In image makeover mode, I-T dept to open 60 service centres

Aiming for an image makeover from a tax enforcement agency to a service provider, the income tax (I-T) department has planned to roll out 60 new Aaykar Seva Kendras (ASKs) in 20 states.

Aiming for an image makeover from a tax enforcement agency to a service provider, the income tax (I-T) department has planned to roll out 60 new Aaykar Seva Kendras (ASKs) in 20 states.

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ASK or I-T service centre is a multi-faceted mechanism and a single point of contact for people, where a taxpayer’s request for services including grievances are registered and acknowledged through unique identifier for tracking the complaint.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has directed all chief commissioners of I-T to ensure that the 60 new ASKs could be rolled out in the current fiscal itself. Out of 60, maximum seven centres will come up in Punjab and Haryana, followed by six in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

The board has also decided to make existing 30 ASKs Sevottam compliant, which is a service quality management framework for government organisations and obtain quality standards certification IS:15700 by December 31.

“It’s a part of the department’s action plan to have 60 new ASKs because it is an integrated problem solving and taxpayer service delivery approach, and help us to reach taxpayers better,” a senior official of I-T department said.

“Since, the department is also aiming towards higher revenue target, more number of ASKs will help in 100% collection of tax,” the official said.