The Income Tax Department has harnessed the power of data analytics and advanced technology to recover an impressive ₹36,000 crore from outstanding tax demands in the current fiscal year. This includes a substantial ₹27,000 crore from corporate taxes and ₹9,000 crore from personal income taxes, reflecting the department's robust efforts in tax recovery.
Current Status and Projections
As of December 20, the department has successfully recovered ₹36,000 crore, with expectations of reaching a commendable ₹50,000 crore by the end of the fiscal year. A senior official revealed that the department has sent intimations to taxpayers with mismatched returns, urging them to file revised returns before the window closes on December 31.
Technological Advancements Driving Recovery
The success in tax recovery is attributed to the effective use of technology, including a mix of generative AI, advanced AI, and machine learning. The department utilizes a specially designed, automated artificial intelligence software program for scrutinizing income tax returns. The technology, customized for the department and updated quarterly, has significantly streamlined the process of detecting tax evasion.
Data-Driven Approach
The department receives a wealth of information about taxpayers from various sources such as banks, digital financial transactions, stock markets, and other financial instruments linked to bank accounts and permanent account numbers. This data is consolidated on a single platform, allowing the department to leverage AI to build regression models. These models identify deviations and errors in tax filings, enabling officials to separate and assess those deviations further.
Intimations and Scrutiny
Upon detecting deviations, the data is subjected to thorough scrutiny by officials. If any shortfalls in tax payments are suspected, the department promptly sends intimations to the taxpayers. This proactive approach not only aids in efficient tax recovery but also acts as a deterrent against potential tax evasion.
Future Outlook
With one more quarter to go, the department is optimistic about surpassing the ₹50,000 crore mark in tax recovery. The success of the current initiatives underscores the importance of technological advancements in bolstering the capabilities of tax authorities and ensuring compliance.
Conclusion
The Income Tax Department's use of data analytics and advanced technology has proven instrumental in achieving substantial tax recovery in the current fiscal year. As technology continues to play a pivotal role in tax administration, the department remains committed to leveraging innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and enforce compliance in the taxation landscape.