TAX AMNESTY SCHEME PAYS OFF

The year 2007 has proved fruitful for state profession tax department as nearly 24, 943 new tax payers were added in the year under the recently run "Profession Tax Amnesty Scheme 2007" by state finance department. The department recovered nearly Rs 15.60 crore as profession tax from these new professionals and employers.The scheme, which was announced on September 1 got extension twice. First it was to conclude on October 31, but with positive response from professionals and employers, the scheme was extended till November 3 and then finally it concluded on November 30. Of the 24, 943 applications received, high percentage of applications (nearly 23,200 applications) fulfilled the conditions of amnesty. Duly filled applications were given enrolment and registered certificates. The department was expecting recovery figure to touch Rs 20 crore mark. Notably, it was the first scheme of its kind announced by the state tax department to rope in more professionals in professional tax net.There were nearly 32,000 registration certificates and two lakh enrolment certificates registered under the Pune division before the scheme was announced. The scheme also got overwhelming response from 13 other districts under the Pune division. R.B. Gowai, joint commissioner Profession Tax, Pune zone told TOI, "it was observed that large number of professionals failed to register their names with profession tax department because most of them were unaware of tax payments. This forced the state tax department to announce the drive."Gowai added that "unregistered employees and self-employed persons were liable to pay tax from 1 April 1, 2002 onward or from the date of registration. Employees and professionals were required to pay tax in full. However 90 per cent of interest and penalty amount was waived in the scheme."Deputy commissioner M.M. Telang said: "It has been observed that large number of professionals have not yet registered. The department has taken drive against unregistered employers and professionals." He has appealed that people should contact sales tax department for more assistance – www.timesofIndia.com