In
the last decade, the Income Tax Department embarked on an ambitious
computerization plan which developed voluminous databases of IT returns, IT
forms, TDS/TCS statements, Annual Information Return (AIR) etc. The large
volumes of data necessitated development of a comprehensive platform for effective
utilization of information. The Department initiated Project Insight to strengthen
the non–intrusive information driven approach for improving tax compliance and
effective utilization of information in tax administration.
The
Income Tax Department has today signed a contract with L & T Infotech Ltd
for implementation of Project Insight. The Project will be rolled out in three
phases and the first phase is expected to go live in May
2017.
This
integrated platform would play a key role in widening of tax-base and data
mining to track tax evaders. The new technical infrastructure will also be
leveraged for implementation of Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act Inter
Governmental Agreement (FATCA IGA) and Common Reporting Standard (CRS).
Implementation of reporting compliance management system will ensure that the
third party reporting by reporting entities is timely and accurate. A
streamlined data exchange mechanism will also be set up with other Government
Departments and exchange partners.
A
new Compliance Management Centralized Processing Centre (CMCPC) will also be
setup as part of the Project for handling preliminary verification, campaign
management, generation of bulk letters/notices and follow-up. The new CPC will
not only promote voluntary compliance but also enable taxpayers to resolve
simple compliance related issues in an online manner without visiting the
Income tax office.
The project ensures the
continuation of the Department's goal towards business transformation through
technology.
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DSM/AR