In case of tax deducted at source (TDS), Income tax officers have been asked to examine the top 30 cases of short payment. Further, they are told to carry out disposal of at least 150 appeals by the Commissioner of Income Tax by June 30 this year.

These aspects are a part of the interim action plan devised by the Central Board of Direct Taxes for FY24-25. This really outlines the key focus areas for field formations.

“Apart from the statutory limitation matters being attended to by the respective Charges, the following Key Result Areas have been identified for achievement within the time lines as indicated,” said a recent missive by the CBDT to its officials.

The CBDT usually issues an interim action plan for its officials at the starting of every financial year. This is then fine-tuned so as to come out with a final plan later in the year.

It has also asked for seminars and awareness campaigns to be carried out on TDS. Over the years, TDS has become a significant source of revenue for the government and it amounted to as much as Rs 8.17 lakh crore in FY23 from just Rs 2.13 lakh crore in FY 13.

Furthermore, for the current fiscal, it has also called for approval of all pending refunds, withheld under Section 241 (A) in its interim plan. Here, scrutiny assessments have been completed and necessary orders have been passed on an immediate basis or at least by April 30 this year. Also to note, all the information which are sought by enforcement agencies such as the CBI, SEBI, Enforcement Directorate and others, should also be shared by March 31, 2024.

The CBDT has also stated that the information should be shared within 15 days of such requests, adding that in case of such requests received after Apr 1, 2024. As per section 132B CBDT has also asked field officers to unearth all cases where seized assets were due so as to release them by June 30 this year.