SRINAGAR — In a significant initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and addressing key concerns of taxpayers, the Income Tax Department of the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh organized an interactive outreach programme with the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) and other stakeholders on Wednesday.
The outreach session was led by Lal Chand (IRS), Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Amritsar, along with Vikram Sahay (IRS), Principal Commissioner of Income Tax, UT of J&K and Ladakh, and Shakil Ahmad Ganie, Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, Srinagar Office. The PHDCCI delegation was represented by Himayu Wani, Co-Chair, PHDCCI Kashmir, along with CA Anil Sharma, Madina Mir, and Iqbal Fayaz Jan, Deputy Director.
The primary focus of the meeting was to strengthen engagement between the Income Tax Department and the region’s business community, with an emphasis on resolving tax-related issues and enhancing compliance mechanisms. Discussions also revolved around conducting joint outreach programmes aimed at educating and assisting taxpayers in collaboration with PHDCCI.
During the interaction, PHDCCI representatives highlighted several pressing issues impacting taxpayers in the region. These included pending tax demands dating back to 2019, complications in tax compliance during the Covid-19 pandemic, and significant challenges arising from frequent internet outages that have disrupted timely filings and responses to notices.
The PHDCCI urged the Income Tax Department to adopt a more empathetic and restrained approach when it comes to account seizures, issuance of tax notices, and recovery proceedings. The Chamber emphasized the importance of creating a taxpayer-friendly environment that supports business recovery and economic growth in the region.
Responding to the concerns, Lal Chand (IRS), Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Amritsar, assured stakeholders of the department’s commitment to addressing their grievances. He emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue and promised to work closely with PHDCCI to organize more such outreach programmes for better communication and problem resolution.
Echoing these sentiments, Vikram Sahay (IRS), Principal Commissioner of Income Tax, UT of J&K and Ladakh, reiterated the department’s resolve to simplify compliance procedures and address taxpayer grievances. He acknowledged the unique challenges faced by taxpayers in J&K and Ladakh and assured that appropriate steps would be taken to mitigate their difficulties.
Expressing gratitude, Himayu Wani, Co-Chair, PHDCCI Kashmir, lauded the Income Tax Department for providing a platform for open dialogue and addressing long-standing concerns. He stressed the need for continued interaction and collaboration to build trust between the business community and tax authorities.
The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to maintain regular interaction and collaborate on awareness initiatives aimed at enhancing compliance and facilitating smoother tax administration in the region.
