Direct tax code panel to curb tax lawsuits, modify faceless scrutiny

CBDT expands terms of reference; CEA made part of the panel

The new draft report on the direct tax code will modify five major procedures pertaining to tax litigation, faceless scrutiny, exchange of information, compliance, and financial transactions.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Wednesday expanded the terms of reference (ToR) of the expert panel constituted to rewrite direct tax legislation.

The new ToR include faceless and anonymised scrutiny assessment, reduction of litigation, and expeditious disposal of appeals from the Commissioner Income-Tax (Appeals), right up to the Supreme Court (SC).  

The CBDT has nominated two new members — Chief Economic Advisor Krishnamurthy Subramanian and Joint Secretary (Revenue) Ritvik Pandey — to be