The CBDT has instituted a scheme for awarding income-tax employees for “innovative ideas” and “special efforts” in their work. However, the baffling aspect is that the CBDT has turned a blind eye to the rampant corruption being carried on under its nose. In the latest episode, four high-ranking officials, including a Principal Commissioner of Income-tax, have been caught by the CBI for alleged corruption

The CBDT has issued Instruction No. 5/2017 dated 7th July 2017 by which it has laid down the procedure and criteria for compulsory manual selection of returns/cases requiring scrutiny during the financial-year 2017-2018. It is also stated that cases are also being selected under CASS-2017 (Computer Aided Scrutiny Selection) on the basis of broad based selection filters and in a non-discretionary manner in two categories of Limited Scrutiny & Complete Scrutiny

The CBDT has released the “Central Action Plan for 2017-18” in which it has inter alia dealt with the issue of “litigation management’. The CBDT has laid out a clear cut strategy for reducing appeals pending before the CIT(A), ITAT and Courts. Systematic targets have been set out in which the number of appeals with time-frame for disposal are specified

Hon’ble Sushil Chandra, the Chairman of the CBDT, has addressed a stern letter dated 6th July 2017 in which he has pointed out that the growth in revenue is not satisfactory on several parameters. The learned Chairman has given facts and figures to support his proposition. He has directed all officers to take all measures to increase revenue collection and also stated that if revenue is not forthcoming from one Head/ source, alternate sources may be concentrated upon to make up for the deficit

The CBDT has vide Order No. 113 of 2017 dated 04.07.2017 ordered the postings and transfers of several officers in the grade of Commissioner of Income-tax with immediate effect and until further orders

The CBDT has issued Notification No. 57 /2017 dated 3rd July 2017 by which it has specified several transactions which are exempt from the provisions of section 269ST which prohibits cash receipt of Rs. 2 lakhs

The CBDT has issued Notification No. 58/2017 dated 3rd July 2017 by which amendments to the tax Audit report Form required to be issued in Form 3CD have been carried out so as to incorporate details of loans, deposits and advances which are covered by sections 269SS and 269T. The amendments are effective from 19th July 2017

The CBDT has issued Notification No. 7 of 2017 dated 29th June 2017 in which it has specified the procedure for intimating the AADHAAR number to the Income-tax Department by Permanent Account Number (PAN) holder and quoting of the same in PAN applications in compliance of section 139AA of the Income-tax Act, 1961