NEW DELHI: The income tax department and the revenue department must consolidate reforms and focus on key operational priorities in the areas identified in June this year, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday.“I would want the CBDT and the department of revenue to continue focussed work on the areas identified in June 2025,” Sitharaman said at 166th Income Tax Day celebrations. FM recalled the five areas that included accelerating the disposal of disputed tax demands pending before the faceless appellate authorities and ensure timely resolution of litigation backlog. It also includes identifying and withdrawing departmental appeals falling below the revised monetary threshold announced during the 2024-25 Budget within the next three months.“I would want these cleared within the next three months,” said Sitharaman, adding that this was identified among the key focus areas during the principal chief commissioners meeting in June 2025. Among the other key areas, it was also agreed to ensure timely processing of tax refunds and proactive and timely resolution of taxpayer grievance, analyse the grievances and devise strategies not only to resolve the existing pendency but also to address the challenges that are causing the grievances. The fifth area was to undertake region wise performance reviews to help identify factors affecting performance and streamline operations through indicators such as grievance disposal and orders giving effect (OGE).“The delay in giving OGE (orders giving effect) issuance is not explainable,” Sitharaman said and urged the department to accelerate the process of issuing OGEs. FM also said the CBDT must focus on developing its technological capabilities to ensure more effective management of systems and IT related issues.
