CBDT advises I-T officials to be strict towards illegal charity

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has asked the I-T department officials to take strict actions against those who are seeking illegal tax exemptions from the government in the name of charity.

Guiding the I-T officials, the apex policy making body of the tax department has told them to get concrete proofs against the wrong doers who have been trying to fool the government, according to a PTI report.

Asking tax officials to crack down on such activities which lead to huge loss of revenue, the CBDT has asked them to deal with these cases "firmly" as activities of non-government organisations (NGOs) have grown considerably and their "regulation" is essential in view of huge tax evasion.

"Separating black sheep from white sheep is not an easy task especially when the tax evaders pull wool over the taxman's eyes. However, this is a task with which all tax officers are familiar. Their expertise lies in providing proof of the real colour rather than merely naming the colour which even a layman can do,” the CBDT said in its latest strategy paper.

It further said: "While this needs to be done in any jurisdiction, in the case of charities, the default colour is white and the officers need to be careful in handling them with sensitivity and discretion. Charities are encouraged as matter of public policy which is effected through tax policy and tax administration needs to be in line with the same."

The strategy paper was presented during the recently concluded national conference of tax officers in New Delhi.

The CBDT, which deals with matters related to levy and collection of direct taxes, also asked the I-T department to diligently and "delicately" separate wheat from the chaff and ensure that genuine acts of charity and well-being do not suffer the I-T heat.

"At the same time, cases of serious breach of regulations and pocketing of profits by persons controlling such institutions need to be dealt with firmly," it said.
(Image: Indiatimes)