CBDT Chairman inaugurates Taxpayers Lounge at 42nd India International Trade Fair

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) inaugurated the Lounge of the Taxpayers at the 42nd India International Trade Fair in the presence of CBDT’s members and upper officers of the Income Tax (IT) Department, in New Delhi, today.

The Taxpayers’ Lounge strives to raise awareness about the Income Tax Department‘s services and to highlight its numerous initiatives for improving voluntary compliance, such as digitalisation, transparent taxation, e-PAN, e-filing, online grievance redressal, and so on.

Shri Gupta also published three digital comic books based on the CBDT‘s ‘Motu Patlu’ series. These comics will be available on the Department’s national website and aim to demonstrate to young readers the fundamentals of income tax in a fun and easy manner.

In keeping with the IITF’s theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam-United by Trade,’ the Taxpayers’ Lounge exhibits and interactive displays demonstrate how the Income Tax Department encourages trade.

Furthermore, the Taxpayers‘ Lounge aims to educate taxpayers on current CBDT taxpayer-facilitation projects, as well as to raise awareness among children and young adults (future taxpayers) about the importance of taxes in nation-building. In order to achieve these goals, the Taxpayers’ Lounge offers a variety of services, including:

1. Assistance with PAN/ e-PAN applications, PAN-Aadhaar connection, and PAN-related questions.

2. Help with e-filing and Form 26AS (tax credit)/ AIS-related questions.

3. Assistance with Faceless Assessment and compliance-related questions in Proceedings.

4. Distributing Taxpayer Information Series pamphlets on a variety of issues.

5. Sharing information on international taxation initiatives

Highlighting the necessity of connecting with the younger generation in order to educate them about the role of taxes in nation-building, the Taxpayers Lounge also includes an interactive children’s area. The children’s area includes items such as comic books, board games, virtual reality games, and the ‘Aaycar’ game. Children can also interact with the CBDT’s three mascots, called ‘Jaankari Babu,’ ‘Tax Pari,’ and Taxa.

This Taxpayers Lounge will also host Nukkad Natak, quiz shows, magic shows, drawing/painting competitions for kids, and other activities related to taxation and nation-building.

The Taxpayers’ Lounge is also an opportunity for communicating with taxpayers/stakeholders and gathering feedback on any concerns they are experiencing. As a result, the Taxpayers’ Lounge serves as both an outreach programme and a platform for demonstrating the CBDT’s function as a service provider and facilitator.

From November 14 to 27, 2023, a Taxpayers’ Lounge will be offered to visitors at the India International Trade Fair, Hall No. 5, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.