Big relief for big taxpayers! Now virtual hearing will make tax justice process faster and transparent

Lucknow, Read: The state government has taken a big step towards making the tax system simple, transparent and technology-based. Now personal hearing of big taxpayers of the state will be conducted through virtual medium. This arrangement will be effective from February 20. It will be implemented at the level of Joint Commissioner (Corporate) and Joint Commissioner (Corporate Cell-Oil Sector).

Principal Secretary State Tax Kamini Ratan Chauhan said that under normal circumstances, the hearing of registered taxpayers at these levels across the state will compulsorily be conducted through virtual medium. This will not only provide convenience to the taxpayers, but the judicial process will also be faster and timely. He clarified that this system is being implemented in accordance with various sections of the Uttar Pradesh Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. Keeping in mind the convenience of the taxpayers, there will also be an option that if a taxpayer is unable to attend the virtual hearing himself, then he can submit an application for conducting the hearing through his authorized representative, which will be considered as per rules.

Meanwhile, Commissioner State Tax Nitin Bansal said that in the system of physical hearing, taxpayers or their representatives were often not present on time, due to which repeated adjournments had to be taken. In many cases, the hearing was postponed due to the officer being on leave, which affected the intention of speedy justice. He said that virtual hearing will solve these practical difficulties and save time and resources of both the taxpayers and the department. This step is considered important towards strengthening digital governance in the state as well as making the tax system more reliable.