The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) will focus on enhancing transparency and efficiency while putting in place mechanisms to instil confidence in taxpayers. Speaking at a post Budget session organised by PHD Chamber, CBDT chairman PC Mody said that it is important to focus on widening and deepening the tax base, rather than fiddling with the tax rates. He also said that “honouring the honest” will be the mantra for his department.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2021-22 refrained from making any changes in direct taxes.

Meanwhile in an interview to IANS, Mody said, “Taxpayer has an obligation. There is a certain timeframe for filing return. Now, if you look at it from the other side, if the return has come, what would be the time frame for its processing. The time frame for getting refunds, assessment, appeal etc would be provided in the charter.”

The news agency also said that the tax department is of the view that the tax law imposes certain obligations on tax payers and hence there should be corresponding obligation on the part of tax authority.

Further, there is a need to create an atmosphere of trust between tax administration and taxpayers, it said.