Mechanism to be made to hear tax-payers complaints

Finance Minister Janardan Sharma has said that the taxation system and the tax administration would be made systematic and accountable to the public.

Addressing a program organized at the Department of Internal Revenue on the occasion of the 10th Tax Day today, he said the government would not leave any inspection to address the grievances of the tax-payers.

Sharma expressed the commitment to form a unit to promptly address the hassles and any obstacles or problems that crop up in the tax administration.

"The grievances of the tax-payers should be heard. A unit would be formed immediately. I will form a mechanism for prompt action. The problem should be tackled pronto," the Finance Minister said.

According to him, a vehicle scanner would be kept at each customs office for facilitating the customs process. The Finance Minister also asserted that the government would act tough to stop tax evasion and revenue leakage, and there would not be any discrimination against any tax-payer.

He also directed the employees to work as the servants of the people.

Finance Secretary Madhu Kumar Marasini stressed the stability of tax policy to create an investment-friendly environment in the country. Marasini said that the government has the policy of expanding the tax purview but not increasing the tax rate.

Finance Secretary (Revenue) Krishna Hari Pushkar said the government has carried out policy and process-related works with the objective of improving the tax administration and encouraging the taxpayers to pay the tax voluntarily. He also pointed out the need for reforms in the revenue administration.

Director-General of the Department Shovakanta Poudel said the tax administration has become tax-payer friendly, investment-friendly, and technology-friendly due to the reforms introduced on topics such as policy strengthening, procedural simplification, system reforms, tax education, and awareness.

FNCCI president Shekhar Golchha said the industrialists and businessmen were ready to pay tax, urging the government to create a dignified business environment for the same. He suggested the government make the tax administration prompt and efficient.