The I-T department has identified 1.52 crore such individuals who have the income or have had tax deducted at source (TDS) but did not file their returns
An official said that in financial year 2022-23, there were about 8.9 crore taxpayers while the returns filed were 7.4 crore.
The Income Tax Department will kickstart a drive against the individuals and entities who are required to file their income tax returns (ITR) but have not done.
The I-T department has identified 1.52 crore such individuals who have the income or have had tax deducted at source (TDS) but did not file their returns, Economic Times reported.
As per the report, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has asked the field formations to contact such defaulters from April 15.
An official told the website that in financial year 2022-23, there were about 8.9 crore taxpayers while the returns filed were 7.4 crore. The number of returns includes the revised returns, the official added.
As a result, there were possibly 1.97 crore individuals who did not file ITR despite have incurred tax deducted at source. Out of those who did not file their returns, 1.93 crore were in the individual category, 28,000 in the Hindu undivided family and 1.21 lakh were firms while the remaining were in different other categories
Identification of Non-Filers:
| Parameter | Number of Non-Filers |
|---|---|
| Individuals | 1.93 crore |
| Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) | 28,000 |
| Firms | 1.21 lakh |
| Other Categories | Remaining |
According to the official, there were instances were the bank transactions linked to the PAN were very high, thereby necessitating the filing of ITR, the report added.
Key Actions Taken:
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Communication with Non-Filers | Affected taxpayers have been contacted via email to rectify their returns. |
| Field Outreach | Field officials have been tasked with reaching out to non-filers to explain the importance of filing ITRs. |
| Sending Tax Notices to Potential Defaulters | Approximately 8,000-9,000 potential taxpayers with high-value transactions have been sent tax notices. |
The field officials have been asked to contact such individuals with proper data and information, and explain to them why they need to file their ITRs.
The CBDT has data that about 8,000-9,000 potential taxpayers against whom the department has record of high ticket purchase or high cash deposits are being sent tax notices.
In case they are found to be wilful defaulters, such individuals will have to pay penalty. But the taxpayers who have bona fide reason for the sudden income may have to give an explanation or may have to file a return.
The income tax department is also banking on the large amount of data received by it which has helped in identifying such non-filers and detect any mismatch.