Experts said that the dept is pushing taxpayers to settle but govt says that it’s only ‘encouraging’ them to do so.
NEW DELHI: The income tax department is asking companies and individuals engaged in tax disputes to settle cases under the Vivaad Se Vishwas scheme even though the relevant law is yet to be passed by Parliament.
Tax experts said that the department is pushing taxpayers, including those based overseas, to settle but the government maintains that it’s only “encouraging” them to do so.
“It is seen from records that (there is) litigation pending between you and the department,” reads one such letter, a copy of which ET has seen. It asks the company concerned to contact the relevant officers in case it’s interested in availing of the scheme.
The Vivaad Se Vishwas (from dispute to trust) scheme was announced by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the budget presented on February 1.
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Assessing officers are also said to be making phone calls to taxpayers, asking them to opt for the scheme that offers interest and penalty rebates if a settlement is reached before March 31.
Source: Economic Times
