JAMMU: An outreach and sensitization programme was held on Friday by the Income Tax Department and the Deputy Commissioner‘s office to increase public knowledge and comprehension of financial and tax issues. During the programme, Assistant Accounts Officers and Drawing and Disbursing Officers from various departments participated in an interactive session led by Income Tax Officer Jammu, Rajneesh Gupta, and Deputy Commissioner Income Tax Jammu, Dr. Mohnish Digra. In addition to highlighting the need of financial literacy, Dr. Mohnish Digra underlined India’s goal of being a developed country by 2047. He emphasised the number of income tax returns filed over the years and the steady rise in net direct tax receipts.Dr. Mohnish Digra also spoke to the audience about a worrying trend in which people are reporting incorrect deductions in order to obtain fraudulent refunds, which causes losses for the government. Employees were reminded that the Income Tax Department keeps a careful eye on these kinds of deductions, and DDOs were made aware of their responsibility to confirm the validity of such claims. Rajneesh Gupta emphasised the severe repercussions of claiming fictitious refunds, which include case review, tax recovery, and penalties under section 270A up to 200% of the tax avoided. He pointed out that such behaviour may result in prosecution under Income Tax Act section 276C, which carries a harsh sentence of up to seven years in prison.Gupta also provided the audience with information regarding the possible remedies for correcting errors, which include filing amended forms for Assessment Years 2021–22 and 2022–23 under section 139(8A) of the IT Act and paying 25% and 50% of the applicable penalties in addition to the tax. For Assessment Year 2023–2024, ITR revisions are permitted without incurring penalties. Interactions took place during the programme to address a variety of topics, including how to accurately file ITRs, how to use the Income Tax chatbot, what deductions are allowed under the Income Tax Act of 1961, and how tax calculation advantages both under the old and new tax regimes. Attendees included PO POSHAN, Renu Bhasin, Assistant Commissioner General, Manisha, and other district officers.
