Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) is set to launch an e-filing portal
Introduction
In the background of COVID 19 lockdowns, work from home has become the new premise of life. Not only working from home, but one is trying to complete their daily chores keeping in mind the safety of their homes. Resorting to digital means has become the effective way forward for judicial and quasi – judicial institutions on a global level. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been leading the campaign of Digital India and has emphasized on the fact that technology should be accessible, affordable and should add value.
E-filing portal to be launched
Keeping the same insight in mind and understanding the need of the hour, Hon’ble Justice Pradeep P. Bhatt, the President of the ITAT, has announced on 1st June, 2020 that an e-filing portal will soon be launched. The portal is to be launched after the compliance of mandatory security audit in accordance with the Guidelines issued by the Government of India is completed.
Now, a taxpayer will not be required to file a big bunch of documents for filing of an appeal before the ITAT. With this facility, the appellants can electronically file their appeals to ITAT and get acknowledgement for the same. Later on, they may submit the physical documents in the Tribunal Office (within the permitted time). All the communication related to their appeals, like filing of appeal, fixation for hearing, adjournments, pronouncements and disposals will be sent to the appellant’s/respondent’s Mobile as well as E-Mail Id. Tribunal Orders will also be sent to their E-Mail Id.
ITAT is of the opinion that this portal is essential considering:-
- E-Filing is standard expectation of stakeholders today
- The same is in line with the e-Governance policy of the Government
- It shall enable an economical and seamless filing of appeals and applications
- Maintaining social distancing will be easier amidst the on-going COVID 19 pandemic.
It was also announced that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and detailed guidelines for use of facility of E-Filing Portal are under consideration and shall be announced once the E-filing Portal is hosted on the NIC server after completion of formalities.
ITAT hopes that this initiative of development of e-filing portal shall be of immense use to the taxpayers, tax consultants and other stakeholders as it is yet another milestone in the their transition to digitization.
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