CBDT denies ordering arrest of wilful tax defaulters

In an interesting twist, the Central Board of Direct Taxes has denied news report that Income Tax department officers will arrest wilful defaulters. In a statement issued by the CBDT it stated no authority has been given to the officials to arrest wilful defaulters. In an earlier statement, IT department had warned defaulters of arrest and detention.

 Besides, the IT department had also warned that it will attach or auction assets of wilful tax defaulters besides revoking their LGP subsidy and blocking their pan cards.

The Income Tax department reports to the member CBDT. Interesting to recall here that the Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi in his recent address to revenue and tax officials had asked IT officials to “build a bridge of trust” with tax payers. “You should behave like mentors to people rather than invaders. Don’t presume that everyone is a tax evader,” the Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi is reported to have said.