Govt directs taxmen to crack down on evaders to meet target

NEW DELHI: To attain its revenue target, the Finance Ministry has directed taxmen to take "harsh" action against evaders while planning to further streamline filing and processing of income tax return forms.
"Our instructions are clear -- honest tax payers shall be treated with due respect. At the same time, harsh action has to be taken against tax evaders," Minister of State for Finance G N Ramachandran said at a award ceremony here today.
He said the Income Tax department has been restructured by posting more officers in the field not only for close supervision of tax administration but also to redress the grievances of public.
About the buoyancy in tax collections till January, Ramachandran said "We hope that the budget target will be met positively."
He said direct tax collections were up by 17 per cent at Rs 55,193 crore till January, mainly after the restructuring of the department and revival of the economy.
"Special attention has been given in respect of refunds," he said, adding 25 lakh cases involving Rs 18,063 crore refunds were made till Janaury this fiscal.
On the indirect tax front, he said customs collection were up by 12 per cent at Rs 37,092 crore while excise collections grew by 17 per cent at Rs 65,138 crore.
"Government has been trying its best to create a world class infrastructure so that economic activities can go ahead with accelerated speed. Various sectors of the economy are in need of funds and these can be provided if the tax collections are high," the minister said.