Document Identification Number (DIN) - Another ID for Taxpayers
The taxpayers as well as collectors will have to mention a unique Document Identification Number (DIN) with their communication with the Income Tax (I-T) department.
The Document Identification Number (DIN) is on the lines of the existing Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Deduction Account number (TAN).
According to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Document Identification Number/DIN will be compulsory with respect to every notice, order, letter or any tax-related communication, including the filing of returns for the financial year 2010-11.
The Document Identification Number (DIN) will be generated by the I-T department and will distribute the numbers to assessees soon.
Interestingly, the Income tax officials will also be allotted the numbers to streamline the tax filing process. Thus, the taxpayers and the tax officials will have to mention the DIN on every communication. Any communication without DIN will be considered no communication.
DIN is expected to be useful for an error-free filing of returns and claiming refunds by the tax payers. A new Section 282B (in the Finance Act, 2010, ) was inserted for the allotment of DIN. The new section has come into effect from October 1, 2010.
Under the provisions of the section 282B of the Finance Act, 2010, every I-T official shall allot a computer-generated DIN in respect of every notice, order, letter or correspondence issued by him to any other income tax authority, assessee, or any other person and such number shall be quoted thereon. It further says, “the document, which does not bear DIN shall be treated as invalid and be deemed never to have been issued. The same applies for the documents received by an I-T authority, or on behalf of such authority”.
It is certainly a welcome move by the tax department as DIN aims at bringing more transparency in tax administration but it will pose a great challange for the tax administrators as it involves a number of documents and pro formas. Document Identification Number (DIN) - Another ID for Taxpayers
