INCOME-TAX DEPARTMENT-MAKES-ARRANGEMENT-TO-HELP-TAXPAYERS-FI

Ninety counters, 40 help desks and 150 staff. All this to assist Bangaloreans file their annual income-tax returns. “The process has been simplified. Staff will be increased to 300 by Saturday. There is stationery stall and photocopy shop. People can pay at the Axis Bank special counter using their Mastercard, Visa, credit and debit cards. A separate help desk counter has been set up for senior citizens and physically handicapped,” saidS Gururaj, income tax officer.

Under the government `Tax Returns Preparer Scheme’, there are 45 counters of authorized tax return preparers. They will charge Rs 250 and help citizens file their returns.

PAN verification counter enables citizens confirm their numbers. People can also apply for new PAN cards here. There are separate counters for those who will file bulk I-T returns. “The timings have been extended to 5.30 pm. We are open on Saturday and Sunday to facilitate office-going crowd. The whole process would not take more than 15 minutes,” added Gururaj.

For the citizens’ convenience, BMTC has given permission for buses to stop near the venue. Food court and restrooms have also been provided. “It was a convenient and smooth process. It took me only five minutes to file two returns,” said Gaurishankar, a retired government employee.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/File-your-returns-in-5-minutes/articleshow/6198243.cms