Shillong, July 25: On the occasion of the 159th Income Tax Day on 24.7.2019, the Income Tax Department at Shillong observed the occasion with Flag Hoisting at Aayakar Bhawan, M.G. Road, Shillong followed by array of programmes under the guidance of Smt.Kavita Jha, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Shillong.
To mark this occasion, all income tax offices having ASK centres in the North Eastern Region launched the “Kardaata e-Sahyog Abhiyaan”- an initiative of the Department which would render assistance and support to taxpayers and other stakeholders to enable them in e-filing their income tax returns and discharging other obligations under the income tax laws.
The history of Income Tax in modern India dates back to the year 1860 when the first Income Tax Bill was introduced by James Wilson who became British India’s first Finance Member. This was approved by the Governor General on 24th July 1860 whereupon the Act came into force.
As part of the celebration of 159 years of Income Tax, movement of tableaux was organised across the major parts of Shillong city to create awareness on the specific issues of Section 10(26), Section 197 and the benefits of e-filing Income Tax Return.
During the day, essay writing competition on the topic of “Importance of Water Conservation” was held amongst school children and the participating school children were also given an Official Tour of the Office at Aayakar Bhawan, Shillong as a part of the Department’s communication strategy.
This was followed by display of short presentation on Income Tax through a film show and Quiz competition for school children, Officers and Officials of the Income Tax Department at Shillong.
In the context of investigations into cash deposit cases relating to the period of demonetization, the Income Tax Department at Shillong held an interactive meeting with members of the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), a prominent NGO of the city, on the day. During the meeting, it was deliberated that compliance with the notices calling for information on cash deposit related cases has been poor.
The Commissioner of Income Tax(Appeals), Shillong, Shri.D.Songate clarified that the exemption enjoyed by tribal persons of the North East is subject to certain conditions, which are required to be compulsorily verified in cases of large cash deposits during demonetization.
For this purpose, the depositors receiving the notices are only required to own up to the deposits with basic evidence of their tribal status, source of income and evidence of earning within the tribal area. In the notices, an easy format is provided which will make the compliance very easy.
The invitees participated enthusiastically in the deliberations and welcomed the initiative taken by the Income Tax Department to educate the tribal population about the correct position of law.
On this Income Tax Day 2019, the Income Tax Department, Shillong extends its warmest gratitude and commendation to all taxpayers of the Region for their valuable contribution towards nation building.
