PHDCCI Kashmir seeks virtual ITAT hearings, stronger taxpayer services at IT Act outreach programme

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar, June 16: The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) Kashmir on Monday called for virtual hearings for Kashmir-based tax appeals, enhanced taxpayer services, and stronger engagement between tax authorities and stakeholders during a familiarisation programme on the proposed Income Tax Act, 2025, organised by the Income Tax Department in Srinagar.

The programme brought together senior tax officials, industry representatives, tax professionals and other stakeholders to discuss the proposed legislation and its likely implications for taxpayers.

The PHDCCI delegation was led by its Chairman, A.P. Vicky Shaw, who attended as a special invitee, along with Co-Chairman Himayu Wani and member Mushtaq Ahmad Mir.

The event was attended by Dr. G.S. Phani Kishore, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax for the Amritsar Region, Principal Commissioner of Income Tax for Jammu & Kashmir Monika Dhami, senior departmental officers, tax professionals, and representatives of trade and industry.

During the interactive session, PHDCCI welcomed the department’s initiative to engage stakeholders on the proposed Income Tax Act, 2025, and emphasised the importance of continued dialogue between tax authorities and the business community to ensure smooth implementation of the new framework.

Among its key recommendations, the Chamber urged the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Amritsar Bench, to conduct hearings involving Kashmir-based assessees through virtual or video-conferencing modes. It said that travelling to Amritsar for physical hearings imposes significant costs, time constraints and logistical challenges on taxpayers and their authorised representatives.

PHDCCI also proposed the establishment of a digital library at the Income Tax Office in Srinagar, equipped with online legal research resources, judicial databases, departmental circulars and official instructions. The Chamber said such a facility would benefit tax officials, chartered accountants, advocates and taxpayers while improving the overall quality of tax administration in the region.

Other suggestions included regular taxpayer awareness programmes, capacity-building initiatives for taxpayers and professionals, simplified departmental communication, stronger grievance redressal mechanisms, and skill-development opportunities for unemployed youth.

Responding to the concerns raised, Chief Commissioner Dr. G.S. Phani Kishore assured participants that the Income Tax Department remains committed to improving taxpayer services and would give due consideration to the issues highlighted during the programme.

Principal Commissioner Monika Dhami informed participants that the department plans to organise targeted taxpayer awareness and outreach programmes in North Kashmir districts, including Baramulla, Sopore and Kupwara, to improve compliance and increase public awareness about tax-related matters.

PHDCCI expressed appreciation for what it described as the department’s constructive response and reiterated its hope that the issues raised would be addressed to further strengthen taxpayer services and ease compliance across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.