Tag: IncomeTaxDepartment

Faceless I-T scheme: Delhi court extends custody of income tax official, CA in bribery case

A Delhi court on Tuesday extended the CBI custody of an income tax official and a chartered accountant in a bribery case connected to the “faceless” I-T assessment scheme.

The finance ministry had introduced the faceless scheme to increase transparency, reduce human interface and prevent corruption. The scheme is called “faceless” as the assessee does not get to see the face of his or her assessing officer and know who will be conducting the assessments.

Principal district and sessions judge Anju Bajaj Chandana extended the custody after I-T deputy commissioner Vijayendra R and D K Agarwal were produced before the court on the expiry of their three-day CBI custody.

The court extended their remand by two days though the CBI sought five days of their custody.

The central probe agency claimed of discovering certain new facts during previous custody period, requiring further investigation aside from corroborating large volumes of electronic data.

“Considering the nature of facts of the case, further two days police custody remand of accused persons namely Dinesh Kumar Agrawal and Vijayendra Ramchandra Murthy is granted for the purpose of effective investigation of the matter,” the judge ordered.

The court directed their production on May 1.

The CBI plea said the FIR named other accused persons, who had to join the investigation for the purpose of interrogation with the arrested accused.

The agency sought to dig deeper to “ascertain the modus operandi of commission of offences”.

Senior advocate, appearing for Vijayendra, opposed the CBI plea and asked when all the facts and material were under CBI’s control, why was it seeking more custody without any justification.

The judge on April 26 sent the accused persons to the custody after they were produced before the court after their arrest.

Vijayendra, a 2015-batch Indian Revenue Service officer posted at the department’s Jhandewalan office in Delhi, was arrested in the capital whereas Agarwal was arrested in Gujarat’s Bharuch.

The CBI probe into the matter purportedly revealed the duo contacted several assessees of pending high-value I-T cases, promising favourable orders in their cases under scrutiny in return for bribes.

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Filing Income Tax Returns in 2025: Who Must Comply and Why

As per the Income Tax Department website, individuals with a taxable income and non-auditable accounts are required to submit an Income Tax Return. Those exempt from taxes due to income falling below the taxation threshold will be refunded by the Department.

As the assessment year 2025-26 begins, taxpayers are urged to file their Income Tax Returns (ITR) on the Income Tax portal. It is crucial to submit the relevant forms and declare financial gains to avoid legal consequences, even if one is exempt from paying taxes. While some groups in India, including those earning below certain thresholds, receive relief under existing ITR laws, the requirement to file a return remains imperative. Each individual with taxable income whose accounts are not audited is obligated to file an ITR, ensuring compliance with tax regulations.

For individuals earning below the income tax threshold, exemptions from paying taxes are possible, leading to a full refund upon filing. These individuals must meticulously disclose their income and the nature of exemptions alongside valid documentation to substantiate their claims. The Income Tax Department emphasizes the necessity of filing a return to adhere to legal expectations, even for those who might not owe any taxes.

Senior citizens, particularly those aged 75 and above, receive specific exemptions from filing returns, provided they meet certain criteria. Those receiving pension and interest income from a specified bank account can avoid the annual return filing. This relief, however, is conditional upon completing a declaration using Form 12BBA and submitting it to a designated bank. Once this procedural requirement is fulfilled, qualifying seniors can opt out of filing their Income Tax Returns.

The benefits extended to senior citizens underscore the importance of understanding tax obligations and processes. Although filing requirements for certain groups are relaxed, ensuring that declarations and disclosures are accurate remains crucial to avoid potential legal issues. Compliance with these stipulations is vital for maintaining transparency and preventing any future complications with the Income Tax Department.

The legal framework around ITR filing in India mandates that even those exempt from paying taxes must observe disclosure requirements. This includes providing comprehensive documentation of income sources and exemptions claimed. Such measures ensure that individuals, regardless of their tax liability, remain compliant with national tax laws. By fulfilling these obligations, taxpayers safeguard themselves against any unforeseen legal challenges.

As per the Income Tax Department website, individuals with a taxable income and non-auditable accounts are required to submit an Income Tax Return. Those exempt from taxes due to income falling below the taxation threshold will be refunded by the Department. To process the claim, these individuals must provide valid documentation disclosing their income and applicable exemptions.