The Taxpayers` Lounge set-up by the Income Tax Department at India International Trade Fair (IITF)-2014, was inaugurated by Smt. Anita Kapur, Chairperson, CBDT, at Pragati Maidan here today. The inauguration was attended by Shri Arun Kumar Jain, Member (Revenue), CBDT and senior officers of the Department.

The Lounge is a major step by the Department to generate awareness in the public about the various taxpayer-friendly initiatives taken by the Department. Through the Taxpayers` Lounge, various taxpayer services including e-filing of returns, viewing of tax credit through 26AS, applications for PAN and services of Tax Return Preparers are being showcased to the public.

This year`s Lounge has been designed keeping in mind the theme of IITF 2014 i.e. `Women Entrepreneurs` along with the mantra of `Make in India`. The Lounge highlights the contribution of taxes and the Income Tax Department in nation building and also outlines the role of women in the growth and development of the nation. The `Swachh Bharat Mission` launched by the Prime Minister of India is also a theme of the Lounge to create awareness amongst the public especially the youth.

Activities to engage with school children and youth, who are potential taxpayers of the future, are also being organised in the Lounge to generate interest and awareness about taxation, importance of indigenization and cleanliness among others.

Taxpayer services promoted to expand e-filing access, enable Form 26AS viewing, PAN applications, and public tax awareness. The Taxpayers' Lounge showcases operational taxpayer services to improve compliance and access: e-filing of returns, viewing tax credit via Form 26AS, PAN application facilities, and services of Tax Return Preparers. The Lounge aligns these service offerings with public-policy themes-women entrepreneurs, Make in India, and Swachh Bharat-while organising outreach and educational activities for youth to build taxpayer awareness and familiarity with filing and credit verification processes.