CBDT Directive Regarding Adjustment of Refunds Against Demand

The Directorate of Income-tax (Systems) has issued a letter dated 21.03.2013 drawing attention to the judgement of the Delhi High Court in Court on Its Own Motion vs. CIT where directions were issued that the department has to follow the procedure prescribed in s. 245 before making any adjustment of refund payable by the CPC. As the Court has held that the assessee must be given an opportunity to file a response before any adjustment of refund is made, the Assessing Officers have been directed to comply with the High Court’s order and communicate their findings on adjustable demand to the CPC which will then process the refund and adjust the demand.