The Income Tax Department plans door-to-door checks in October

To create awareness on its Income Declaration Scheme 2016, the Income Tax Department conducted an awareness run in Vellore and Tiruvannamalai districts on Sunday.

Officials said the scheme is in force from June 1, 2016, to September 30, 2016. Under this, tax payers can declare unaccounted/undisclosed income and pay 45 per cent tax, following which their income will be regularised. The break-up is 30 per cent tax, 7.5 per cent surcharge and 7.5 per cent penalty.

“The tax can be paid in three instalments. Twenty five per cent should be paid before November 30, while another 25 per cent should be paid by March 31, 2017. The remaining 50 per cent is payable by September 30, 2017. Assessees will get immunity from prosecution and their declaration will be kept confidential,” an officer explained.

From October 1, the department plans to take up door-to-door checks before proceeding with penalty and prosecution, he added.

In Vellore range – comprising Vellore and Tiruvannamalai districts – the Income Tax Department has so far held 10 meetings with public including traders, members of Chamber of Commerce to create awareness of the scheme, he mentioned.

To spread awareness among tax payers who have not made full disclosure of their income, a mini marathon – Taxathon – was held on Sunday with participation from school students.

As many as 270 students took part in the event held at Tiruvannamalai district.

S. Palani, district revenue officer, Tiruvannamalai, flagged off the run that started from Sri Arunachaleshwarar temple and traversed Thiruvoodal Street, Pei Gopuram Street, Big Street, Chinnakadai Street, Bus stand and ended near the Collector’s office, covering a distance of 8.5 km.

N.S. Phaneendran, assistant commissioner of IT and A.R. Pattabiram, income tax officer, Tiruvannamalai, participated. Prizes were distributed to winners.

In Vellore district, M. Murugaboopathy, Additional Commissioner of Income Tax, Vellore Range, flagged off the run.

Tax payers can fill the declaration form as prescribed online or in person before the Principal Commissioner of Income Tax-8, Chennai, a release said.