<h1>India's Tax Base Grows to 6.26 Crore in 2016-17; E-assessment Expansion Planned to Reduce Office Visits.</h1> The income taxpayer base in India expanded significantly to 6.26 crore by the end of the 2016-17 fiscal year, up from nearly 4 crore previously, according to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). The CBDT Chairman clarified that non-resident Indians and foreigners need to disclose bank account details only when a refund is due. Efforts to widen the tax base include the enactment of the amended Benami law and increased enforcement actions. The department plans to expand e-assessment processes to more cities, aiming to reduce the need for physical visits to tax offices. The government targets Rs. 9.8 lakh crore in direct tax revenue for the current fiscal year.