedures, the mounting pile of Income Tax Appeals remains a significant challenge. CA. Ashwani Jindal, the General Secretary, highlighted in the letter that the delay in disposing of appeals contradicts the intended purpose of the faceless system, which was implemented for efficient governance.
The association earnestly requested the implementation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the expeditious disposal of appeals within one year from the filing date. The letter emphasized the critical need to address the backlog, stating that “Justice delayed is justice denied,” underscoring the concerns of taxpayers awaiting resolution.
While acknowledging the success of the faceless system in Faceless Assessment and ITAT, CA. Jindal pointed out the disparity in the Commissioner of Income Tax’s handling of appeals. The letter stressed the belief that a comprehensive SOP would not only alleviate the backlog but also contribute to the principles of good governance and timely justice delivery.
The association considers the Finance Minister’s intervention crucial in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the faceless system. The letter expressed gratitude for attention to this pressing issue and anticipates a swift resolution.
A copy of the communication has been forwarded to key stakeholders, including the Honorable Prime Minister of India, MOS Finance, Revenue Secretary, Chairman of CBDT, Pr. Chief Commissioners of Income Tax (NWR, Exemptions Delhi, Exemptions Chandigarh), and all print media outlets.
The Chartered Accountants Association remains committed to fostering a conducive environment for its members and contributing to the advancement of transparent and efficient financial practices in the country.
Full Text of their representation is as follows:-
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS ASSOCIATION
(C R Building, Model Town Road, Jalandhar)
For correspondence care:- CA. Ashwani Jindal, General Secretary,
498-LA, Model Town, Near Geeta Mandir, Jalandhar
Email: casassociation.jal@gmail.com, Mobile 9876063350
Dated: December 27, 2023
To,
Honorable Minister for Finance
Govt. of India
New Delhi.
Respected Madam,
Sub: Request for Implementation of SOP for Timely Disposal of Income Tax Appeals with Commissioner of Income Tax.
We would like to bring to your kind notice that The Chartered Accountants Association is representing Chartered Accountants is a constituent body under the societies act. The functions of the Association include holding of talks, workshops, seminars and conferences on topics of professional interest with a view to help the members keep themselves abreast of the developments in the fast-changing scenario, to represent members before various authorities etc.
I am writing to bring your attention to the mounting pile of Income Tax Appeals with the Commissioner of Income Tax, which has persisted for several years despite the introduction of the faceless system. While the move towards faceless procedures was a commendable step towards efficient governance, the delay in disposing of appeals contradicts the intended purpose.
It is our humble request that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) be established for the expeditious disposal of appeals within one year from the date of filing. As the saying goes, “Justice delayed is justice denied,” and the backlog of appeals is a matter of concern for taxpayers seeking resolution.
The success of the faceless system is evident in the efficiency demonstrated by Faceless Assessment and ITAT, where responsibilities are discharged promptly. However, the same efficiency is not reflected in the Commissioner of Income Tax’s handling of appeals.
We believe that issuing a comprehensive SOP will not only address the backlog but also contribute to reinforcing the principles of good governance and timely justice delivery. Your intervention in this matter is crucial to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the faceless system.
Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue, and we look forward to a swift resolution. Yours sincerely,
(CA. Ashwani Kumar Jindal)
General Secretary
M — 9876063350
Copy to
1. The Honorable Prime Minster of India
2. The Honorable, MOS Finance
3. The Revenue Secretary
4. The Chairman, CBDT
5. The Pr. Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, NWR
6. The Pr. Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Exemptions, Delhi
7. The Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Exemptions, Chandigarh
8. All Print Medias
THE MAJORITY OF THE CIT A ARE IN SOUND SLEEP AND DO NOT AWAKE FOR MONTHS AND MONTHS AND APPEALS KEEP ON PILING UP AND THE TAXPAYERS ARE FACING THE WRATH OF THE ASSESSING OFFICERS WHO RECOVER DEMAND BY RESORTING TO COERCIVE RECOVERY METHODS FULLY PERMITTED BY THEIR SENIORS. THE CIT A DO WAKE UP TO TAKE UP THE CASE ON A SELECTIVE BASIS IF THEY HEAR SOME SOUND OF LIKING.THE REPRENTATION FIND THEIR PLACE IN THE WASTE PAPER BASKETS ONLY