Instructions regarding scrutiny of assessments. - Income Tax - Instruction No. 05/2001

INSTRUCTION NO. 5/2001 Dated: September 20, 2001 Subject : Instructions regarding scrutiny of assessments. In supersession of earlier instructions on the subject, I am directed to state that the procedure for selection of. cases for scrutiny during the current financial year 2001-2002 will be as under i) All search cases will be centralised in the central circles and will be scrutinised. ii) Except for search cases, all the officers of a range including Addl. CIT/JCIT, DCIT, ACIT and ITO will have concurrent jurisdiction on all the cases falling in that range. However, Addl. CIT/JCIT will himself not make the assessment but will closely monitor and supervise the same. iii) The Addl. CIT/JCIT will allocate the files among Assessing Officers for processing under section 143(l). iv) The Addl. CIT/JCIT, DCIT and ACIT will select cases for scrutiny having due regard to the information available with the Department and scrutiny potential of the cases. Facts of claiming heavy deductions under chapter VIA and heavy refunds will also be kept in mind. The minutes will be drawn on the meeting held among them. v) The proposal for selection along with minutes will be submitted to the Commissioners who will discuss it with the Addl. CIT/JCIT. vi) After a thorough discussion of these cases and also other cases in-this connection, the Commissioners will approve the selection out of those cases for scrutiny. vii) The total number of cases selected for scrutiny in each range will be 30 in the ranges having only company cases and 40 in other ranges. These cases will be in addition to actions arising on account of orders under sections 263, 264, 148, appellate orders and directions of courts etc. viii) The cases will be assigned to DCIT/ACIT and ITO, by the Addi. CIT/JCIT for scrutiny, on the basis of comparative amount of returned income as well as the importance of the issues involved. ix) The first questionnaire will be issued only after the approval of the Addl. CIT/JCIT. x) The Assessing Officers and the Addl-CIT/JCIT will discuss all the cases during the course of scrutiny from time to time. xi) The facts of the discussion of the cases with the Addi.CIT/JCIT will be recorded by the Assessing Officer in the office note, which will also be initialled by Addi. CIT/JCIT xii) All the information available with the CIB and other outside agencies like Company Affairs, Directorate of Enforcement, CBI or any other agency of the Department or Government will be taken into account while completing the assessment. 2. Officers will have full accountability-with regard to selection of cases. 3. All efforts will be made to have a through scerutiny and examination of the cases. 4. Since the number of scrutiny assessment will be limited, the officers would be required to devote their extra time on the rest of the work of the Department for completing the work other than scrutiny and @pay special attention to the collection work. 5. A list is enclosed herewith giving a model of such activities. But this list is only inclusive and does not include all other jobs which are supposed to be done by the officers during this period. The Addl.CIT/JCIT will allocate the files of the range among different officers for completion of these jobs. F.No. 225/95/2001-ITA.-II. (Dr. Rajendra Kumar) Under Secretary to Govt. of India Functions of Addl. CIT/JCIT (apart from scrutiny work). 1. Monitoring recovery of demand. 2. Monitoring advance tax payments. 3. Monitoring of budget targets and taking necessary steps to meet the same which may include : i) reduction/collection of arrear demand; ii) collection of current demand; iii) disposal of stay petition and follow up action for recovery. iv) writing to CsIT (Appeals) for disposal of priority appeals. v) Ensuring proper representation to ITAT in cases where stay has been granted. vi) Enforcing coercive actions for recovery. 4. Ensuring timely processing of returns. 5. Ensuring timely issue of refunds. 6. Monitoring action against stop-filers/non-filers. 7. Monitoring prompt disposal of rectification applications. 8. Internal audit functions. 9. Prompt follow up action on C AG audit objections/observations. 10. Ensuring timely submission of proposals u/s 263 and other remedial action required as a result of audit objections or otherwise. 11. Scrutinizing proposals for appeal to ITAT/HC. 12. Representation before CIT (Appeals), and coordination with DRs/(ITAT), Standing Counsels. 13. Monitoring of prompt action in giving effect to appellate orders. 14. Monitoring matching of CIB information. 15. Levy of penalties for various technical defaults not directly related to scrutiny of cases. 16. Ensuring action on grievance petitions. 17. Supervising maintenance of Blue Book and D CR.