CBDT issues SOP for faceless assessment to cut tax litigation, clear doubts

Income Tax

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Aug 12, 2022

The Central Board of Direct Taxes has issued a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) for officials for dealing with the faceless scheme, in a move aimed at reducing litigation and confusion about the scheme. The board has mandated the officials to grant personal hearing to the assesses within 2-3 days of receiving such a request.
The SOP was issued following a spike in litigation and adverse comments by various courts against the department over its handling of the scheme. "This will put an end to many unnecessary litigation. The SOP has been prepared carefully after taking all the feedback from both assesses and officials," an official told ET. Field officials have been asked to send a centralised communication to the taxpayers in case of non-responsiveness to the notices. It has also been suggested that a physical letter be sent at the latest known address along with text messages to the assesses.

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