Date:26/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/26/stories/2007072658700100.htm

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Special counters for filing I-T returns

Special Correspondent

— Photo: R. Shivaji Rao

IN TIME: Assessees filing Income Tax returns in Chennai on Wednesday.

CHENNAI: To help salaried tax payers, who prefer to file their returns in the last week of July 2007, the Income Tax (IT) department will open 40 Special Return Receipt Counters at Aayakar Bhawan, Nungambakkam.

The counters will function from July 27 to July 31, including on Saturday and Sunday.

Talking to newsmen here on Wednesday, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax & CCA, Chennai, C. R. Ravichandhran said, “Around 60 per cent of the salaried tax payers wait till the last day to file their returns. To help them, we are opening 40 counters that would function from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. on each day up to July 31. There will be one counter for each Salary Ward and a special counter for senior citizens and the physically challenged. Besides, separate counters will be opened for salaried assessees of Tambaram jurisdiction.”

The IT Commissioner categorically ruled out extension of last date for filing of IT returns beyond July 31.

Help Desk officials would be at hand to provide answer to general queries, supply return forms, verify PAN card etc. A special counter is being set up to receive PAN applications. The IT department has launched a Tax Return Preparers (TRP) Scheme, wherein 57 NIIT trained TRPs would assist the tax payers to file the returns. To locate a TRP, log on to www.trpscheme.com. A TRP can collect a maximum of Rs. 250 to prepare and file a tax return.