Change in section 15A Central Excise Act 1944

[Guest]

According to the recent change in section 15A which empower Excise officer to demand any information from any assessee or authority prescribe therein.

My view is that under this amendment, an excise officer can demand information only for rectification of any returns filed by us and not for any other information he may seeks for other purpose. If so then penalty clause will also not applicable

AI Summary

Amendment to Section 15A and new Section 15B of Central Excise Act: Empowering officers and imposing penalties for non-compliance. A discussion on the amendment to Section 15A of the Central Excise Act 1944 highlights that it empowers excise officers to demand information from assessees or specified authorities for purposes such as identifying tax evaders or recovering dues. An additional Section 15B introduces penalties for non-submission of required information. One participant suggests that information requests should only pertain to rectifying filed returns, not other purposes, and questions if penalties apply. A consultant confirms that the amendment allows excise officers to demand data and impose penalties if compliance is not met.