PHDCCI Urges Virtual ITAT Hearings for Kashmir Taxpayers, Seeks Digital Library at Srinagar Income Tax Office

Ziraat Times Team Report 

Srinagar, June 11: A delegation of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Kashmir Chapter, on Thursday met Principal Commissioner of Income Tax Monika Dhami and raised several issues concerning taxpayers and businesses in the Kashmir Valley, including the demand for virtual hearings by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) and the establishment of a digital library at the Income Tax Office in Srinagar.

The delegation, led by PHDCCI Kashmir Chapter Chairman A.P. Vicky Shaw, held detailed discussions with the Principal Commissioner on challenges faced by the business community in income tax assessments, appeals and related proceedings.

During the meeting, the Chamber urged the Income Tax Department to take up with the ITAT Amritsar Bench the issue of conducting hearings involving Kashmir-based assessees through virtual or video-conferencing mode. The delegation said that physical appearances in Amritsar involve significant travel, time and expenses for taxpayers and their representatives, and that virtual hearings would make the appellate process more accessible and cost-effective.

The Chamber also proposed the creation of a digital library at the Income Tax Office, Srinagar, equipped with online legal research tools, judicial databases and departmental circulars. According to the delegation, such a facility would benefit tax officials, chartered accountants, advocates and taxpayers, while contributing to improved tax administration and assessment quality in the region.

The delegation included executive committee members Madina Mir, CA Anil Kumar Sharma and Gulzar Ahmad. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax Shakil Ahmad Ganie was also present during the interaction.

The Principal Commissioner assured the delegation that the issues raised would be examined and referred to the competent authorities for appropriate consideration. She reiterated the department’s commitment to taxpayer facilitation and ease of compliance in the Valley.

On the occasion, the PHDCCI delegation felicitated Monika Dhami and expressed hope that regular interactions between the Income Tax Department and the business community would help address taxpayers’ concerns and strengthen trust, transparency and voluntary tax compliance in Kashmir.