INCOME TAX

Instruction No. 01/2016

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Revenue

Central Board of Direct Taxes

North Block, New Delhi, the 15^th of February, 2016

Subject: Following the prescribed time-limit in passing order under sub-section (8) of section 154 of Income-tax Act, 1961-regd.

Sub-section (8) of section 154 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 ('Act') stipulates that where an application for amendment is made by assessee/deductor/collector with a view to rectify any mistake apparent from record, the income-tax authority concerned shall pass an order, within a period of six months from the end of the month in which such an application is received, by either making the amendment or refusing to allow the claim. It has been brought to the notice of the Board that the said time-limit of six months has not been observed in deciding some applications. In such cases, the field authorities often take a view that since no action was taken within the prescribed time-frame, the application of the taxpayer is deemed to have lapsed, thereby not requiring any action.

2.  The matter has been examined by the Board. In this regard, the undersigned is directed to convey that the aforesaid time-limit of six months is to be strictly followed by the Assessing Officer while disposing applications filed by the assessee/deductor/collector under section 154 of the Act. The supervisory officers should monitor the adherence of prescribed time limit and suitable administrative action may be initiated in cases where failure to adhere to the prescribed time frame is noticed.

3.  The contents of this Instruction may be brought to the notice of all for necessary compliance.

4.   Hindi version to follow.

(Rohit  Garg)

Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

(F. N o. 225/305/2015-ITA.II)