The CBDT has released a ‘Central Action Plan’ for the first Quarter i.e. (April 2019 to June 2019) of the FY 2019-20. The Plan has set out in clear terms the ‘Key Result Areas’ that all AOs and CsIT(A) are expected to accomplish. Specific targets with regard to the completion of assessments, audit objections, recovery of arrears, disposal of appeals are set out

The CBDT has issued Circular No. 7 of 2019 dated 8th April 2019 by which it has exercised its powers u//s 119 of the Act and extended the period for furnishing the report u/s 286(4) of the Act read with Rule 10DB(4) of the Rules.

The CBDT has issued a letter dated 5th March 2019 in which the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling of cases related to substantial cash deposit during the demonetisation period has been prescribed. The CBDT has spelt out in clear-cut terms how the AO should frame a best judgement assessment in cases where the notice u/s 142(1) is not complied with by the assessee

The CBDT has vide Office Order No. 43 of 2019 dated 28th February 2019 stated that the President has appointed several Income Tax Officers to the grade of Assistant Commissioners of Income-tax. The CBDT has also vide Office Order No. 44 of 2019 dated 28th February 2019 extended the appointments of several Assistant Commissioners of Income-tax

Hon’ble P. C. Mody, the newly appointed Chairman of the CBDT, has sent the clear message to all officials of the income-tax department that while maximizing the revenue collection is the immediate priority, the same has to be done “without any harassment or high handedness“. The learned Chairman has stipulated that the conduct of the officials should be impeccable, friendly, yet objective – without fear or favour – as the Dept moves towards becoming a non-adversarial regime

The CBDT has revised the target for collection of corporation tax for FY 2018-19. The region-wise targets are also specified. The revised targets are required to be further allocated amongst the charges within the jurisdiction of the PCsIT. The target for personal income-tax has remained unchanged.

The CBDT has launched a crackdown on 100s of alleged unscrupulous assessees who claimed deduction u/s 35(1)(ii) by making donations to alleged bogus institutions. The CBDT has provided a list of the donors and directed that in order to curb the blatant misuse of the beneficial provision, appropriate remedial action with respect to the donors should be initiated by the AOs

The ‘Unregulated Deposit Schemes Ordinance, 2019’ bans altogether unregulated deposit taking schemes. It provides for punishment and disgorgement / repayment of deposits in cases where such schemes manage to raise deposits illegally. The Ordinance has very wide implications and requires to be studied carefully by all professionals.

The Directorate of Income-tax (System) has issued a directive dated 20.02.2019 on the subject of processing of Return of AY 2017-18 and issue of notice for prima facie adjustment under 143(1)(a). It is pointed out that with effect from AY 2017-18 amendments have been done in the Act with regard to processing of cases under 143(1). Provision of section 143(1D) has been amended, as per which all the returns are required to be processed. Section 241A allowing withholding of refund determined under 143(1) in cases where notice u/s 143(2) is issued is also introduced