Commercial tax dept sets up helpline for traders

BENGALURU: Traders are reeling under the government’s huge tax demands and are insisting that the tax notices be withdrawn as they struggle to pay such large amounts.

In order to alleviate the concerns of traders, the Commercial Tax Department has launched a helpline and organised various awareness programmes. The helpline aims to not only curb brokers problems, but also put a stop to harassment by tax officials.

The toll-free numbers (9845370404 / 080 25714833 / 18004256300) operate from 8 am to 8 pm daily during weekdays, with tax officials available to answer traders’ queries.

The department has assured traders that the notices are not a cause for alarm and that they can visit the office for clarification. The helpline is already receiving over 25 calls per day from traders seeking information.

Joint Commissioner Meera Suresh Pandith said, “We have set up two helplines for the taxpayers in the Commercial Tax Department. If there are complaints regarding harassment by officials, they can contact the helpline. This is just a notice, there’s no need to panic. Those who have been served notices can meet tax officers at the tax office. The notice is based on their entire annual transaction. Most of the traders did not bother about paying taxes though their revenue increased. If, in case, the tax amount is wrong, they can provide documents to prove it and we will make changes. This is an indicative calculation and traders can can file replies through mail and tax department officers will come for verification”.

To further support traders, tax officers have been stationed at seven tax offices, the officer elaborated.