Press Release

Dated 19-6-2012

One of the main objectives of Tax Return Preparer Scheme ("TRP Scheme") is to encourage voluntary compliance amongst small and marginal taxpayers. The Department has trained Tax Return Preparers (TRPs) who assist individual and HUF in preparing their returns of income. The last date for filing of return for individuals and HUFs taxpayers is approaching. As a taxpayer friendly initiative, the Department has decided to set up Tax Kiosks at various places within CCIT regions. The Tax Kiosk would be a temporary structure set up for 1-2 days in a residential area such as apartment blocks in association with RWAs, large offices and other central locations of the cities. Photographs of a Kiosk set up on pilot basis last year can be viewed at our website - www.incometaxindiapr.gov.in These Tax Kiosks would be manned by TRPs who would handle queries of taxpayers relating to return filing, PAN applications, refund status as well as assist the taxpayers in preparing their returns of income.

I may also mention that the Hon'ble F.M has, during the All India Chief Commissioners' Conference, asked the Department to pursue innovative ideas such as using 'single-window' mobile vans in tier-II and tier-III cities to take our service to the taxpayers' door-step thereby reducing compliance costs. I request the Chief Commissioners having jurisdiction over tier-II and tier-III cities to hire mobile vans for reaching out to the taxpayers during the return filing season. These mobile vans may be branded by using our print advertisement creatives available on the website www.incometaxindiapr.gov.in. The mobile vans may be manned by TRPs and activities suggested for Tax Kiosks may be undertaken through these vans also.

The coordination of these initiatives at local level would be done by the office of CIT concerned who may depute officials for supervision of the kiosk as well as mobile vans. The CIT concerned may, if required, get in touch with Directorate of Income Tax (PR, PP&OL) which will be coordinating these initiatives at Central level.

[F.No.RC/TRP-1(1)/2011-12],

Tax Return Preparer Scheme expands outreach: Tax Kiosks and branded mobile vans to assist taxpayers with return filing. The Department directs establishment of temporary Tax Kiosks, staffed by trained Tax Return Preparers, to assist small and marginal taxpayers with preparation and filing of income tax returns, PAN applications and refund status queries under the Tax Return Preparer Scheme, supervised locally by officers designated by the Chief Commissioner. Branded single window mobile vans are encouraged in tier II and tier III cities to provide equivalent doorstep services during the filing season, with central coordination support available for local implementation.