To elaborate difficulties and problems in filing IT Returns, I would like to invite the attention of Hon'ble circle members to my letter to the Editor, The Tibune reproduced below:
LETTER PUBLISHED IN THE TRIBUNE JULY 21, 2014
Dangers of e-filing
e-filing of IT returns has been made mandatory for those having an annual income of Rs 5 lakh and above. But this is ridden with cybercrime. To my utter surprise, my PAN was found already registered when I initiated the process of e-filing with the help of a CA. Since I had never registered against my PAN at the e-filing site, it was not possible for me to answer secret questions which were required to be answered for knowing the password. As one of the other options, I made a request with all the required details to the income tax authorities at validate@incometaxindia,gov.in, requesting them to inform me the password on my e-mail ID. But it proved to be of no avail. On calling 1800 4250 0025 of the Income Tax Department, the official refused to disclose the password to me. Now the only option left was to obtain digital signatures which cost at least Rs 1,500.
Chances are that many other people could be victims of this situation.
Dr RK Sharma, Faridabad
Please note that despite my best efforts, the password has not been informed to me. I not only requested CBDT but also the Finance Minister, Govt. of india but received no response from any of the quarters. While i wanted to e-file my return but couldn't do so for want of password. It could have been possible only if I had purchased Digital Signatures at a heavy cost. Obviously, a scam seems to have come up in the guise of digital signatures for minting money. Why the Department of Income tax has refused to disclose the password to me on my e-mail ID even when it is has been told to the Department that someone has played mischief by having registered against my PAN is
a big question?
I request the circle members to take up this issue with the Government of India for resolving the problem. The government must spare the senior citizens from income tax and let them live with dignity when they are at the fag end of their lives. Please tell me the way out to know my password so that efiling of my IT Return is possible. I shall wait for your esteemed guidance. more