Uttarakhand finance minister Indira Hridayesh has called for simplification of the tax paying process in order to improve tax collections in the hill state.
“The tax paying system is tedious in nature. We must go for its simplification,” Hridayesh said.
“Instead of implementing new taxes, the proper collection of existing taxes should be ensured and the mafia raj should not be allowed to flourish in the state,” said Hridayesh, chairing a meeting of commercial tax department here.
She also asked the officers to collect taxes without any fear. She observed, with the help of district magistrates, the process of tax collection could be improved. “
“Till the practice of evading tax payment amongst the tax payers is stopped, the financial condition of the state can not be improved,” she said.
She said the district with maximum tax collection would be suitably awarded.
Hridayesh pointed out that the owners of banquet halls were charged five per cent tax for rent above Rs 10,000. However, they tried to avoid paying taxes. She asked all the district magistrates to hold meeting with the owners of banquet halls in this regard.
She also instructed finance secretary Radha Raturi to explore the possibility of fixing tax on banquet halls according to the square feet. She also laid emphasis on giving more attention towards collection of luxury tax and making amendments in Sarai Act. The state finance minister asked the district magistrates to ensure cent per cent registrations of hotels and guest houses.
She instructed them to check tax theft in mining and timber business and give preference to collecting taxes from larger evaders.
She also asked the officers to concentrate more on collection of taxes from stamp registration and entertainment tax from cable TV networks and river rafting companies.
Besides Raturi, commissioner commercial tax Saujanya and sever district magistrates attending
